QUEBEC CITY, April 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EXFO Inc. (Nasdaq:EXFO) (TSX:EXF) announced today the launch of the intelligent Optical Link Mapper (iOLM), an innovative test solution that enables faster FTTx network characterization, providing an 85% time gain over the currently used OTDR test method. At the core of this innovation, EXFO's iOLM fully automates the setting of complex OTDR acquisition parameters and presents an easy-to-understand pass/fail status of the FTTH network, helping service providers to deploy PON links in a much easier way. The simplicity of this unique solution allows installation teams to be operational with minimal training, making it the perfect tool for tier-1 technicians.
With network operators going more and more to full-scale FTTH deployments, installation team operators must hire numerous additional technicians and train them as fast as possible to meet the demand. To assist them in that regard, EXFO has developed the iOLM application, which dynamically chooses the optimal testing parameters and returns a clear link view, using icons and diagnoses to pinpoint elements that failed the test. Powered by patent-pending Link-Aware™ technology, the iOLM can launch and analyze multiple acquisitions, and then compile and interpret the results—all within seconds via one click. Plus, thanks to the In-Line Optical Power Meter feature, the iOLM allows users to connect to the fiber, check power readings, get a link map and find potential faults without disconnecting the fiber.
Housed in the cutting-edge FTB-1 Platform and developed based on EXFO's FTB-730 OTDR hardware, the iOLM leverages new and advanced algorithms to identify every fault on the network, ensuring no faulty network is left behind. Additionally, prompt diagnoses on possible faults guide users to rapidly fix the issues, increasing the overall quality of fiber-optic network characterization.
"Building on EXFO's proven expertise and strong market leadership in OTDR testing, the iOLM is tailor-made for service providers deploying PON/FTTx/MDU networks and looking for dependable FTTx testing and lower OPEX," said Étienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President, Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. "With the iOLM, tier-1 technicians are now equipped to perform fast and accurate fiber testing from day one."
Visit our website for more information on the iOLM.
About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, and various optical technologies (accounting for an estimated 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market). EXFO has a staff of approximately 1700 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.
EXFO Brand Name
The corporate name of the company is EXFO Inc. The company requests that all media outlets and publications use the corporate name ("EXFO Inc.") or abbreviated name ("EXFO") in capital letters for branding purposes. EXFO would like to thank all parties in advance for their cooperation.