Reflectometers cover full network range

An Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 15, 2007

OTDRs provide end-to-end characterisation of optical networks.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has released its E-Series OTDRs (optical time-domain reflectometers) for end-to-end characterisation of optical networks.

Given the wide range of testing applications for long-haul, metro and access networks, a multipurpose OTDR increasingly represents the key testing tool for field technicians.

Long-haul links and metro rings require an OTDR with a high dynamic range to reach longer distances, while access networks necessitate an OTDR with less distance range but a higher resolution due to the proximity of several connection points.

As a result, network service providers (NSPs) have been forced to purchase two separate OTDRs to adequately meet their testing needs.

That is, until the introduction of Exfo's E-Series OTDRs: FTB-7400 and FTB-7500.

This innovative product line builds on Exfo's long-held expertise in OTDR technology, combining the best optical performance, unparalleled software analysis as well as characterisation of splitters, connectors, breaks and other events along an optical network.

The end-result is a highly versatile OTDR offering unmatched fibre characterisation.

The E-Series OTDRs, which can be inserted in either the FTB-200 compact platform or FTB-400 universal test system, can test as many as four wavelengths (1310/1383/1550/1625nm) which make them ideal tools for characterising legacy, coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) and dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) links.

"As the market and technology leader in the OTDR test instrument market, Exfo is always intent on delivering the latest technological innovations to its customers", said Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing.

"With their high dynamic range, the 7400 and 7500 E-Series OTDRs bring an unprecedented capacity to precisely characterise each fibre, thus improving our customers' ability to install and maintain their optical networks".