MANUFACTURING

EXFO announced the launch of the FTB-730 PON FTTx/MDU OTDR -- the industry's most advanced OTDR testing solution. Optimized for PON FTTx/MDU networking environments, the FTB-730 empowers fiber installers to rapidly, accurately and seamlessly characterize single or double-stage splitters and perform comprehensive OTDR trace analysis to accelerate fiber deployments in access networks.

With a dynamic range of 39 dB and rapid acquisition time, the FTB-730 can generate a sharp trace within 15 seconds, while testing through a 1 x 128 high-port-count splitter for end-to-end characterization of an optical link. The FTB-730 features a singlemode port for in-service troubleshooting, offers integrated PDF report generation, provides multiple wireless connectivity options and supports 15 different languages, bringing unprecedented productivity and autonomy to fiber installers in any environment.

Housed in the compact, cutting-edge FTB-1 Platform, the FTB-730 offers a widescreen TFT display with seamless hybrid touchscreen/keypad navigation. Platform connectivity is abundant via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet and multiple USB ports, making it accessible in any testing environment. Featuring EXFO's newly introduced EXpert Test Tools portfolio, the FTB-1 can be further enhanced and tailored to support additional testing capabilities without the need for additional modules. EXpert VoIP allows field technicians to generate and respond to simulated or live VoIP calls to validate performance during turn-up and troubleshooting. EXpert IP integrates six commonly used datacom test tools into one software application to ensure technicians are prepared for a variety of testing environments.

"MDU offers service providers the opportunity to capitalize on high returns, but require up-front investment in fiber deployments, which present diverse technical challenges and tight installation timelines," said etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President -- Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. "We purpose-built the FTB-730 to specifically address the challenges our customers are facing in their FTTx/MDU deployments, providing their fiber installers with a best-in-class solution that ensures a consistent, high-quality deployment, allowing for faster service turn-up and reduced operating expenses."

Learn more about the FTB-730 PON FTTx/MDU OTDR at the upcoming 2010 European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication (ECOC) in Torino, Italy, September 20-22, booth 291.