January 23, 2008 -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. has introduced the AXS-200/360, a handheld fiber certification test set optimized for cost-efficient Tier-1 certification testing of optical cables within premises networks.
The AXS-200/360 optical test module is designed for the multiservice, multimedium AXS-200 SharpTESTER modular test platform for local area networking (LAN).
Combined with the FLS-600 Light Source, the AXS-200/360 Fiber Certification Test Set is suitable for fiber-optic contractors and private network operators. With more than 40 calibrated wavelengths within the 800-to-1,650-nm range, power range of +10 to -70 dBm, it enables them to fully test and qualify any type of fiber network. The AXS-200/360 offers up to three singlemode wavelengths (1,310, 1,550, and 1,490 or 1,625 nm) on one port, or four wavelengths (850/1,300 nm and 1,310/1,550 nm) on two ports.
EXFO says the AXS-200/360 simplifies the certification testing process with features including automatic wavelength switching, which allows the unit to automatically recognize the wavelength in use and switch to the proper calibration parameters. In addition, its intuitive GUI and standard off-line software capabilities allow users to efficiently post-process test results and create professional test reports with limited training.
Prior to network commissioning, enterprise/premises network installers and contractors must ensure that the fiber is fully qualified, certified, and documented to comply with the latest industry standards. While currently available fiber certification testers often present major disadvantages -- namely inconsistent multimode fiber loss readings and the difficulty to test both singlemode (SM) and multimode (MM) fiber with one tester -- according to the company, installers and contractors require a dedicated fiber tester that can address these concerns and help them increase productivity and positively influence their bottom line.
"The new AXS-200/360 meets the growing demand for high-performance fiber certification test solutions, providing premises network customers with best-in-class specifications and allowing them to easily assess compliance with all key industry standards," says Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's vice president of product management and marketing.
