AFL has added a new category to its award-winning FlexScan product line. The new FlexScan TS100 is billed as "an optical troubleshooter that puts the power to identify, locate and resolve last mile network issues in the pocket of frontline field technicians."
With the push of a button, the TS100 enables even novice technicians to troubleshoot PON and point-to-point networks like an expert, adds the manufacturer.
“PON networks have become the global fiber technology of choice to deliver on the exploding demand for bandwidth,” observes Arun Jain, director of marketing for AFL's equipment business.
Jain continues, “The global pandemic poured gasoline onto the fire as millions of people started to work, learn and socialize from home. Service providers at every level are being challenged to meet this need using their current workforce which may not be familiar with fiber and advanced optical testing tools such as OTDRs. They need simple intuitive tools that they can deploy with little, if any, training. Our existing FlexScan products are easy-to-use, and the FlexScan TS100 takes it to the next level with one-touch troubleshooting.”
According to the manufacturer, the TS100 includes many of the popular features that are hallmarks of the AFL FlexScan family, including:
- A rugged, pocket-sized package, instant On, and 12-hour battery life.
- The proprietary LinkMap color-coded icon-based view of the tested network.
- Corrective action identification to fix any issues found.
- Large gesture-recognition touchscreen display – no stylus needed.
- Internal results storage or share with USB or wireless transfer via free app.
- Bluetooth interface to AFL’s FOCIS connector inspection products.
- Integrated PON and broadband power meters, light source and VFI.
Michael Scholten, senior product manager for AFL comments, “The FlexScan TS100 is a game changer for service providers deploying and maintaining PON networks. The TS100 empowers frontline technicians, who are not allowed or not qualified to use OTDRs, to perform a single-ended test in under three seconds. Recommended corrective actions are provided with link and fault measurements, turning every tech into a troubleshooting expert.”
Designed to meet the real-world needs of broadband installation customers, the FlexScanTS100 offers a dual-wavelength PON power meter option to verify both GPON and XGS-PON networks. The unit's field-replaceable UPC or APC connector can be swapped out if the end-face becomes damaged from connection to dirty or damaged patch cords, eliminating costly and time-consuming factory repairs.
The FlexScan TS100 is available in a variety of kits which add a choice of launch cables, cleaning supplies, and FOCIS Flex connector inspection probe and tips. All kits include a carry case plus AFL’s TRM 3.0 Test Results Manager reporting software. For additional information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.