EXFO Introduces Native 24-Fiber OLTS, OTDR Testers
EXFO recently introduced two native 24-fiber-capable testers the company says are “purpose-built to support the speed and scale of today’s hyperscale and AI data center builds.”
The two new products—the FTB-Lite 975 simplex, duplex, and multifiber bidirectional certifier and the PXM/LXM duplex and multifiber optical loss test set (OLTS)—will “equip technicians and engineers to simply, accurately, and quickly fulfill test requirements inside and beyond data centers, from high-volume certification to troubleshooting,” the company added.
FTB Lite 975 combines bidirectional OLTS and optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR)-ready capabilities on a single device. Offering bidirectional Tier-1 testing (insertion loss, ORL, length, polarity) as well as fault-finding and OTDR capabilities, it allows technicians to use standard cables as opposed to proprietary test cables.
Etienne Gagon, EXFO’s general manager for test and measurement, commented, “EXFO is trusted by all major hyperscalers to support the accelerated pace of data center and network builds happening today. Our high-fiber-count solution, now reinforced with the only native 24-fiber testers on the market, simplifies testing and enables scaling-up faster to give our customers a competitive advantage as they respond to exponential growth in AI-driven demand.”
The FTB-Lite 975 delivers end-to-end automation, bidirectional touchless testing, and optical return loss (ORL) visibility, along with SmartRef for validation and troubleshooting with visual diagnostics. The company characterizes the PXM/LXM as “the essential OLTS Tier 1 tester, a leading solution in 24-fiber environments. EXFO’s high-fiber-count solution also features the FIP-500, the industry’s first AI-driven endface analysis for simplex, duplex, and multifiber connectors.”
When introducing the native 24-fiber testers, EXFO also pointed out its portfolio offers EXFO Exchange, through which test results automatically upload to the cloud. The company said its “high-fiber-count data center solution uniquely spans Tier-1 OLTS certification, ORL, and Tier-2 OTDR troubleshooting across all fiber counts up to 24 fibers, ensuring construction is completed on time, to specification, and within budget.
“EXFO’s latest test solution addresses the challenges involved in high-fiber-count deployments including more connectors and adapters; more links to test, document and certify; and more fiber handling with more potential for human error—all under pressure of tighter buildout schedules for high-density data centers,” the company concluded.