ConnectorMax Fiber inspection probe MPO Samsung Galaxy S7 Telephone multifiber source wireless

ConnectorMax MPO Link Test Solution – polarity, continuity and connector testing

Test now or put your network at risk

Multifiber push-on (MPO) connectors are increasingly popular because they provide many advantages to high-speed network operators, owners and installation companies. They are used to connect the fastest links that deliver the most sensitive of services and data to customers, enable high-speed interconnects and create redundancy.

Increasingly, telcos are also reconfiguring their central offices into data centers (CORDs) and deploying MPO cables with 12, but more and more, 24 fibers. When not properly tested, multifiber links can put the entire health of a network at risk. Without proper validation, CORD operators may end up having to pull the plug on critical lines at the same time for troubleshooting.

Traditional methods fall short

Traditional multifiber testing solutions often fall short on design or price, can’t perform all three critical tests or don’t offer analysis and reporting capabilities. Customers are left choosing between solutions that are either too much for what they really need (and too expensive) or sorely lacking in features and fit. What’s more, they often have to buy different units to get the job done.

To avoid downtime or unnecessary OPEX and CAPEX, techs need simple, easy-to-use tools—and a clear, reliable method—to get essential testing required done quickly and accurately.

One solution, three essential MPO tests

The ConnectorMax MPO Link Test Solution takes the three essential tests needed to validate MPO links—polarity, continuity and connector cleanliness—and combines them into one automated solution. It pairs a light source at one end of the cable with a fiber inspection probe for analysis at the other end—a first in the industry. The solution brings together the ConnectorMax Multifiber Source with the ConnectorMax Fiber Inspection Probe to deliver a quick and easy-to-use solution that validates the polarity type, continuity and connector cleanliness of MPO fiber optic links. It provides a fit for purpose solution that helps our customers test and turn up networks right the first time—making deployments faster, more efficient and cost effective.

As many customers already own an EXFO probe, this solution is highly economical. Not only do field technicians already benefit from the best MPO inspection tool on the market that eradicates the number one cause of network failures (contaminated connectors), it now enables them to check polarity and continuity, in just about the same time as inspection alone.

Results are loaded in the ConnectorMax Analysis Software, an app for mobile devices providing clear pass/fail status and reporting functions, making it easy for technicians to perform and view the results of all three of these tests on the spot.

Validate polarity, continuity and connector cleanliness

Polarity-type validation

During installation, MPO connectors must be properly aligned and mated—not as simple as it sounds. Ensuring accurate polarity for MPO fiber array cables is a big deal and can be complicated to manage due to multiple polarity schemes available for these connectors and polarity flipping during connecting and installation. Polarity validation is proving especially critical with the new MPO connectors that enable polarity reconfiguration in the field. Validating the polarity type would ensure that the signal path is the expected one and that the proper Tx will talk to the right Rx.

Continuity confirmation

Confirming the continuity of a link ensures that there is no break and that light travels properly all the way to the end of the link under test. It’s a quick continuity test for cables that, when done at time of installation, can save a lot of time in potential troubleshooting later.

Connector inspection

With the contaminated connectors being the number one cause of network failure, connector inspection is a priority. Bad connectors are the main cause of loss for cables and short links up to 5 km and the impact is even greater for MPO links where a single dirty or damaged connector can affect as many as 12 or 24 fibers.

Solution benefits

Reduce OPEX Reduce OPEX

  • Save time: get a clear pass/fail diagnosis of the problem, whether it is polarity, continuity or connector cleanliness, using one test
  • Save time: get a complete report with a single click

Reduce CAPEX Reduce CAPEX

  • Stop wasting expensive MPO patch cords that are in perfect condition
  • Avoid spending money on overkill products that provide more information than required for the task
  • Invest in a single solution to perform all tests—no need for different testers to test different types of MPO cables

Accelerate and increase revenue Accelerate and increase revenue

With MPO links containing multiple fibers, turning down a link for troubleshooting can effect multiple clients and create customer churn. Using EXFO’s ConnectorMax solution will ensure links are valid and network downtime minimized.

Notes:

1 MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec Ltd.
2 The ConnectorMax MPO Link Test Solution is patent pending.

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FTB 5GPro – complete, all-in-one 4G and 5G test solution

The smarter way to test

Building a rock-solid network that’s massively scalable and able to support new 5G services demanded by customers can be challenging—unless you have the right tools and procedures in place. EXFO’s FTB 5GPro test kit empowers technicians and contractors to efficiently validate next-gen fiber-based mobile networks and ensures your 5G deployment is done right.

Where power meets simplicity

Leveraging the powerful and intelligent FTB-1 Pro handheld test platform, the FTB 5GPro is a comprehensive and future-proof solution that takes the guesswork out of test setup, execution and analysis.

The FTB 5GPro is designed to boost field-testing efficiency and deliver high-quality 5G and 4G/LTE networks, on time:

  • Follows standardized, field-proven test procedures
  • Enables technicians at any skill level to instantly interpret results and accelerate outcomes
  • Addresses any potential issues when installing, activating and maintaining mobile networks

FTB 5GPro test kit—helping you get 5G networks up and running fast

A versatile solution empowering field technicians and contractors to efficiently test fiber, RF and the transport network—from the core to the tower and all the way to your subscribers.

  • Fiber connector inspection
  • Fiber link characterization
  • Optical transceiver validation
  • Multi-protocol testing (CPRI, eCPRI/ORAN and Ethernet up to 100G)
  • Timing & synchronization
  • RF spectrum analysis 
  • Intelligent RF spectrum analysis over CPRI
  • Full line-rate gigabit speed testing for validating enterprise and residential customers’ QoE

Go beyond OTDR testing―and leave no faulty links behind

Using a unique and patented automated multipulse and multiwavelength acquisition approach, the field-proven iOLM surpasses the traditional OTDR and linear view, providing expert-level link characterization of any fiber network. iOLM converts complex OTDR tests into clear, accurate go/no-go results through a single-button operation.

Solve RF issues faster than ever!

Ready to adapt as your network transforms, our flexible, modular platform lets field techs analyze FR1 (sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) bands with a single solution for extreme flexibility and upgradeability. Designed and built specifically for today’s field techs, the 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer with over-the-air (OTA) measurements delivers an easy-to-perform and easy-to-interpret experience.

Analyzing RF spectrum over CPRI doesn’t have to be rocket science.

The intelligent OpticalRF (iORF) test application allows technicians to configure, analyze and diagnose RF interference and PIM issues in minutes―without needing to be an RF expert.  The one-button, fully automated test application provides complete analysis of the RF spectrum with a pass or fail verdict.

5G done right: automated 3-step process

EXFO’s proven, automated 3-step process drives operational excellence through best practice testing. Our one-touch, automated processes simplify and speed up testing and validation to boost efficiency out in the field. From installation and activation to maintenance and troubleshooting, EXFO’s field-focused solutions ensure 5G is done right, the first time.

Step 1: Inspect the fiber connectors
Step 2: Perform fiber link characterization
Step 3: Validate RAN equipment 

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FIP-500 – fiber inspection scope


Spot on, every time.

What makes the FIP-500 the most reliable fiber inspection scope in the industry? The FIP-500 was designed with not one, but several innovative image capture techniques. This unprecedented visibility of the connector endface translates into optimal accuracy and repeatability.

Equip technicians against the no.1 cause of outages.

Innovating fiber inspection for all

In today’s fiber-dense environments, both single-fiber and multi-fiber connectors need to be reliably and rapidly inspected to keep networks running smoothly. Leveraging 35+ years of leading expertise in optical testing, we`ve designed the inspection scope that makes it easy for all technicians, everywhere.

Less handling, more doing.

Tower climbers require a tool that is self-contained and handy to use. The FIP-500 innovates with its tips that can be added with a quarter-turn click. It has never been easier to swap between single-fiber and multi-fiber tips. Bonus advantage: no loose parts that can be accidentally dropped!

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FTB-2/Pro – platform

Unparalleled performance and next-gen connectivity

The FTB-2, available in a standard or Pro model, is the most compact solution on the market for multirate, multitechnology, multiservice testing, delivering all the power of a high-end platform in a conveniently sized, go-anywhere field-testing tool.

A sum greater than its parts

Nowadays, with the complexity and extent of modern networks, technicians need more than a few tools in their belt to get the job done right the first time. They need OSAs, Ethernet multiservice modules and OTDRs with fiber inspection probes. You name it, the technician needs it. But what makes the supertech “super” is the ability to drill down effortlessly and perform all tests quickly and accurately, cutting costs and saving time. That’s the added value, and that’s one of the many advantages that the FTB-2 brings to the table.

FTB-2 Pro model

So much power, such a small footprint

The FTB-2 Pro is by far the smallest, most compact high speed multitechnology test platform out there. The FTB-2 Pro offers the most versatility: This is your go-anywhere, test-anything platform.

Designed for applications such as:

  • Fiber characterization
  • Gigabit/10G Ethernet configurations
  • ROADM commissioning
  • Multiservice transport testing
  • 100G testing
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FTB-1v2/Pro – single- or dual-carrier platform

Adapted for dedicated applications. Dedicated to helping you adapt.

The FTB-1 version 2, available in standard (FTB-1v2) or Pro (FTB-1 Pro) models, is a light-weight compact test platform allowing field technicians to carry out dedicated optical, Ethernet, multiservice and radio frequency (RF) interference test applications simply and efficiently, thanks to its ultra-powerful processing and highly intuitive interface.

Applications with *: available on the FTB-1 Pro version only

Module

FTBx-88200NGE Power Blazer – 100G multiservice test module

Get ready to test your next-generation 100G network

The growing demand for more bandwidth and the proliferation of data centers and inter-data-center connectivity is fueling the growth of 100G networks. Network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) are responding with solutions that are better suited to the mass deployment of 100G in the network with the inclusion of high-speed pluggable CFP4 and QSFP28 interfaces that lower costs and offer increased port density.

EXFO’s FTBx-88200NGE Power Blazer is the first test solution to offer integrated CFP4 and QSFP28 interfaces, making it ready for the 100G network evolution.

Optical transport testing

  • Complete OTN and SONET/SDH overhead manipulation and monitoring for advanced testing and troubleshooting.
  • Advanced Multichannel OTN tool, which supports single-stage multiplexing from ODU0 to ODU4 with the support of 80 concurrent channels, including channelized service disruption measurement of all channels.
  • ODUflex, which provides a future-proof solution to transporting any client signal at any rate.
  • Ethernet and SONET/SDH mapping over OTU3/OTU4, enabling NEMs to qualify their 40G/100G transponder development (e.g., mapping and demapping capabilities), as well as client-signal timing transparency.
  • Delay measurement for OTN, SONET/SDH and Ethernet traffic across all supported testing interfaces.

Ethernet performance assessment

  • Ethernet traffic generation and monitoring to simultaneously simulate and qualify different applications.
  • EtherSAM, an ITU-T Y.1564 Ethernet service activation methodology that comprises a service configuration test and service performance test for comprehensive field testing of mobile backhaul and commercial services, as well as QoS validation for better troubleshooting.
  • iSAM, an intelligent service activation methodology providing simplified ITU-T Y.1564 and RFC 6349 testing.
  • RFC 6349 test methodology for validation of end-to-end TCP service, helping to correctly locate and diagnose issues as they arise.

Rapid diagnostic test tools

  • Per-wavelength laser control and power measurements to catch high power levels that could damage circuits or low power that may result in signal degradation.
  • Per-lane frequency and offset measurements to determine network health prior to BER testing during 40G/100G network commissioning.
  • IP connectivity tools, including a ping tool that verifies whether a user can reach a specific address within or outside of a subnetwork.
  • 100G Through mode testing tool that sectionalizes traffic between networks and customer premises equipment by transparently monitoring Ethernet traffic between two endpoints.

Advanced troubleshooting tools

  • Packet capturing tool offering comprehensive filtering, triggering and truncation methods to target specific traffic and quickly pinpoint issues in either the lab or in the field.
  • Advanced traffic filtering through up to four trigger fields and operands for troubleshooting of particular traffic flows.
  • iOptics—Intelligent Pluggable Optics test application: this first-alert test can be used in the field or lab environment to efficiently evaluate proper operation of an optical device with minimal user configuration required.

Push data to the cloud and get connected

  • EXFO TFv—Test Function Virtualization, including FTB Anywhere floating licenses and FTB OnDemand time-based licenses to scale testing requirements to specific needs
  • EXFO Connect to push and store test data content automatically in the cloud, streamlining test operations from the build-out to maintenance phases.
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FTBx-8870/8880 Power Blazer – 10G multiservice test modules

Complete and agile testing of 10G services

From development in the lab to troubleshooting in the field, EXFO’s FTBx-8870/8880 Power Blazer features a full suite of test capabilities with a range of technologies up to 10G.

Key DSn/PDH and SONET/SDH

  • Preconfigure user-defined bit-error-rate (BER) thresholds prior to running tests. Results are easy to interpret thanks to a simple pass/fail verdict at the conclusion of tests.   

Key Ethernet features

  • Intelligent network discovery mode enables you to single-handedly scan the network and connect to any available EXFO datacom remote tester, with no need for an additional technician at the far-end to relay information.
  • Smart Loopback functionality offers five distinct loopback modes adjusting to all unique loopback situations.
  • Dual-port testing makes it possible for a single technician to launch EtherSAM or RFC 2544 tests using a single module and to obtain bidirectional results.
  • Support for virtual-local-area-network (VLAN) tags, Q-in-Q VLAN tags and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) to enhance security, scalability, reliability and performance.

EtherSAM: the new standard in Ethernet testing

EXFO’s EtherSAM test suite—based on the ITU-T Y.1564 Ethernet service activation methodology—provides comprehensive field testing for mobile backhaul and commercial services, including critical service-level agreement (SLA) criteria such as packet jitter and quality-of-service (QoS) measurements.

EtherSam bidirectional results

Key SLA parameters are measured independently in each test direction, providing 100% first-time-right service activation—the highest level of confidence in service testing.

EtherSAM service configuration test

Sequential testing of each service to validate that it is properly provisioned and that all specific key performance indicators (KPIs) or SLA parameters have been met.

EtherSAM service performance test

Once the configuration of each individual service has been validated, the service performance test simultaneously validates the quality of all the services over time.

EtherSAM bidirectional results

  • Executes the complete ITU-T Y.1564 test with bidirectional measurements.
  • Key SLA parameters are measured independently in each test direction for 100% first-time-right service activation.

iSAM: simplified Y.1564 (EtherSAM) and RFC 6349 testing

  • With iSAM, the emphasis is on minimalism and simplicity, making both the Y.1564 (EtherSAM) and RFC 6349 testing methodologies as straightforward as possible for all users.
  • Only a small number of steps are required to set up, run and receive valid test results.
  • One-page setup facilitates the setup and running of iSAM tests for field technicians of all skill levels.

Cable test with power over Ethernet (PoE)

  • Technicians can troubleshoot any cabling or installation issue by checking the cable’s actual pin-out, wire map, cable length, distance-to-fault measurement and propagation delay.
  • Adding PoE means technicians can check for the following: presence of power, the power-supply equipment type, power class rating, voltage, current and power in watts.

FTTA Testing

The FTBx-8870/8800 CPRI protocol feature verifies that a remote radio head (RRH) is fully operational and that the correct small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers are installed and properly connected.

  • With the layer-2 CPRI protocol, technicians can easily connect to the RRH without having to climb the cell tower.
  • Once connected to the RRH, the Power Blazer is able to supply the technician with a complete analysis of vital CPRI statistics.

Traffic generation and monitoring

  • Technicians can configure up to 32 streams of traffic in order to test just about any frame format including: Ethernet II, 802.3, SNAP, IPv4, IPv6, three levels of VLANs, MPLS, UDP and TCP.
  • A new virtual frame display that allows field technicians to easily configure multiple streams and their parameters makes it possible to test layer-2 protocols, including: Cisco discover protocol (CDP), VLAN trunking protocol (VTP) and link-layer discovery protocols (LLDP) 

RFC 6349 service activation methodology

  • RFC 6349 validates end-to end TCP services and helps correctly locate and diagnose issues as they arise.
  • The RFC 6349 test helps resolve discrepancies between service-provider networks and customer premise equipment through:
    • Maximum-transmission-unit (MTU) size discovery
    • Baseline round-trip delay determination
    • Single or multiple TCP connections to enable full pipe testing

Carrier Ethernet operations, administration and maintenance (OAM)

  • The FTBx-8870/8880 adds extra packet-capturing capabilities, including comprehensive filtering, triggering and truncation methods to target specific traffic and quickly pinpoint issues in the lab and in the field.
  • Advanced traffic filtering using up to four fields and operands makes it possible to troubleshoot a particular traffic flow.

Performance assessment of Fibre Channel services

Since most storage area networks (SANs) cover large distances, and because Fibre Channel has stringent performance requirements, it is imperative to test each phase of network deployments to ensure appropriate service levels. In addition to full wire-speed traffic generation at the FC2 layer, the FTX-8870/8880 modules also support:

  • Proper characterization of latency for FC services.
  • Buffer-to-buffer credit estimation, a configuration parameter that estimates buffer credit values with respect to latency by calculating the distance according to round-trip latency times.
  • Switch-fabric login capability to support connections to a remote location through a fabric or semitransparent network.
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FTB-4 Pro – platform

Versatile multitechnology portable test platform

The FTB-4 Pro delivers all the power of a high-end platform in a go-where-you-need field-testing tool.

A sum greater than its parts

Nowadays, as networks undergo major transformations and grow more complex, technicians need the right solutions to do the job right the first time. They need OSAs, Ethernet multiservice modules and OTDRs with fiber inspection probes. What’s also a key element for field teams today is the capacity to drill down effortlessly and perform all tests quickly and accurately, cutting costs and saving time in the process. This sought-after versatility and efficiency is exactly what the FTB-4 Pro brings to the table.

Do more

The Windows operating system allows for a wide choice of third-party applications and supports an extensive range of USB devices.

  • Start faster, multitask
  • Use any Office suite
  • Connect to printers, cameras, keyboards, mice, and more

Bring your own apps

  • Share your desktop (e.g. using TeamViewer)
  • Antivirus software
  • Communicate via email services and OTT apps
  • Record and automate actions
  • Share files via cloud-based storage
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FTBx-88260 – 1G to 100G network tester

Rapid evolution in transceiver technology

Whether motivated by cost, power requirements, space or increased demand for bandwidth, pluggable transceivers are evolving rapidly. Predicting how long an existing transceiver will be required before another comes along to take its place is tough—making the obsolescence of today’s hardware simply a waiting game.
Another challenge is that network operators and data centers still need to support existing technologies, but also be ready to address new rates and technologies without always doing forklift upgrades. Whether we consider SFP and SFP+ (for rates up to 10G) or QSFP28 and CFP4 (for 100G) or SFP28 (for 25G rates), it’s clear that integrating all these into a network—as well as testing and validating them—is a huge task. The smart move is to allocate budget for versatile—not limited—solutions.

EXFO’s Open Transceiver System (OTS)

Introducing a new concept for the latest Power Blazer modules: EXFO’s Open Transceiver System (OTS). The OTS is an innovative, evolutionary design enabling any transceiver (now or future) to fit into an EXFO test solution. Benefits include:

• Experience ultimate flexibility—swap out OTS modules right in the field, lab or on the production floor, choosing only the ones needed for whichever applications, rates or technologies under test.
• Save tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating the necessity to completely replace an expensive testing module. Instead, change a less costly OTS module and extend the life of testing equipment.
• Support multiple transceiver types simultaneously with a future-proof architecture designed to handle both current and upcoming high-speed transceiver technologies as they are developed and launched.

Support for multiple transceiver types

 From left to right they are: Dual SFP28, Single CFP4, Dual QSFP28, Sync

Dual SFP28

  • 10G / 25G / FC32x data rates
  • Ethernet Dual Port testing (EBERT, RFC2544, ESAM, TGEN), OTN, SONET/SDH, FC testing
  • The dual port can be shared with another OTS module, one port from each OTS module

Dual QSFP28

  • 40G/100G data rates
  • Framed Ethernet Dual Port testing (EBERT, RFC2544, ESAM, TGEN), OTN testing
  • The dual port can be shared with another OTS module, one port from each OTS module

Single CFP4

  • 100G data rate
  • Ethernet Dual Port testing (EBERT, RFC2544, ESAM, TGEN), OTN testing
  • The dual port can be shared with another OTS module, one port from each OTS module

Sync

  • Built-in GPS
  • Ideal solution for latency and clock testing
  • Next-generation timing application