EXFO Expands CPRI Offering to Support Next-generation Fibre-based Remote Radio Access Networks (RAN)

This latest release to the all-in-one Ethernet/Optical FTB-700G Series and  FTB-800 NetBlazer Series empowers field technicians to easily test and troubleshoot fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) networks.

QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO; TSX: EXF) today announced an enhanced FTTA test portfolio for its market-leading FTB-700G and FTB-800 NetBlazer Series to validate the fiber and underlying CPRI communication integrity between the base station and remote radio head with speeds of up to 9.8 Gbit/s.

Mobile network operators are required, now more than ever before, to modernize their network infrastructures in order to keep up with continuous high-bandwidth growth. To meet subscriber expectations, many mobile operators are switching from legacy "copper-to-the-antenna" to fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) infrastructures. Moreover, to add capacity and coverage for LTE services, they are deploying distributed antenna system (DAS) networks and small cells. DAS manufacturers are increasingly using the CPRI protocol as the go-to interface between base stations and DAS head-ends.

The benefits of using CPRI include substantial decreases of head-end deployment costs as well as minimized space requirements. However, this also brings new challenges to service providers by introducing new testing and troubleshooting requirements. With their expanded functionality, both the all-in-one Ethernet/Optical FTB-700G series  and Netblazer FTB-800 series support all the needs of a technician to maintain and manage fiber-based cell sites faster, easier, and more cost effectively.   

"Significant investments are being made worldwide on expanding the fronthaul networks to deliver better spectral efficiency and capacity," explained Claudio Mazzuca, Vice-President, Transport and Service Assurance Division. "By adding Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) rates, EXFO is future-proofing its technology to meet the requirements of next-generation, fibre-based remote radio networks," he added.

This latest release is further proof of EXFO's relentless commitment to staying ahead of trends and offering pragmatic solutions that network operators can use today—and in the future. Leveraging the powerful FTB-1 handheld platform, along with the NetBlazer's unmatched transport testing functionality and the game-changing OTDR and iOLM capabilities, the FTB-700G Series streamlines processes and empowers field technicians to efficiently test and validate optical, SONET/SDH, OTN, Fibre Channel and Ethernet circuits. As technology is constantly evolving and operators are facing new challenges, EXFO's solutions offer intuitive and easy-to-use capabilities for technicians of any skill level, shortening learning curves and enabling customers to benefit the latest technology Day 1.

Visit EXFO's website for more information on the FTB-700G Series.

About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is a leading provider of next-generation test, service assurance and end-to-end quality of experience solutions for mobile and fixed network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. EXFO's intelligent solutions with contextually relevant analytics improve end-user quality of experience, enhance network performance and drive operational efficiencies throughout the network and service delivery lifecycle. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, VoLTE, IMS, video, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, OTN, FTTx, xDSL and various optical technologies accounting for more than 38% of the global portable fiber-optic test market. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com and follow us on the EXFO Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

SOURCE: EXFO inc.

For further information: Marie-Anne Grondin, Corporate Communications, [phone], Ext. 23417, [e-mail]; Vance Oliver, Director, Investor Relations, [phone], Ext. 23733, [e-mail]