EXFO Helps Prove VoLTE Readiness

The SoftHawk Protocol Analyzer, iPro probes and Brix Service Assurance system performed successful interoperability testing at the MSF VoLTE event

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today its successful participation in the first ever MultiService Forum VoLTE (voice over long-term evolution) Interoperability Event. EXFO's test and monitoring solutions were an essential part of this event and were used to validate interoperability between dozens of 4G mobile network elements from multiple participating vendors. These interoperability tests helped show that VoLTE calls and supplementary services are a viable solution for providing voice services over LTE access, including roaming and interconnect scenarios.

The MSF VoLTE Interoperability Event was hosted by MSF and was backed by the GSMA as part of its work on VoLTE. Over 65 network elements from 19 participating vendors were tested by 60 test engineers using 200 pages of test plans during this three-week event. The test scenarios included 89 test cases and 561 scheduled tests based on different vendor combinations.

EXFO's SoftHawk Protocol Analyzer, iPro probes and Brix Service Assurance system were used to identify issues arising from interconnect of disparate LTE equipment from many different participating vendors, including 4G user equipment, eNode B, SeGW, EPC, IMS multimedia telephony (MMTel), DRA and policy control network elements. Correlated control-plane and user-plane analysis enabled rapid isolation of VoLTE test network issues. End-to-end signaling and media-correlated flow analysis helped pinpoint service interworking problems. For each scenario, EXFO solutions provided documented evidence of test results ultimately used by the MSF to compile its VoLTE Interoperability Results white paper.

"This event proves both the importance of VoLTE and the importance of vendor interoperability," said Vivian Hudson, VP of EXFO's Service Assurance Division. "By validating these test calls, we have also reaffirmed our history of innovation and multiplay support. No matter what equipment operators select to build their LTE networks, they now know that EXFO can successfully test and assure quality at every level of those networks."

For more information about EXFO's VoLTE solutions, please view a recording of the recent webinar "Why VoLTE and Why Now?" or visit www.EXFO.com.

About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include VDSL2, ADSL2+, 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, and various optical technologies (accounting for an estimated 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market). EXFO has a staff of approximately 1800 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

EXFO Brand Name
The corporate name of the company is EXFO Inc. The company requests that all media outlets and publications use the corporate name ("EXFO Inc.") or abbreviated name ("EXFO") in capital letters for branding purposes. EXFO would like to thank all parties in advance for their cooperation. 

For further information:

Marie-Anne Grondin
Media and Public Relations Specialist
[phone], Ext. 23417
[email protected]

Vance Oliver
Manager, Investor Relations
[phone], Ext. 23733
[email protected]