EXFO and Opnext to Demo 100GBASE-LR4 CFP Optic Testing at OFC/NFOEC 2011

Exhibitor News

EXFO and Opnext to Demo 100GBASE-LR4 CFP Optic Testing at OFC/NFOEC 2011

Successful completion of 100 GigE testing using EXFO’s FTB-85100G Packet Blazer (40G/100G) module and Opnext 100GBASE-LR4 CFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) compliant optical module

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, March 3, 2011 — EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today that it will demonstrate 100G interoperability testing capabilities, in collaboration with Opnext, at the upcoming OFC/NFOEC event, March 8-10, 2011, booth 2831.

As carriers and network operators continue to strive to deliver the capacity required to fulfill high-demand value-added services while mitigating network congestion and assuring service delivery, they must also invest in reducing costs and improving efficiency. To meet this challenge, they must upgrade to 100G Ethernet and transport services across optical transport networks (OTNs)—all with the help of system manufacturers. With this in mind, EXFO and Opnext have joint their efforts and have, successfully tested Opnext’s 100GBASE-LR4 CFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) optical module using EXFO’s FTB-85100G Packet Blazer (100G/40G Ethernet and OTN) module.

Housed in EXFO’s FTB-500 portable platform, the FTB-85100G features numerous testing capabilities, including qualifying 100 GigE IP traffic transmission at 100 % throughput, measuring latency and ensuring transparent recovery of the client signal at the receiver end when mapped over OTN. The interoperability testing results reveal that 100G/40G trials and early deployments can prove complex and cumbersome when conducted without the proper test equipment.

“Opnext is excited about this collaboration with EXFO to provide a complete 100 GigE design and test solutions for our mutual customers,” said Tadayuki Kanno, President of Opnext’s Module Business Unit and Device Business Unit. “Opnext’s 100 GigE CFP optical module continues to gain momentum as first generation 100 GigE transceivers; enabling network element manufacturers, carriers and data center owners to seamlessly establish 100 Gbit/s connectivity.”

“For years, EXFO has been providing its customers with the right tools to meet the demand for stable and resilient Ethernet services and network performance. To continue to do so, we are happy to work with Opnext for this joint 100G initiative,” said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO’s Vice-President, Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. “With EXFO’s FTB-85100G 40G/100G Ethernet and OTN testing capabilities, system manufacturers and service providers can be sure that all new 40G/100G circuits in service will be proven capable of handling any of the demanding services that may be deployed in the future.”

Visit our website for more information on the FTB-85100G and the IQS-85100G Packet Blazer 100G/40G Ethernet Test Modules.  

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 wireless and wireline 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 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 1700 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

About Opnext
Opnext (NASDAQ:OPXT) is the optical technology partner of choice supplying systems providers and OEMs worldwide with one of the industry's largest portfolios of 10G and higher next generation optical products and solutions. The Company's industry expertise, future-focused thinking and commitment to research and development combine in bringing to market the most advanced technology to the communications, defense, security and biomedical industries. For additional information, visit www.opnext.com.

For more information
Deborah Reinert Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Opnext (510) 249-6033 dreinert@opnext.com Maryse Brodeur Media Planner EXFO (418) 683-0913, Ext. 3429 maryse.brodeur@EXFO.com