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Ciena Uses EXFO Solution for Testing High-End Optical Transmitters


TOKYO, JAPAN, March 12, 2014—EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today that Ciena has used its portable OSA, multi-service test module and optical modulation analyzer to demonstrate the performance of one of their 400 Gbit/s DP-16QAM optical transmitters. EXFO’s trusted partner, Marabun, provided the first level of support in terms of logistics and frontline support to Ciena.

First, Ciena took advantage EXFO’s FTB-5240S-P optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) to verify the power per channel as well as the central wavelength and spectral shape of each channel. They also performed a verification of channel flatness, making sure the channel powers were balanced for successful DWDM operation.

EXFO’s FTB-88100NGE module was also used to validate key performance aspects, including the reliability and stability of every 100GE CFP used, to ensure proper deployment and optimal performance of 100G links. Thanks to the FTB-88100NGE’s CFP Health Check Tool, it was possible to validate the CFPs’ laser integrity per optical channel as well as transmitted and received power measurements, per-lane frequency and bit error rate tests (BERT), all the while monitoring excessive skew on the CFP and ensuring that operational temperature is within standards requirements.

Furthermore, EXFO demonstrated generating 100GE traffic at 100 percent throughput across Ciena’s optical path, and analyzing results to prove that the newly deployed 100G link is capable of handling demanding services that will be placed on it in the future. These capabilities and more, come with a revolutionary, cutting-edge GUI designed to simplify 100G field deployments.

“EXFO’s R&D team and Ciena’s have developed an excellent relationship throughout the years, and it is that trust in each other’s team that was at the heart of this success,” said Mr. Joseph Soo, Vice President of EXFO’s Asia Pacific Region. “EXFO will continue to work with Ciena and Marubun to provide support and equipment that optimize field testing in order to turn additional field trials into true success stories for all involved.”

For more information about EXFO’s OSA, FTB-88100NGE Power Blazer module and PSO-200 optical modulation analyzer, please visit EXFO.com

About Marubun

Marubun Corporation, listed on 1st section of Tokyo Stock Exchange, supplies cutting-edge electronics products that play pivotal roles in numerous fields, which include telecommunication network and infrastructure, aerospace and defense, lasers and optoelectronics, industrial manufacturing and inspection equipment and thin film equipment, to universities and governmental research institutions as well as the research and development arms of corporations.

Marubun provides support precisely in collaboration with group companies in all areas---from pre-installation consultations to system proposals, installation, operational training, and technical support---that lead to approximately 1,000 suppliers and 2,000 customers.

For more information, visit www.marubun.co.jp

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 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and various optical technologies accounting for more than 35% of the 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.