Data centers

Testing and validating tomorrow's data centers, now

Data centers are migrating to higher speeds to meet growing demands for data, cloud services and AI, aiming for higher reliability and lower latency. In this context, fiber optics play a pivotal role in achieving fast, efficient and reliable data transmission. However, the efficiency of fiber optics relies heavily on the quality of the installation and the integrity of the fiber connections. To guarantee these attributes, rigorous fiber optics and optical testing are essential from build through maintenance to upgrades.

As the world’s leading expert in optical test solutions for 35+ years, EXFO is strategically poised to help data centers build, activate, maintain and upgrade their infrastructure for 400G/800G+. EXFO provides leading expertise to support sustainable operations and in the design of methods of procedure (MoPs) in relation to testing.

Request a demo

Do more and faster, without ever compromising on quality

data centers speed up

Speed up data center construction and transformation to meet growing demands, while ensuring network uptime and performance.

data center gain real time visibility

Gain real-time visibility on job quality and progress, ensure optimal resource allocation and performance while efficiently generating closeout reports.

data centers automated first time

Say goodbye to complex test instruments, USB keys and manual reporting. Achieve first-time-right system acceptance through automated solutions, regardless of experience.

Challenges

Testing and certifying ultra-high-fiber-count cables, while inspecting thousands of connectors, pose significant challenges in delivering reliable, high-performance data center networks on time and within budget.

Simplifying testing for all

EXFO’s intuitive, versatile and connected solutions empower any technician, regardless of experience, to test like an expert—from Tier-1 and Tier-2 fiber certification through first-time-right troubleshooting to validating upgrade interoperability. To know more, explore our Data Center Solution Guide

Why choose EXFO?

Your trusted partner

As the industry's leading expert in testing, monitoring and analytics, we pride ourselves on our accomplishments and reputation:

+95% of the top CSPs worldwide use EXFO solutions.
5000+ audits of quality of service and performance.
No. 1 worldwide in fiber-optic test solutions.
Pioneering essential solutions and technologies for 35+ years.

Through our network of locally certified service centers for repairs and calibration and world-class customer care, EXFO is renowned for providing close and dedicated support to customers throughout their projects—until and beyond fulfillment.

First-time-right fiber certification

Whether Tier-1 or Tier-2 fiber certification, EXFO solutions help you achieve faster, first-time-right system acceptance. EXFO equipment is renowned for its versatility, ease of use and accuracy in testing different types of fiber (singlemode or multimode) and diverse connector interfaces such as simplex, duplex or parallel optics (e.g., MPO connectors, base-8/12/16/24) as per fiber cabling standards such as TIA, IEC, and ISO.

Troubleshooting can't wait

In the fast-paced world of data centers, there’s no time for downtime or poor performance. EXFO’s connected test solutions not only include the right equipment for physical and network-related issues, but also easily accessible data from certification and acceptance reports.

Accelerate to 400G and beyond

Links between data centers operate high-speed PAM4 and coherent optics with a high cost per wavelength/channel. With EXFO, operators can identify and resolve issues, ensuring seamless interoperability between network components before the network is commissioned, thus saving costs and time. Learn more about the FTBx-88480.

Real-time visibility 

Leverage EXFO’s cloud-based solution that centralizes test data management while interconnecting teams, test results, hardware and software in a virtual hub. Provide visibility over job progress and quality in real time to stakeholders. Learn more about EXFO Exchange.

Automated reporting

Say goodbye to USB keys and manual reporting. EXFO’s cloud-based solution automatically uploads test results, helping to reduce human error and time-consuming tasks. Learn more about EXFO Exchange.

Contractor certification

EXFO provides a certification program for contractors, training them on best practices, relevant field technologies and the optimal use of EXFO’s test solutions. Learn more.

Boost your 400G game!

Jumping to higher speeds is a necessity, but due to its complexity, it’s also a challenge. Moving to 400G and beyond everywhere requires special considerations for data centers and at the network core—such as how to handle increasing switching capacity and constant advances in pluggable optics. Out in the field, technicians need to be equipped with the right tools to do the job—ready to handle whichever technology they encounter onsite, including testing either 100G or 400G and beyond links.

Learn more about how EXFO helps the move to move to 400G.

Learn more

Intelligent transceiver validation

Reduce waste, lower costs and streamline operations. EXFO's iOptics puts an end to transceiver uncertainties in under three minutes by validating whether transceivers are good or defective. Defective units can be reported directly to manufacturers using iOptics' detailed report, while functioning ones restock inventory.

The iOptics application supports a range of pluggable optics and cables. It is integrated into most of EXFO’s high-speed testing solutions. This includes the FTBx-88480 Series—a line of compact, dual-port 400G testers, available in both EXFO’s rackmount and portable platforms.

Learn more

Ultra-high-fiber-count cable testing and certification

Test and certify ultra-high-fiber-count cables, while inspecting thousands of connectors (e.g., base 8/12/16/24). Achieve faster, reliable results without compromising quality, ensuring that high-performance networks for data centers are delivered on time and within budget.

One-touch, automatic characterization

iOLM is an innovative OTDR-based application that turns complex OTDR data into simple and accurate analysis with the following advantages:

One-touch, automatic analysis and clear icon-based mapping of all the elements/events on the link.
Automatic parameter settings and clear pass/fail results.
Prompt diagnosis enabling rapid and efficient resolution of network issues.

Learn more

MoP design: collaborative expertise for optimal performance

In collaboration with major data centers and cabling vendors, EXFO also designs methods of procedure (MoPs) for testing. These MoPs ensure every aspect of the network is thoroughly tested and validated. From initial installation through final certification to ongoing operations, we improve performance and reliability for data center networks. Contact us to discuss your challenges and explore solutions.