New modules offer Sonet/SDH and next-generation ethernet-over-Sonet/SDH test functions up to 10Gb/s in the IQS-500 intelligent test system for manufacturing and lab environments
Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has announced a major milestone to satisfy system vendor requirements following the release of its new line of next-generation Sonet/SDH test modules for manufacturing and lab environments.
The IQS-8120NG Transport Blazer and IQS-8130NG Transport Blazer, housed inside Exfo's proven rack-mounted IQS-500 intelligent test system (ITS), support transmission rates up to 2.5Gb/s and 10Gb/s, respectively.
Both the IQS-8120NG and IQS-8130NG Transport Blazer modules boast an extensive list of features including generic framing procedure (GFP), high and low-order virtual concatenation (VCAT) with differential delay generation and analysis, and link-capacity adjustment scheme (LCAS).
Each module, ready for G.709 functionality, contains an electrical 10/100/1000Mb/s ethernet and optical gigabit ethernet add/drop interface, used for inter-working with Exfo's IQS-8510 Packet Blazer ethernet module or other external ethernet devices.
These modules also offer a complete list of DSn, Sonet, PDH and SDH test functions, allowing users to perform a wide range of tests from simple bit-error rate (BER) analysis to more advanced characterisation and troubleshooting.
The IQS-8120NG and IQS-8130NG Transport Blazer modules come equipped with Exfo's exclusive SmartMode feature which provides automatic discovery of the Sonet/SDH mixed-mapping signal structure, including VCAT member identification.
Once this signal structure has been identified, the Transport Blazer can perform multi-channel testing on all VCAT members, a clear advantage over other offerings.
"Exfo has made significant R+D investments in recent years to offer leading-edge test solutions for equipment manufacturers and carrier labs, as they are increasingly shifting their focus toward the deployment of converged, IP-based networks in order to render triple-play services and a host of future applications possible," said Benoit Fleury, Exfo's vice-president of protocol-layer product management.
"These high-end transport and datacom test solutions, when combined with a whole suite of optical and protocol test modules for the IQS-500 intelligent test system, are uniquely positioning Exfo in the forefront among test equipment vendors based on performance and ease of use.
"On the strength of the PC-based, Windows-driven IQS-500 platform and scalability up to 100 test modules, system vendors and carriers labs can fully automate their test procedures to streamline operations and enhance productivity".
Whether the application is in a lab environment, central office or manufacturing floor, Exfo's IQS-500 ITS delivers the solution to address stringent testing needs, including the unique ability to support protocol and a wide range of optical test modules inside the same platform.
This most recent Transport Blazer announcement marks the latest in a series of new product introductions for the IQS-500 ITS that includes ethernet (10/100/1000Mb/s, 1Gb/s and 10Gb/s), fibre channel and now complete next-generation Sonet/SDH analysers at up to 10Gb/s, geared towards the lab and manufacturing environments.
The IQS-8120NG and IQS-8130NG modules will be showcased at OFC/NFOEC, booth 1401 in Anaheim, California, from 7-9 March 2006 and at TelecomNext, booth 261 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 20-22 March 2006.
