By adding Wi-Fi connectivity to its unique, fully automated
test process, along with the flexibility and ease-of-use of
Android™ smart devices, EXFO is removing the last roadblocks in
making connector certification accessible to anyone,
anywhere.
QUEBEC CITY, March 26, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ:
EXFO, TSX: EXF) today announced the addition of
the FIP-435B Fully Automated Wireless Fiber Inspection
Probe to its market-leading portfolio of portable fiber-optic test
equipment. EXFO now allows connector testing to reach new heights
by swapping the standard wire for a Wi-Fi connection to
AndroidTM smart devices.
By downloading the ConnectorMax2 Mobile application from Google
PlayTM, smartphone or tablet users can turn their device
into a fully-fledged fiber inspection solution, without any
compromise on functionality or results accuracy. Users simply
connect the FIP-435B to the connector port, and the probe will
automatically detect the connection, locate and center the fiber
image, adjust and optimize the focus and capture, run the pass/fail
analysis as per selected standards and even save and report the
results. The whole process takes just slightly longer than
cleaning a connector port, making it difficult to justify
overlooking this critical step.
The FIP-435B is particularly useful in Fiber-to-the-Antenna
(FTTA) applications. Firstly, the automation enables tower crews
usually more familiar with copper or RF technology to quickly level
up on fiber testing. Secondly, the LED indicator on the probe
(an EXFO-only feature) immediately gives the pass/fail verdict for
the connector endface without even having to look at the smart
device screen. This allows climbers to reach the top of the towers
with their smartphone in their pocket and with only the FIP-435B in
hand. This innovative screenless, one-hand operation means faster,
more secure manipulations.
The FIP-435B is self-powered via an on-board rechargeable
battery that lasts for a full day on the field. This prevents the
unit from draining down the smartphone charge. Free from any wire,
any cumbersome battery pack or any external Wi-Fi adaptor, the
FIP-435B provides unmatched test ergonomics and freedom of
operation to the end user to concentrate on the testing
tasks.
"By introducing a fully automated wireless inspection
solution compatible with smart devices, EXFO is making this
critical tool completely accessible to all field personnel involved
in fiber networks. Now equipped to perform first-level
troubleshooting tasks, we've empowered them to remove the most
common source of issues," said Étienne Gagnon, Vice-President
of EXFO's Physical-Layer and Wireless Division. "Users can also
benefit from smart device connectivity to sync results and reports
to cloud servers from any location via e-mail or other
communication means available through the mobile device. This
enables contractors to integrate and comply with current workflow
and processes in the case where operators already made the switch
to smart devices."
This new wireless series of inspection probes also include a
semi-automated version, the FIP-425B which offers the same features
as the FTB-435B with the exception of the autofocus function. For
more information about EXFO's wireless fiber inspection probes,
please visit EXFO.com/FIP435B
About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock
exchanges, EXFO is a leading provider of next-generation test,
service assurance and end-to-end quality of experience solutions
for mobile and fixed network operators and equipment manufacturers
in the global telecommunications industry. EXFO's intelligent
solutions with contextually relevant analytics improve end-user
quality of experience, enhance network performance and drive
operational efficiencies throughout the network and service
delivery lifecycle. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE,
VoLTE, IMS, video, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, OTN, FTTx, xDSL and various
optical technologies accounting for more than 38% of the global
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 EXFO.com and follow us on
the EXFO Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+
and YouTube.
SOURCE EXFO inc.