EXFO Inc., a leading provider of next-generation test and service assurance solutions, launched a new handheld test solution for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) networks, the FOT-5200 CWDM Channel Analyzer. The FOT-5200 CWDM Channel Analyzer can be easily recognized as a market leader with its fast and smallest tester to be used for installation, maintenance and repair of any CWDM network, and is specifically suited for mobile backhaul activation for telecom and cable TV operators.

The channel analyzer is ideal for mass CWDM network deployments, as this low-cost optical spectrum analyzer alternative delivers a highly sophisticated all-in-one tool kit with an integrated broadband power meter and loss tester with the absence of a complicated interface.

The CWDM fiber-optic communication combines multiple signals or multiplex optical carrier signals on laser beams at various wavelengths for transmission along fiber optic cables. It enables two way communications over one strand of fiber along with multiplication of the capacity. A legacy system can be converted to allow wavelength multiplexed transport over a fiber simply by judicious choice of transceiver wavelengths, combined with an inexpensive passive optical multiplexing device. CWDM is being used in cable television networks to enhance upstream and downstream signals.

In order to meet the ever increasing demand of multiple service operators (MSO) on bandwidth and network congestion, the wavelength power and allocation needs to be visible, as well as an increase in the CWDM deployments along with usability and speed enhancements. This will allow field technicians’ network testing, activation and faster resolution time, growth in the mobile backhaul, as well as flexibility in network planning and installation and preserving the scalability required to handle far higher data transmission volumes as bandwidth needs expand.

The FOT-5200 CWDM Channel Analyzer provides all this as well as a plug-and-play usability while displaying accurate results in the bar graphs and tables in 5 seconds which is remarkable. It is by far the fastest and smallest device available in the industry, as it is ten times faster than the industry average and is almost three times less in volume.

In a press release, the Vice President of Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing at EXFO (News - Alert), Etienne Gagnon, said, "Our industry-leading optical test solutions continue to evolve to address the growing needs of our customers, as there is a significant market demand from multiple-service operators for increased speed and decreased size in portable optical test equipment. The FOT-5200 CWDM Channel Analyzer is the answer to this concern. The FOT-5200 is a fast, accurate and easy-to-use test device which translates into a clear cost-effective benefit for MSOs and any CWDM network."