EXFO Launches a New Automated and Intelligent Fiber Inspection Solution

The perfect complementary tool for any fiber tester, the FIP-400B fiber inspection probe simplifies the inspection process and speeds up connector certification time by up to 57%¹, securing the network from issues related to dirty or damaged connectors.

QUEBEC, Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) today announced the release of the FIP-400B, a next-generation inspection probe providing crisp, digital images of optical connectors at three levels of magnification. Featuring an ergonomic patent-pending design based on years of end-user feedback, this probe is optimized for easy handling by both left- and right-handed users.

Built to simplify and speed up the inspection process, the FIP-400B integrates advanced automated features, such as a high-performance, fiber image-centering system that eliminates the labor-intensive step of localizing the fiber in the image. The FIP-400B also includes ConnectorMax2, an onboard connector-endface pass/fail analysis application based on IEC or custom standards to deliver accurate and repeatable connector certification in seconds. It is also equipped with a LED indicator located on the probe to provide users with an immediate health pass/fail verdict for the connector under test.

Because fiber inspection tools are now an essential part of every fiber technician's toolbox, EXFO is also releasing the MAX-FIP Intelligent Connector and Fiber Certifier. The MAX-FIP is a rugged and compact, tablet-inspired stand-alone display kit integrating the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2 analysis software, an optical power meter for power and loss testing, and a visual fault locator (VFL) to effectively test and troubleshoot any type of optical network. The MAX-FIP's bright, 7-inch touchscreen offers the best magnification level available from a portable probe display, and its eight-hour rechargeable Li-ion battery provides enough power to tackle a full day of inspection (e.g., FTTH cabinet installation). In addition, the MAX-FIP offers extensive data storage, enough for thousands of high-resolution inspection results.

"Customers are looking for easy-to-operate solutions that will save them time while ensuring optimal network performances," said Étienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President, Physical Layer and Wireless Division. "The FIP-400B's auto-centering feature greatly reduces inspection time by eliminating the hassle associated with fiber-image centering, while its automatic analysis capability removes any risk of misinterpretation—leading to faster, more accurate and more consistent results."

This new FIP-400B family of USB inspection probes is compatible with any PC or laptop, the entire fleet of EXFO's FTB Ecosystem platforms, and the newly launched MaxTester 700B OTDR series. In addition, thanks to this new probe's advanced troubleshooting capabilities, operators can minimize the impact of bad/dirty connectors on their networks, thus eliminating one of the leading causes of failure.

For more information about the FIP-400B, please visit www.EXFO.com/FIP400B.

¹ Data sourced from EXFO's case study, with calculation based on typical analysis time.

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.

SOURCE EXFO inc.