August 23, 2010
EXFO Upgrades Ethernet Testing Portfolio to Feature Comprehensive Packet-Capture FunctionalityBy Carolyn J Dawson, TMCnet Contributor EXFO (News - Alert) Inc. recently announced the integration of comprehensive packet-capture functionalities across its entire Ethernet testing portfolio. Field technicians can now easily capture and decode 10 Mbits/s to 10Gbit/s Ethernet traffic at full line rate thus isolating and analyzing application-layer configuration problems. By streamlining troubleshooting and maintenance of carrier Ethernet networks, packet-capture feature increases autonomy and productivity of field technicians. Due to the increasingly complex multiservice network, technicians now need to have a granular view of data traffic across all layers of the network. With the implementation of the packet-capture and decode capabilities to its Ethernet test modules, field technicians can quickly pinpoint, analyze and report quality of service issues using a single test unit. This fully integrated solution for end-to-end carrier Ethernet network assessment further complements the recently released EtherSAM methodology (ITU-T Y-156sam), which is the new ITU-T draft standard for turning up, installing and troubleshooting Ethernet-based services. EtherSAM test methodology allows for accurate and complete validation of Ethernet service-level agreements (SLAs) in a single, significantly faster test. Etienne Gagnon (News - Alert), EXFO’s Vice-President-Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing said, “Being at the forefront of carrier Ethernet testing, EXFO is committed to continue on delivering innovative solutions and tools that will increase the autonomy, effectiveness and productivity of field technicians. Our new packet capture feature, just like our EtherSAM test methodology, is yet another example of how EXFO is improving on testing efficiency to ease its customers’ operation.” EXFO provides test and service assurance solutions for network service providers and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. EXFO’s solutions for Ethernet turn-up testing, Ethernet baselining, Ethernet troubleshooting, Ethernet monitoring and Ethernet service level validation (SLA) validation ensures optimized Ethernet testing process. Its Telecom Division accounts for about 90 percent of the company’s revenues and offers core-to-edge solutions that assess the performance and reliability of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks. Support for key technologies such as 3G, 4G/LTE (News - Alert), IMS, Ethernet, OTN, xDSL, and various optical technologies accounts for an estimated 33% of the portable fiber-optic test market. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division provides medical device solutions and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and more. Carolyn John is a Contributor to TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please columnist page. Edited by Marisa Torrieri |