Metrodata, Optical Zonu offer a new approach to optical fault finding

Optical Zonu Corp. says that Metrodata’s advanced Ethernet demarcation devices (EDD) are the first to natively support Optical Zonu's fault finding optical transceivers with built-in micro-OTDR (uOTDR).

Metrodata's FCM9004 and FCM9002 EDDs will now offer automatic detection, location, and reporting of optical fiber faults when one uses Optical Zonu's patent-pending iSFC transceivers. Metrodata says the new technology will considerably reduce the time and equipment needed to recover from faults.

EDDs are used by communication service providers to configure and police a number of connection performance parameters necessary to comply with customer service-level agreements (SLAs). Products such as the FCM900x range offer configurable performance parameter thresholds, which can be monitored in-service to detect performance faults down the line. The FCM9004 have the ability to detect and locate fiber faults via its management systems. Now, with Metrodata's support of Optical Zonu's Fast Fiber Fault Finder iSFC Transceivers, operators can do just that.

“Optical Zonu's integrated micro-OTDR allows us to significantly enhance the FCM9004's powerful service-level management capabilities and at line-rate for Gigabit Ethernet services," said Paul Ingram, operations director, Metrodata Ltd. "This is in addition to the FCM product line's already comprehensive functionality and 'zero-touch commissioning,' which Ethernet infrastructure carriers and service providers can appreciate at an attractive price-point."

“We are very pleased to join forces with Metrodata to introduce this 'disruptive' and needed technology to the marketplace," said Mike Hartmann, VP of sales and marketing for Optical Zonu. “We're talking tremendous opex savings from a new, seamless approach to fault finding. Using Optical Zonu's unique iSFC transceivers and Metrodata's FCM9004 demarcation device, service providers can now radically reduce response times and improve SLA adherence."

Metrodata's FCM9004 Ethernet Demarcation Device is a customer premises equipment device, designed and manufactured in the U.K. It comes with a standard one-year warranty and U.K.-based technical support.

Optical Zonu's iSFC transceivers with built-in uOTDR come with a five-year warranty and U.S.-based technical support.

For more information on optical transceivers and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyers Guide.