Viavi preps 400-Gbps optical testing demo, new capabilities for OFC 2016

Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) will use OFC 2016 in Anaheim, CA, March 22-24 to demonstrate 400 Gigabit Ethernet test capabilities as well as enhancements to its lab and field test and assurance lines.

For upcoming 400 Gigabit Ethernet requirements, Viavi will show its Optical Network Tester (ONT) operating with a Finisar CFP8 optical module prototype (see "Finisar showcases CFP8 400 Gigabit Ethernet optical transceiver at ECOC 2015"). Adding a 400 Gigabit Ethernet interface will enable the ONT to address the test and evaluation needs of module vendors, chipset manufacturers, network elements suppliers, and early adopter service providers with their eyes on this emerging application space. The IEEE 802.3bs Task Force is working on specifications for 400 Gigabit Ethernet now.

Viavi also will demonstrate new lab-related test capabilities for nearer-term requirements. These include a new software release for the ONT family that includes what the company asserts is the first 25G FEC validation capability. The test and measurement instrument developer also will highlight upgrades to its MAP-200 Optical Manufacturing Test Platform that address evolving needs 100G+ coherent transmission systems have created and reduce the cost of test.

For field test applications, Viavi also will highlight a range of new capabilities:

• Enhancements to the 100G Service Application Module (CSAM) for the T-BERD/MTS fiber test instruments to CFP4 and QSFP28 optics, as well as a new workflow to make Optical Transport Network (OTN) testing easier.
• A new handheld FiberChek Probe for fiber inspection needs. The multifunction instrument supports image viewing, auto-focus, pass/fail analysis, and store/recall of test results for automated inspection workflow and fast and accurate performance.
• The OLP-88 TruePON Tester, an addition to the company's SmartClass family, is a PON meter. The system extracts information directly from data carried in the PON signals and provides automated pass/fail fiber end-face analysis. It uses GPON data analysis for real-time measurement of fiber optic cable insertion loss, downstream upstream power levels, ODN class, and identification of OLT-ID ONU/ONT-ID as well as rogue ONUs that cause service issues.
  

For service assurance requirements, Viavi will display what it asserts is the first 10-Gbps Ethernet Microprobe in an SFP+ form factor. The unit supports passive analysis of voice, video and data traffic for analysis of application distribution, traffic patterns, and traffic bursts. The microprobe enables operators to troubleshoot individual network segments and network elements to help ensure subscriber quality of experience, Viavi says.

The new technology will be on display at Booth 2001.

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