EXFO offers optical spectrum analyzer for coherent polarization-multiplexed DWDM

Test and measurement specialist EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) has unveiled WDM-Aware Pol-Mux, an optical signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) measurement capability for coherent polarization-multiplexed (pol-mux) 40- and 100-Gbps DWDM networks. The new feature is available on the company’s FTB/IQS‑5240S-P and FTB/IQS-5240BP optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs).

While coherent transmission has opened the door to long-reach 100-Gbps data rates and found use for 40-Gbps applications, it creates problems for troubleshooting because it isn’t compatible with standard OSNR out-of-band (such as the IEC method) or in-band measurement methods. EXFO has created a new method for OSNR measurement that it says works with coherent signals. (The company will also present an explanation of the technique at the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit in Austin, TX, July 14-16.)

Thanks to WDM-Aware Pol-Mux, EXFO says the FTB/IQS-5240S-P and FTB/IQS-5240BP platforms can now provide an OSNR measurement of coherent channels based on ASE noise. These measurements may be automated based on the channel turnoff method, which saves time and reduces the risk of human error, the company says. The new capability can be added to these test instruments as a software option.

“This approach is the first and only 100G-ready coherent pol-mux OSNR method available in the industry. These newly launched capabilities provide network operators with the ability to resolve some of their biggest high-speed challenges, such as reducing opex, thereby removing the uncertainty of test results for first-time-right testing,” adds Etienne Gagnon, vice president of EXFO’s Test and Measurement Division.

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