AFL combines OTDR, connector inspection and cleaning in NOYES FlexTester PRO Kits/Vianet chooses Zhone Technologies for GPON FTTH
AFL says its new NOYES FlexTester PRO Kits combine a FlexTester multi-function optical tester with the FOCIS Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System and cleaning supplies in a hard-shell carry case.
Each kit includes a user-specified, handheld OFL280 or FLX380 FlexTester singlemode OTDR with integrated optical laser source, optical power meter, and visual fault locator. FOCIS includes the DFS1 Digital Fiberscope, a fiber optic connector video-inspection probe with USB interface, and the DFD1 handheld touch tablet. Since FOCIS includes its own handheld display, OTDR testing and connector inspection tasks can proceed in parallel, AFL says.
“With its OTDR and integrated power meter, the FlexTester can rapidly detect and locate the source of excess loss or reflections within an installed optical cable,” explains Michael Scholten, senior product marketing manager at AFL. “The FOCIS probe and display can confirm if contamination or connector damage is the cause.”
FlexTester PRO kits additionally include One-Click Cleaners for fast, easy dry-cleaning of connector ends even when mounted inside bulkhead adapters. Cleaning fluid and absorbent cleaning sticks are included in the kit for more stubborn contamination.
Both the FlexTester and FOCIS enable network installers to document network conditions before and after maintenance activities. FlexTesters save OTDR trace and event table results in industry-standard .SOR files. FOCIS supports image capture and save, and provides an image-pairing display capability that enables users to compare connector end-face images before and after cleaning.
AFL’s TRM Test Results Manager software also is included in FlexTester PRO kits and may be used to prepare customized, professional reports from uploaded OTDR, OPM, and FOCIS test results.
Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZHNE) says that Canadian service provider Vianet has deployed Zhone’s MXK multi-service access node (MSAN) system and Zhone Network Interface Device (zNID) Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) for a GPON-based fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Ontario.
The network build is part of Vianet’s strategy to evolve from an Internet service provider to a fully integrated communications company, which will see the service provider lay its own fiber-optic cable in many of the communities that it serves. Within this effort, the MXK has enabled Vianet to streamline network upkeep as well as improve output management and customer provisioning, Zhone asserts. As a result, Vianet has been able to minimize the resources needed for support, maintenance, and technical personnel training.
“Zhone’s GPON solutions represented the perfect blend of functionality, ease-of-use, and scalability for our network growth,” said Will Gasteiger, president at Vianet. “We knew the transition from DSL to FTTH would be a challenge and we were looking for a partner that had the right technology to get us where we need to be. With Zhone as our support, it was a smooth deployment process for us and our customers.”
“With Vianet’s expanded bandwidth capacity via GPON from Zhone, they are now able to efficiently deliver the high-quality advanced services that will elevate its competitive position and accelerate its growth strategy in the coming months,” stated Brian Caskey, chief marketing officer at Zhone.
