Top-Tier Network Operator in America Relies on EXFO's EtherSAM to Accelerate Turn-Up of Mobile Backhaul Services

EXFO delivers EtherSAM, the first implementation of ITU-T Y.156sam-the new Ethernet services testing methodology, integrated into its Ethernet test products

QUEBEC CITY, June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) announced today that a top-tier network operator in America has standardized the EtherSAM test methodology, EXFO's implementation of ITU-T Y.156sam, to significantly accelerate the turn-up, validation and troubleshooting of Ethernet networks as well as to increase the reliability in business and mobile backhaul services.

This top-tier network operator recently selected EXFO's EtherSAM method, an option on EXFO's wide range and largely established base of Ethernet test tools, to turn up new backhaul services eight times faster and to validate with 100% accuracy all the key performance indicators (KPIs) from its customer's stringent service-level agreements (SLAs). The EtherSAM test suite offers numerous benefits to service providers, as it supports and can simulate all types of services that will run on the network as well as simultaneously qualify all key SLA parameters for each of these services in a single automated test. It also validates the quality of service (QoS) mechanisms provisioned in the network to prioritize the different service types, using an approach in which KPIs are measured and compared to the expected values for each service, proving that KPIs are met while in guaranteed traffic conditions. Recognizing EtherSAM as the most effective and reliable testing methodology, this top-tier network operator has decided to standardize this methodology and deploy the EtherSAM software test suite into all of its Ethernet test units (past and new).

"With the considerable growth in Ethernet-based commercial services and wireless backhaul deployments, it is of critical importance for wireless and wireline carriers to drastically improve the speed at which they can turn-up new circuits, while making sure they do it right the first time-100% of the time," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President-Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing. "The unique benefit for ITU-based EtherSAM-making turn-up eight times faster 100% right the first time while improving performance assessment-is a key enabler to control and manage networks while reducing OPEX and growing revenues. EXFO was a leading contributor to the ITU in helping to improve the long-established RFC 2544 methodology to take it to the next level."

For more information on EtherSAM and to see our video demonstration, visit www.EXFO.com/EtherSAM.

About EXFO

EXFO is a leading provider of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The Telecom Division, which accounts for more than 90% of the company's revenues, offers core-to-edge solutions that assess the performance and reliability of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, xDSL, and various optical technologies accounting for an estimated 33% of the portable fiber-optic test market. The Life Sciences and Industrial Division provides solutions in medical device and opto-electronics assembly, fluorescence microscopy and other life science sectors. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

SOURCE EXFO INC.