EXFO Introduces Key Additional Functionalities to Next-Generation SONET/SDH Analyzer Series

Business Wire, July 7, 2005

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.,(TSX:EXF.SV)(NASDAQ: EXFO)

New options offer advanced test functions for the qualification, commissioning and troubleshooting of Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH networks

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc., (TSX:EXF.SV)(NASDAQ: EXFO) announced today key additional functionalities to its FTB-8100 Next-Generation SONET/SDH Analyzer series. These new test functions, available with EXFO's latest software release, increase the test-application breadth of the FTB-8100 series for the qualification, commissioning and troubleshooting of next-generation SONET/SDH networks.

Designed to meet the growing demands for next-generation Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH test applications, the FTB-8100 series combines advanced DSn/PDH, SONET/SDH and next-generation SONET/SDH test functions in a single unit. Housed inside EXFO's widely deployed FTB-400 Universal Test System (UTS), the FTB-8100 test modules are ideally suited for field, central office and lab applications.

Each FTB-8100 analyzer includes a multi-rate Ethernet add/drop interface, used for inter-working with EXFO's FTB-8510 Packet Blazer Ethernet module or any other external Ethernet device. The end-result represents the industry's first and only data-integrated test solution for advanced Ethernet-over-SONET service emulation, analysis and troubleshooting.

New features available for the FTB-8100 next-generation test suite include support for Low-Order Virtual Concatenation (LO VCAT) and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) generation and analysis, and differential delay insertion capabilities for both high-order and low-order virtual concatenation. In addition to these next-generation test enhancements, full remote testing and monitoring capabilities via a standard Ethernet LAN connection are now available for the FTB-8100 series modules.

"Next-generation, data-optimized SONET/SDH networks, supporting applications such as voice and video-over-IP, require an advanced test solution that is flexible and scalable to accommodate the evolving needs of these networks," said Benoit Fleury, EXFO's Vice-President of Protocol-Layer Product Management. "These enhancements introduced to our FTB-8100 series demonstrate EXFO's continued commitment to meeting the requirements of the emerging next-generation networking test market."

About EXFO

EXFO is a recognized test and measurement expert in the global telecommunications industry through the design and manufacture of advanced and innovative solutions as well as best-in-class customer support. The Telecom Division, which represents the company's main business activity, offers fully integrated and complete test solutions to network service providers, system vendors and component manufacturers in approximately 70 countries. One of EXFO's strongest competitive advantages is its PC/Windows-based modular platforms that host a wide range of tests across optical, physical, data and network layers, while maximizing technology reuse across several market segments. The Photonics and Life Sciences Division mainly leverages core telecom technologies to offer value-added solutions in the life sciences and high-precision assembly sectors. For more information about EXFO, visit www.exfo.com.

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. (TSX:EXF.SV) (NASDAQ:EXFO)