Lowell, MA and Spartanburg, SC – AFL, a leading global fiber optics manufacturer and service provider, was acknowledged for its FlexScan FS200-304 PON OTDR during the 2017 Lightwave Innovation Awards. With a score of 4 out of 5 possible points, the FlexScan PON OTDR was recognized as “an excellent product with technical features and performance that provides clear and substantial benefits to customers.”
AFL’s FlexScan pocket-sized OTDR offers the most complete fiber installation verification and troubleshooting for both PON and point-to-point networks in the smallest form factor currently on the market. With 37/36/37 dB of dynamic range at 1310/1550/1650 nm, SmartAuto™ multi-pulse acquisition, plus both trace and LinkMap® icon-based network views, FlexScan is packed with performance. Designed specifically for field users, the OTDR’s 4.3″ color touch-screen LCD monitor with large, finger-friendly controls, rugged packaging, small size and easy-to-learn user interface enables even less experienced technicians to rapidly identify and resolve fiber network problems.
“This award reaffirms the incredibly positive response we’ve seen from our customers, especially those seeking to equip their field technicians with an easy-to-use, pocket-sized, yet full-featured and highly performing PON OTDR,” commented Michael Scholten, senior product marketing manager for AFL’s Test and Inspection Division.
Presented annually by Lightwave, the Lightwave Innovation Reviews program distinguishes top products and solutions available within the optical networking industry as determined by a stellar panel of third-party judges. Judges include industry executives and analysts from a wide variety of service providers, technology developers, industry analysts and journalists.
“The FlexScan PON OTDR scored an impressive 4 of 5 in this year’s reviews and underscores the old adage that good things come in small packages,” commented Lightwave Publisher Rob Stuehrk. “All of its advanced functionality is easy-to-use and carry and it also has terrific battery life. One of the judges commented that the FS200-304’s ‘ability to insert between the ODN and ONU and provide a Link Map is a must for technicians managing active PON networks.”
The Innovation Reviews are judged based on originality, innovation, positive impact on the customer, how well it addresses a new or existing requirement, novelty of approach and cost-effectiveness. To participate in the Lightwave Innovation Awards program, technology developers submit their products to be judged by professionals who are knowledgeable in the relevant technology or application. Awards are given before the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition, March 21-23 in Los Angeles, California, where AFL will be exhibiting in booth 2939.
For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
About Lightwave
For more than 30 years, Lightwave (www.lightwaveonline.com) has delivered trusted technical, application and business insights to senior-level decision makers for optical communications worldwide. Lightwave serves technology vendors, communications carriers and major enterprises with a complete and nuanced picture of the optical communications business environment. Lightwave is a valued information source for information related to FTTx, networking, equipment design, MSO optics, and test and measurement for corporate executives, department heads, project managers, network engineers and others making strategic decisions that are critical to the success of their businesses. Lightwave is a unit of PennWell Corporation.
About The 2017 Lightwave Innovation Reviews program
The Lightwave Innovation Reviews is in its fourth year of recognizing and celebrating the industry’s most unique products and solutions that help optical communications professionals worldwide drive improvements and innovation in optical technology. Executives at Ciena, Intel, Lumentum, LightCounting Market Research, and Adva were among the third-party judges for the 2017 Innovation Reviews. Criteria used in the Innovation Reviews rankings include, first and foremost, unique technology or application thereof, innovation, ease of use, efficiency, reliability and contribution to profitability.
About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise and industrial markets as well as several emerging markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.
Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.
