EXFO introduced the industry’s first optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) optimized for hollow core fiber (HCF) and equipped with bi-directional test capability. The new solution targets data center interconnects supporting AI-driven applications, where ultra-low latency and reliability are critical. The launch took place at ECOC 2025 in Copenhagen.
Hollow core fiber replaces the traditional solid glass core with an air-filled channel, reducing latency while boosting speed and reliability. Testing these fibers requires adapted methods for loss, return loss, and overall transmission quality. EXFO’s new OTDR combines lab-grade precision with field-ready features, offering dynamic range characterization, splice loss and reflectivity analysis, and dedicated uni- and bi-directional software for extracting key parameters such as loss, ORL, and length.
The OTDR is part of EXFO’s broader hollow core fiber test portfolio, which includes:
- CTP10 attenuation profile tester for WDM components and PICs
- OSA FTBx-5235 for CWDM/DWDM network attenuation profiles
- FTBx-570 single-ended dispersion analyzer for CD/PMD testing
- FTBx-945 modular and MaxTester 945 optical loss test sets
- FTBx-88810 series 1G–800G test solution with EtherBERT for latency validation
“Hollow core fiber is about to revolutionize network performance, and EXFO is at the forefront of this transition,” said Etienne Gagnon, Senior Vice President, Test & Measurement at EXFO. “With our bi-directional OTDR and comprehensive portfolio, interconnected data centers can confidently meet AI-driven demand for high-speed, reliable, and low-latency connectivity.”
🌐 Analysis: EXFO’s move reinforces its strategy to remain the test and measurement partner for next-generation optical technologies. As hyperscalers and network operators explore hollow core fiber for AI and cloud workloads, the availability of specialized test tools will be critical for adoption.
🌐 We’re tracking the latest developments at ECOC25 in Copenhagen. Follow our ongoing coverage at https://convergedigest.com/tag/ecoc25/
🌐 We’re launching the “Data Center Networking for AI” series on NextGenInfra.io and inviting companies building real solutions—silicon, optics, fabrics, switches, software, orchestration—to share their views on video and in our expert report. To get involved, send a note to jcarroll@convergedigest.com or info@nextgeninfra.io
