AFL Launches Advanced OTDR Solutions to Boost Network Testing Performance
AFL, a global leader in fiber optic cables, connectivity solutions, equipment, and related services, has announced the launch of new products and major enhancements to its Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) product family. These advancements significantly increase performance, speed, and value, reinforcing AFL’s position as a provider of the most compact, fastest, and user-friendly OTDR solutions in the market.
Introducing the FlexScan® FS300-HDR Series
The FlexScan® FS300-HDR series sets a new benchmark in OTDR testing with higher dynamic ranges, faster test times, and simplified operation for users of all experience levels. Designed to support both current and next-generation networks, the FS300-HDR series delivers advanced certification capabilities for long-haul deployments, high split-ratio passive optical networks (PONs), and ultra-high fiber-count infrastructures.
FS300-HDR Models and Key Capabilities
The FS300-HDR series includes two powerful models engineered to address distinct network testing challenges:
FlexScan FS300-323 (1310/1550/1625 nm)
This model delivers comprehensive PON testing with support for split ratios of up to 1:128, while maintaining PON dead zones as low as 10 meters. It is ideally suited for complex broadband and long-haul network environments requiring high accuracy and extended reach.
FlexScan FS300-320 (1310/1550 nm)
Designed specifically for ultra-high fiber-count networks, the FS300-320 introduces revolutionary test speed improvements. It dramatically reduces Tier II testing times from hours to minutes, making it an ideal solution for data centers that manage thousands of fibers per cable.
Enhanced FS200 Series OTDRs
Building on the success of AFL’s most widely deployed OTDR platform, the FS200 Series continues to evolve. The updated FS200-100 now offers an increased dynamic range of 39/37 dB, enabling support for PON split ratios of up to 1:64.
Approved by major service providers worldwide, the enhanced FS200-100 further strengthens its position as a reliable and cost-effective solution for broadband network testing.
Solving Real-World Network Testing Challenges
According to Arun Jain, Director of Product and Marketing at AFL, the new OTDR solutions are designed to address practical challenges faced by customers in the field.
The FS300-HDR solves real-world challenges our customers face every day,” Jain said. “By reducing multifiber test times to under one second per fiber, the FS300-HDR with data center test mode becomes a leading fiber test solution for data center and data center interconnect applications.”
In real-world testing of a 5,000-foot, 1,728-fiber cable, the FS300-HDR completed testing in less than 30 minutes, compared with nearly 20 hours using traditional OTDRs.
Game-Changing Benefits for Broadband and PON Networks
The new OTDR advancements also deliver significant value for broadband and PON applications. The increased dynamic range of the FS200-100 provides a highly economical solution for testing PON networks with split ratios up to 1:64.
For more demanding applications requiring higher split ratios, the FS300-HDR series extends testing capabilities up to 1:128, offering unmatched flexibility and performance across diverse network architectures.
Availability and Additional Information
Both the FS300-HDR and FS200 Series OTDRs are now available in multiple configurations to meet a wide range of network requirements. More information is available at AFLglobal.com/Test or by contacting Sales@AFLglobal.com.
Customers can also explore AFL’s full portfolio of test and inspection devices, along with compatible accessories, through the company’s official product listings.
About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is a global manufacturer delivering end-to-end solutions for the broadband, energy, data center, AI, and industrial markets. With products deployed in more than 130 countries, AFL specializes in fiber optic cable and hardware, connectivity solutions, fusion splicers, transmission and compression technologies, substation accessories, and advanced test and inspection equipment.
Driven by a strong commitment to safety, customer focus, and community-centered values, AFL operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and provides a comprehensive range of services supporting network infrastructure, data centers, service providers, wireless systems, and power grid modernization.
