Fast, accurate testing for first-time-right acceptance

When deploying high-density data center networks, contractors need versatile, industry-compliant solutions that accelerate deployments without compromising quality. EXFO helps you meet deadlines, avoid rework, and achieve first-time-right acceptance to stay on schedule and within budget. From fiber inspection to Tier-1 and Tier-2 certification, our solutions streamline testing, cut costs, and accelerate project completion.

Accelerate data center high-density network deployments

EXFO solution is renowned for its speed, versatility, and automation in testing different types of fiber (singlemode or multimode) and diverse connector interfaces such as simplex, duplex or parallel optics (e.g., base-8/12/16/24) as per fiber cabling standards such as TIA, IEC, and ISO.

The fastest path to Tier-1 certification

Speed up Tier-1 certification with PXM/LXM to measure loss, length, and polarity on duplex and multi-fiber links at two wavelengths in just 1 second.

Tier-2 characterization made easy for all

Reduce training time and minimize errors with one-touch characterization through iOLM, an OTDR-based intelligent solution using automatic multipulse acquisitions.

Clean connectors keep outages away

Avoid delays caused by dirty/damaged connectors. Ensure connectors are clean before the network goes live by using the industry’s most versatile and fastest fiber inspection scope.

Streamlined workflow and reporting

Gain real-time visibility into job quality and progress while simplifying reporting through the cloud-based capabilities of EXFO Exchange.

EXFO-Certified Contractor (ECC) program

Earn up to 9 BICSI Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

Become EXFO-certified and win more business! EXFO provides a fiber-optic certification program for contractors on key technical aspects of data center networks. Completion of the program grants BICSI Continuing Education Credits.

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Pitfalls of data center network deployment

Operators demand fast, accurate, and standards-compliant testing for reliable, high-performance networks. Contractors lacking efficient, cutting-edge fiber testing solutions struggle to win contracts and compete in high-value projects.

Limited support for high-density fiber

Traditional testers may not support parallel optics (base-12/16/24) or VSFF connectors, limiting efficiency in modern high-density deployments.

Helping you get the competitive edge

EXFO equips data center contractors with fast, automated, and future-proof testing solutions to streamline deployments, cut costs, and ensure compliance. From high-density fiber testing to world-class support, we help you build faster, certify smarter, and grow your business.

Faster project completion

Test right the first time to avoid delays. EXFO's 1-second Tier-1 certification, automated OTDR, and fiber inspection ensure fast, standards-compliant project delivery.

High-density fiber testing

Test single, duplex, and parallel optics (Base-8/12/16/24). EXFO's solutions streamline high-volume Tier-1 OLTS and fiber inspection testing for maximum efficiency.

Reduced CAPEX and OPEX

Reduce training time, boost efficiency, and cut costs with automated, future-proof testers supporting simplex, duplex, and parallel optics—all in one device.

New business opportunities

Stand out with PXM/LXM that brings a unique, industry-compliant one-cord referencing solution for duplex cables, including uniboot and VSFF connectors.

World-class services and support

With 7 certified service centers worldwide, EXFO offers expert training, calibration, and customer care—backed by Global Customer Satisfaction Index and Net Promoter Scores.

Your trusted partner

As the industry's leading expert in testing, monitoring and analytics, we pride ourselves on our accomplishments and reputation:

80%+ of hyperscalers and major enterprise data centers use EXFO solutions.
40 years of pioneering essential solutions and technologies.
1700+ employees in 25 countries and customers in 120 countries.
2000+ contractors registered at the BICSI-recognized EXFO-Contractor Certification program.
5000+ audits of quality of service and performance. 
7 certified service centers strategically located around the globe.

Fiber Optics Certification | FAQ

Fiber optics are crucial for fast, efficient, and reliable data transmission. Fiber optics testing and certification ensures that fiber cabling meets predefined standards, supporting the reliable transmission of data at increasing speeds. Without proper certification, the risk of network failures, costly delays, and reduced performance escalates. That's why fiber optics certification is fundamental and required to building future-proof data networks.
Fiber optics certification generally involves two levels of testing: Tier-1 testing and Tier-2 characterization. Two-tier testing ensures that the fiber-optic network is capable of delivering reliable, high-speed data transmission.

Tier-1 certification using an optical loss test set (OLTS)

Tier-1 certification refers to basic fiber testing, including insertion loss, length, and polarity. This is typically performed using an optical loss test set (OLTS). Tier-1 certification is essential for ensuring that fiber cabling meets industry standards for performance, such as IEC, TIA and ISO. It is commonly used for fixed cabling within data centers, where ensuring low-loss connections is paramount for high-speed networks.

Tier-2 characterization

Tier-2 characterization is more comprehensive and involves the use of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) to map the fiber link, identify faults, and measure reflectance. This level of testing is crucial for identifying hidden issues such as bends, breaks, or poorly performing splices and connectors.

Both Tier-1 certification and Tier-2 characterization are critical for ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of optical networks.
Several challenges can complicate the certification process, especially for complex infrastructure like data centers:
- High volume of diverse cabling to certify: Testing and certifying a wide range of fiber types—such as multimode and singlemode, simplex, duplex, and high-density multi-fiber (base-8/12/16/24)—along with inspecting thousands of connectors, presents significant challenges in delivering reliable, high-performance networks on time and within budget.
- Limited visibility on build quality and progress: Without real-time insights into the quality of work, issues may remain hidden until the later stages of a project, potentially leading to delays and increased costs.
- Inefficient closeout reports: Documenting test results, particularly for large-scale deployments, can be time-consuming and prone to errors if the data isn't centralized and easily accessible.
- Scarcity of technical expertise: The industry faces a shortage of skilled technicians, making it difficult to maintain qualified staff. Training new technicians is expensive and time-consuming, adding further strain on project timelines.
- Tier-1 certification OLTS: Duplex and multi-fiber certification using an innovative power meter and light source kit that is based on certification standards for single or multimode fibers, the PXM/LXM is the fastest duplex and multi-fiber optical loss test set (OLTS) in the industry (1 second). Learn more about PXM/LXM.
- Tier-2 characterization: One-touch, automatic characterization using EXFO’s iOLM technology, which simplifies OTDR-based Tier-2 testing, providing one-touch analysis and clear pass/fail results for every fiber link through intelligent, automatic multipulse acquisitions. Learn more about iOLM and the MaxTester 720D.
- Fiber inspection: The FIP-500 is the fastest fiber inspection scope for single, duplex and multi-fiber connector. It is self-contained, fully automated tool for zero-button testing all day—without the need to recharge batteries or offload results. Learn more about the FIP-500.
- Real-time visibility, compliance and automated reporting: With the cloud-based capabilities of EXFO Exchange, test data is centralized providing stakeholders with real-time insights into job progress, quality and compliance. This allows for immediate detection of errors and ensures that projects stay on track. EXFO Exchange also uploads test results in real-time, reducing human error and speeding up the project closeout process. Learn more about EXFO Exchange.
- Training technicians: The ECC program provides useful training at your own pace on best practices, field technologies, and the optimal use of EXFO’s testing solutions. Learn more about the EXFO-certified contractor (ECC) program.