As demand for high-speed, reliable, and flexible networking solutions grows, network testing technologies must evolve to keep pace. EXFO, a leader in network testing and monitoring solutions, addresses these needs with its FTBx-88260 and FTBx-88460 testers. These field-focused devices offer powerful, scalable solutions that support multiple transceiver types and evolving data rates. Let’s explore their capabilities and how they empower technicians and engineers across various network environments.

FTBx-88260: 10M to 100G Network Testing with Ultimate Flexibility

Designed for the Modern Network Landscape

The FTBx-88260 is a highly adaptable test solution designed to handle Ethernet testing from 10M to 100G. With support for dual-port Ethernet testing and a wide protocol suite—including Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH, OTN, FlexE, and CPRI/eCPRI—this tool meets the needs of today’s complex and mixed network environments.

Powered by EXFO’s Open Transceiver System (OTS)

The most unique feature of the FTBx-88260 is its Open Transceiver System (OTS). This evolutionary system allows the test unit to accept any transceiver—current or future—offering unmatched flexibility. OTS supports multiple interfaces such as dual SFP28, dual QSFP28, and single CFP4, and includes 100ZR coherent support in a QSFP28 form factor.

This modularity lets technicians swap OTS modules in the field or lab, avoiding expensive upgrades. Instead of replacing the entire tester, only the module is changed, making it a cost-effective and future-proof investment.

Ready for Next-Gen Transceivers

Transceiver technology continues to evolve rapidly due to increasing bandwidth demands and advances in power efficiency and size. With the FTBx-88260, network teams can validate today’s interfaces while being fully prepared for future ones. It’s particularly valuable in environments using low-power 100ZR coherent transceivers, ideal for metro and edge network aggregation, 5G backhaul, and rural broadband middle-mile connectivity.

Comprehensive Testing and Sync Capabilities

The FTBx-88260 delivers extensive support across several electrical and optical interfaces. Its dual SFP28 ports support 10G/25G/FC32x, while dual QSFP28 ports handle 40G and 100G rates. The CFP4 slot also supports 100G Ethernet and OTN testing. Built-in GPS allows for precision latency and clock testing, supporting 1588 PTP, SyncE, and Wander/time error testing.

Additionally, the iOptics application simplifies optical device validation with minimal configuration. Combined with RF spectrum analysis support for FR1 (sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave), this tester meets the growing demands of mobile network validation.

FTBx-88460: The Ultimate 400G Test Solution for the Field

Meeting the 400G Era Head-On

With the arrival of 400G deployments and emerging technologies like 400G ZR and ZR+ coherent pluggables, EXFO’s FTBx-88460 rises to the challenge. Built with the same OTS flexibility as the 88260, this solution supports all Ethernet rates from 1G to 400G, including 25G, 40G, 50G, and 200G—without requiring hardware upgrades or factory visits.

It’s the most versatile 400G test solution on the market for field use, enabling service providers to validate new and existing networks cost-effectively and efficiently.

All-in-One Testing for High-Speed Networks

The FTBx-88460 offers a complete suite of test applications for Ethernet and service activation. This includes:

• Ethernet BERT for link stability
• RFC 2544 for network element evaluation
• EtherSAM Y.1564 for SLA validation

Smart Loopback and Traffic Generation for troubleshooting

The unit simplifies 400G testing by including KP4 FEC assessment and virtual eye-opening histograms, critical tools for verifying signal quality at ultra-high speeds.

Additionally, iOptics is available for 1G to 400G transceiver validation. This tool supports a broad range of interfaces such as QSFP-DD, CFP8, QSFP28, SFP28, AOC, DAC, and more, providing quick, easy assessments even in the field.

Remote Testing and Integration

Today’s network engineers often troubleshoot and configure devices remotely. The FTBx-88460 runs on Windows 10 and includes built-in remote desktop and VNC tools, offering complete remote operation. Users can even install third-party applications, making it a powerful and adaptable tool for distributed teams.

It integrates seamlessly with EXFO Multilink, a web-based platform that enables centralized management and real-time reporting. This boosts productivity by tracking job progress and generating closeout reports on the go.

Supporting Future Technologies with OTS

As with the 88260, the FTBx-88460 leverages EXFO’s Open Transceiver System to provide field-ready adaptability. Technicians can test QSFP-DD, OSFP, and CFP8 interfaces, and the platform is ready for coherent ZR and ZR+ modules. It also supports break-out cable validation like 4 x 100GE or 2 x 100GE, addressing common configurations in large-scale deployments.

Its robust FlexE (1.0 and 2.0) and FlexO toolsets make the FTBx-88460 the only field test solution that supports the full suite of modern Ethernet slicing and channelization technologies.

Future-Proof Testing for Modern Networks

EXFO’s FTBx-88260 and FTBx-88460 are more than just network testers, they are powerful, flexible platforms built to adapt to evolving network demands. Whether testing 10M Ethernet or deploying 400G services, EXFO’s solutions help technicians reduce costs, improve accuracy, and stay ready for tomorrow.

As high-speed networks continue to grow, investing in future-ready testing solutions like these ensures both operational efficiency and technological readiness.

Who We Are?

We are a technology-driven solutions provider specializing in Timing & Synchronization,Test & Measurement, Remote Fiber Testing & Monitoring, GPON Protocol Analysis, Cable Route Tracer, Ethernet Traffic Analyzer, and Network Performance & Cybersecurity.

With a strong focus on innovation and reliability, we aim to empower service providers, data centre, utilities, enterprises and research institutes with state-of-the-art tools and systems. Our solutions are designed to ensure accuracy, visibility, and security across complex network infrastructures.

At the core of our mission is a consistent drive to introduce the latest technologies and expand our product and service offerings. We stay ahead of industry trends to meet—and exceed—the evolving demands of our customers and the markets we serve.

Whether it's optimizing network performance, ensuring precise synchronization, or enhancing fiber monitoring and security, we deliver solutions that offer measurable value and long-term reliability.