EXFO makes $8.25 million purchase to expand fiber-based network testing
EXFO has purchased the majority of assets from California-based Absolute Analysis to boost its capabilities in fiber-based network testing to support wireless networks. The transaction was valued at about $8.25 million, consisting of $5 million in cash and the remainder in EXFO stock. EXFO has already begun integrating Absolute Analysis’ solutions. The company’s technology is available in EXFO’s recently launched Optical RF application for its FTB-1 Pro test platform for locating interference in fiber networks.
“Mobile network operators are transforming their architectures and deploying fiber deeper into radio access networks to add new services and much-needed capacity, while preparing for 5G mobility and [internet of things],” said Germain Lamonde, EXFO’s Chairman, President and CEO in a statement on the purchase. “This small, synergistic and strategic acquisition allows EXFO to strengthen its leadership position with a unique, all-in-one optical, Ethernet and RF test solution to help MNOs greatly enhance their productivity and network reliability.”
Absolute Analysis, based in Newbury Park, Calif., is privately held. EXFO said that its offerings “are critical for identifying and analyzing RF interference issues in fiber to the antenna (FTTA), distributed antenna systems (DAS), remote radio heads (RRHs) and baseband units (BBUs) that support 4G/LTE and, soon, 5G wireless mobility and Internet of Things (IoT). Absolute Analysis’ technology delivers highly efficient CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) protocol analysis and emulation as well as RF over CPRI spectrum analysis.”
EXFO said that the purchase including “technology, expertise and solutions in the area of radio frequency (RF) testing for fiber-based radio access networks (RANs)” and added that “in a market where subscriber quality of experience is a profitability game changer, MNOs have little room for error while pressure is increasing to deploy faster and minimize operating expenses.”
