Microtest Adds Single-Mode Fiber Optic Adapter To Cable Certification Line

OMNIFiber SM Certifies Premise and Campus Installations with Lasers at 1310nm and 1550nm

PHOENIX, Arizona, March 22, 2001 (NASDAQ: MTST) — Microtest, the technology leader in network testing, announces the addition of enhanced single-mode fiber optic testing capability for OMNIScanner, OMNIScanner2 and the new OMNIScannerLT. Named OMNIFiber SM, the adapter transforms any OMNIScanner into a comprehensive laser-based, single-mode fiber optic certification tool.

Increasingly, hybrid bundles of multimode and single-mode fiber cabling are being installed in buildings and across campuses. Fiber is often installed as future proofing and contractors must provide certification assurance for all fiber installed to network owners. Microtest is augmenting its LED based fiber optic certification adapter with a comprehensive laser-based fiber optic testing to address this trend in single-mode installation.

OMNIFiber SM measures power, optical loss and length at both 1310nm and 1550nm wave lengths. In OMNIFiber SM, the industry's fastest fiber testing is delivered by checking duplex fibers in both directions, at both wave lengths, from a single Autotest. Results are automatically compared against fiber optic standards to certify links instantly and are also stored for subsequent certification reporting. Results are also assessed against fiber optic applications like Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel and then the OMNIFiber SM delivers a list of applications which a fiber installation can successfully run. OMNIFiber SM features interchangeable connector adapters allowing it to directly support a variety of fiber optic connection systems (ST, SC, LC, FC and MTRJ). OMNIFiber SM for OMNIScanner offers installers who are certifying mixed cabling projects a flexible tool to switch from copper cable testing to single-mode fiber cable testing in a snap.

OMNIScanner companion software for the PC, Scanlink Tools, is fully compatible with the OMNIFiber SM and its results. Users can view, save, and export results, print reports and otherwise manage fiber and copper cable certification results from a single easy to use database.

"The release of OMNIFiber SM continues expansion of our innovative fiber testing portfolio. We are the largest premise-focused fiber optic test company with a line of six tools targeted at local network installation professionals and network managers" said David Coffin, vice president and general manager of Microtest's Network Test and Measurement Division.

The MSRP of OMNIFiber SM is US$5,495 distributed in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It will be available next quarter through all Microtest authorized distributors and resellers. Software and firmware upgrades to OMNIScanners and Scanlink Tools, to accommodate the OMNIFiber SM, will be available free on Microtest's web site, www.microtest.com/OMNIFiber_SM. Demonstrations of the OMNIFiber SM will be given at several tradeshows: OFC in March, CeBit in March in Germany and BiCSi in May.

Microtest's purpose is to bring people and information together with innovative technology that simplifies evolving networks. Microtest is a leader in network appliance and storage products such as FileZerver, DiscZerver, and LinuxZerver, and network test and measurement products such as OMNIScanner2, PentaScanner, CertiFiber, and OMNIFiber. Headquartered in Phoenix, Microtest has international offices in Munich, Germany; Crawley, United Kingdom; Beijing, China; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Guadalajara, Mexico and Singapore. Visit Microtest at www.microtest.com.