M2 Optics has introduced a new, totally modular fiber optic simulator. According to the company, this new simulator can be user-configured for physical network emulation and other applications such as equipment certification.

The Fiber Lab Flex from M2 Optics is a special platform created to provide engineers with maximum versatility when requiring optical fiber spools for various network simulation, latency and other testing applications.

The 6U chassis can hold up to 10 individual fiber lengths, and each comes with a max distance of 10km of any fiber type. Apart from providing the ability to re-configure the setup quickly if needed, the removable modules allow for a wide array of length options.

The chassis is scalable in that new fiber lengths can be added at any time, without necessarily requiring a new chassis every time, since optical fiber requirements often arise and/or change over time.

Every chassis is customizable to the exact requirements of the user like other Fiber Lab solutions. A fully equipped module with 10 km of fiber weighs only 4.75 lbs. and measures 9.5"H x 1.5"W x 11"Doctor, featuring modules which can be used in the Fiber Lab Flex Optical Fiber Testing Platform or separately on a desktop.

With various fibers in the laboratory, equipment certification using a mix of fiber types, product development, quality control and latency testing, typical applications include physical network simulation.

In 2010, the company unveiled a ruggedized version of its FiberLab testing platform, the Fiber Lab 800HE. This platform is ideal for applications where rough handling and harsh conditions are common. These fields include field and laboratory testing, manufacturing environments, and military systems.

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