Agilent Technologies offers docsis test system for design of cable-modem products that deliver broadband internet services

Agilent Technologies (Palo Alto, CA), a provider of technologies for communications and life sciences, today introduces an automated test system that enables cable modem (CM) and cable modem termination system (CMTS) manufacturers to decrease development time of products with broadband Internet service capability. The Agilent solution tests product compliance with the data-over-cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), a revolutionary standard that enables high-speed Internet data distribution to homes and businesses. Cable modem products that meet the DOCSIS standard are in high demand worldwide as cable TV system operators race to retrofit their current infrastructure with broadband Internet services.

The Agilent Technologies E1371A DOCSIS test system decreases design and certification time for design and test engineers who are developing DOCSIS CM and CMTS products for broadband Internet services. The E1371A verifies adherence to the DOCSIS physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) protocol layers and makes it possible for CM and CMTS manufacturers to prove their product's ability to perform to the DOCSIS standard. Zoom Telephonics, Broadband Access Systems, and 3Com are among several companies already using the E1371A.

The features of the E1317A include:

• automatic CM and CMTS testing for DOCSIS 1.0 PHY and MAC performance;
  
• user-customizable test scripts;
  
• rapid design-problem identification;
  
• design-verification data for certification; and
  
• migration path for enhanced features, including DOCSIS 1.1, Euro-DOCSIS, and other protocol layers.

Agilent is a global provider in designing and manufacturing test, measurement, and monitoring instruments, systems, and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components.

Agilent, 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard, MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, CA 95052. Tel: 800-452-4844, ext. 7312.

Edited by Paul O'Shea
Managing Editor, TestandMeasurement.com