Modular DSL Testers Offer Upgrade Path for Field Installation and Maintenance Tasks
The Aurora Presto is a modular, handheld golden modem DSL tester, available in a variety of configurations. The product can be purchased as a remote modem (ATU-R) tester with IP Ping capability and upgraded later to add features including central office modem emulation (ATU-C) and time domain reflectometer (TDR) functionality. The LT2000 is an entry-level, handheld transmission impairment measurement set (TIMS) for DSL qualification and troubleshooting of copper line pairs.
The Aurora Presto and LT2000 complement Agilent's existing Service Advisor tablet-based DSL line and service verification tools, as well as the company's Service Installer and Service Verifier DSL handhelds. Together, these products provide solutions for equipping DSL service provider field organizations to install and maintain DSL-based high-speed data services to homes and businesses.
Both traditional and competitive local exchange carriers are seeking to accelerate deployment of DSL services to subscribers, and reduce installation time and costs. According to America's Network, a communications industry publication, a typical DSL installation currently requires three "truck rolls" -- or dispatched visits by a technician -- and up to three weeks to initiate service to the customer. TeleChoice Inc., an industry consultant, estimates that errors in service provisioning prevent successful deployment on the first attempt in 85 percent of all cases. At the same time, service providers have announced plans to bring up to 3 million new DSL subscribers on line by the end of 2000.
The Aurora Presto allows technicians to test the ability of DSL modems to synchronize properly with their paired counterparts in central office facilities, and connect and communicate with Web servers. The handheld can verify upstream and downstream throughput data rates and ensure that they meet minimum guaranteed line speeds. The Presto can accept up to three plug -in cards to support added features, such as ATU-C, TDR or ATM25 testing, or testing with multiple DSL modem vendor chip set implementations. The product includes a standard 10 Base T Ethernet port for uploading test results or downloading application software or firmware upgrades.
The LT2000 provides a variety of physical and electrical line measurements to determine whether a specific wiring pair can support DSL service. It provides one-touch automatic frequency sweeping to measure line noise, level , crosstalk, return loss and other factors that could impede or prevent DSL performance. In addition to qualifying lines prior to installation, the LT2000 can be used to troubleshoot and identify potential sources of transmission problems or performance degradation for existing customers.
Agilent Technologies is a global provider in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components . The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.
Agilent Technologies, Inc., Phone: 800-452-4844.
Edited by Paul O'Shea