Incognito Software released the Broadband Command Center MTA test appliance to perform turnkey testing of cable modems and MTAs that are returned from the field for repair. The product includes automation software preinstalled on a Linux server, a VoIP call agent, two analog modems and all necessary cabling. A simple GUI guides a field tech through each test, with only one input required for test startup. Techs can test a PacketCable or DOCSIS device in less than 10 minutes, according to Incognito.

The new appliance tests DOCSIS modems and PacketCable embedded or standalone MTAs (EMTAs or SMTAs) using four software modules: device provisioning, call agent simulation, testing and reporting. The provisioning module preps each device for testing by dynamically configuring it with the required parameters. The VoIP call agent simulates a voice network and confirms that MTAs are properly processing messages according to Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) and Network Calling Signaling (NCS) standards. The test module verifies each MTA's VoIP functionality including on/off-hook state changes, ring tone detection, station-to-station calling, and mechanical jack presentations. Finally, the reporting module outputs each device's test results with the corresponding hardware MAC address so the operator can print and enclose the report with any device returned to the manufacturer.

Sun Rises on New OTDR Module

Sunrise Telecom launched the SSMTT-35E module for its SunSet modular test toolkit (MTT) handheld platform. With the addition of a light source and an optical power meter to the 1,310/1,550 nm OTDR, the fourth module in the SSMTT-35 product line delivers insertion loss measurements and provides a visual fault locator for finding fiber anomalies such as breaks or macrobending that can disrupt service. By combining the OTDR, visual fault locator (VFL), optical power meter (OPM) and light source (LS) test functions into a single unit, this new module is said to deliver significant cost-savings to companies who previously had to purchase individual handheld devices for each type of test function.

The module is a battery-operated handheld test solution designed specifically for the installation and maintenance of fiber. According to Sunrise, it is the first in its class to provide an OTDR in a compact module that measures fiber for events such as connectors, splices, breaks and insertion loss. The modules test single-mode and multimode fibers. Even in such a compact platform, advanced features such as dual wavelength testing, and auto and manual mode configuration are standard.

Engineering, Management and Training Services

It's Broadband Engineering & Technology Awareness Month

Broadband & Engineering Technology Awareness Month: March 2006

SCTE has declared March "Broadband Engineering & Technology Awareness Month." This inaugural campaign features a national ad campaign and locally driven recognition ceremonies.

Through the efforts of cable ops and vendors, the SCTE national campaign will increase the recognition of the engineering and technology profession across the cable telecommunications industry and elevate the recognition of our hard-working technical workforce. Tools for planning local events are available under the "Promotional Opportunities" section on the SCTE Web site.

Hot Technology to Heat Up the National Show Floor

Four display pavilions on the exhibit floor at the NCTA's 2006 National Show will showcase the growth opportunities for cable ops. The pavilions will anchor the four corners of the exhibit floor at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, April 9-11.

The four industry pavilions anchoring The 2006 National Show exhibition floor are:

How to Increase Your M-CMTS Architecture Know-How

SCTE will present "The DOCSIS M-CMTS Architecture" on Wed., March 15 as the next installment of its SCTE Live Learning series. This session will discuss the CableLabs DOCSIS M-CMTS architecture with a bit of insight into the MSO plans for deployment. The M-CMTS architecture itself is presented and described with a focus on the differences between a current DOCSIS 2.0 CMTS and an M-CMTS.

SCTE Live Learning — sponsored by Cisco, Fujitsu, Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta — is a series of live, interactive, Web-based seminars offered the third Wednesday of every month (except June). The events are free for SCTE members and $29 per seminar for nonmembers. Registration is required and "seats" are limited. Archived recordings are available to SCTE members only, and at no cost. For registration info, click on the Education section of SCTE's site.

Distribution

Outside plant, construction, installation and transmission products including amplifiers, test and monitoring equipment, fiber-optic cable, conduit...

Long-Range OTDR Module New From JDSU

JDSU announced its Very Long Range (VLR) OTDR module for its T-BERD and MTS-8000 platform, combining several new features into one first-of-its-kind OTDR tester for access and metro network optical apps. The module design, which introduces first-of-its kind fiber network characterization capabilities, complements the range of OTDR modules within the T-BERD/MTS-8000 platform.

JDSU says it has optimized critical OTDR parameters such as speed, dead zone and dynamic range. According to the company, the OTDR module "offers the industry's first test solution to combine all three functions," as well as providing "unique performance features, including a 0.1s refresh time, 0.8m event dead zone, 4m attenuation dead zone, and the industry's first commercially-available, four-wavelength 45 dB OTDR." Also included is 45 dB dynamic range functionality, making the module ideal for qualifying any type of optical network — from very short- to long-haul — and for optical networks where qualification was previously not possible, such as very short fiber distances.

Trilithic Rolls Out Switchable Device Controller

Trilithic's RF & Microwave Components division released the CTL switchable device controller. It's said to be an ideal solution for test bed configurations and test module design. Featuring GPIB/IEEE-488, RS-232/RS-485 or Ethernet communication interface, the CTL provides control for Trilithic programmable attenuators, RF Switches and other switchable components.

Typical apps include test and verification lab environments with single components controlled with a PC to an integrated subsystem with 64 individual programmable attenuators and 32 switches configured in a communications RF simulation system.

WiFi/WiMax

Seamless Roaming Between Wi-Fi and Cell Environments

LongBoard and G-TEK announced a partnership to integrate LongBoard's SIP-based fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) client with G-TEK's dual-mode handsets. The integration is said to enable seamless roaming between WiFi and cellular environments when deployed with the LongBoard OnePhone solution for IMS-compatible FMC.

Transport Platforms and Solutions

GENBAND Aims to Ease IMS Migration

GENBAND Inc. (which recently changed its name from General Bandwidth) announced a new portfolio of products for signaling, call control and enhanced apps that are designed to help ops deliver multimedia services and easily migrate to an IMS architecture. The new C2 signaling controller and S4 applications server have been introduced to complement the company's G6 universal media gateway.

The S4 applications server provides a full suite of Class 5 residential and small business services, as well as new enhanced features such as Web-based customer portals and self-provisioning. Based on a scalable, commercially available NEBS-3 platform, the S4 provides provides robust TDM or IP services enabling ops to migrate TDM networks to IMS based services. Either supplementing the G6 and/or C2 platform, or as a stand-alone application solution, the S4 platform offers robust Class 5 VoIP and supports SIP, MGCP, TGCP and NCS line interfaces with packet or TDM access. It supports interworking ATA, IP phones, IADs, media gateways, DLCs and BLCs. The S4 platform is designed for deployment flexibility with both a SIP interface to the signaling/PSTN gateway for larger deployments and also supporting an integrated on-board SS7 option for smaller deployments.

The C2 signaling controller is an IMS-compliant product featuring SIP to SS7 and media gateway control capabilities — packaged in a highly redundant, NEBS-3 platform. With the C2 platform, ops who deploy SIP networks can now have full access to SS7 services enabling the use of ISUP trunks and TCAP databases as well as full support for PRI and MF-CAS trunks for transitioning calls to/from the PSTN. With its SIP to SS7 gateway function, the C2 platform terminates SS7 links and interworks SS7 signaling with SIP while providing an IMS compliant Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) for connectivity to the PSTN.

Vyyo Hypes Big Bandwidth Capabilities

Vyyo recently demonstrated products for the delivery of business services and high-bandwidth apps at the CableLabs Winter Conference in Colorado Springs, CO. Vyyo showed two product families:

Two Ops Tap BigBand

California op San Bruno Municipal Cable TV deployed both the BigBand BME (Broadband Multimedia-Service Edge) and BigBand BMR (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) system-wide. San Bruno Municipal Cable TV is using BigBand Networks' solutions to deliver its new VOD service, as well as process and deliver its complete digital TV lineup.

In other news, Austrian op Telesystem Tirol GmbH & Co. KG deployed the BigBand BMR for extensive headend-based processing and control of its entire digital TV offerings. The op selected the BMR to groom for lineup control, integrate with conditional access for secure delivery, and modulate for compatibility with subscriber devices. BigBand Networks has also participated in the design and installation of this deployment and is continuing to provide the op with technical support.

Next-Gen Voice

VoIP, wireless voice, media gateways, multimedia terminal adapters, call management servers, PacketCable, SIP...

ARRIS CMTS and CableMatrix Platform Shake Hands

Successful interoperability testing was announced between the ARRIS C3 CMTS and the CableMatrix policy management platform. According to the companies, the combined solution "allows cable ops of any size to offer premium Internet based voice and data offerings to residential and commercial subs with a guaranteed level of service."

Based on the PCMM spec, the CableMatrix policy management platform consists of the ODSP (On-Demand Service Platform) policy server and the XAM (eXtensible Application Manager). This modular integrated solution allows ops to implement real-time QoS and bandwidth management for services such as: SIP-based telephony, videoconferencing, IPTV, interactive gaming and photo uploads. In addition, CableMatrix's "Smart Agent" technology is said to simplify the addition of QoS for virtually any IP application, efficiently embedding requests for bandwidth and acceptable levels of latency and jitter into specified applications or web portals.

Feature: The Best of the Best Cable-Tec Expo Products: Part 1

by Laura Hamilton, Editor, Broadband Gear Report

As the weather warms, a broadband cable engineer's thoughts turn to the impending SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. The Big Daddy of trade shows for cable technology, it's where we all see, tweak and explore the latest tools of the HFC trade. This year's show is set for Denver, June 20-23. (For more on the confab, check out http://expo.scte.org.)

And as we did last year, Broadband Gear Report will once again offer Expo attendees a unique way to ensure you're not missing out on the best of the best product demos. "BGR's Diamond Technology Reviews" recognizes products, software and services that help you increase reliability, efficiency, capacity/delivery, profitability and customer satisfaction over your HFC nets.

Last year, more than 20 products were evaluated by a sterling panel of MSO engineering executives, who provided advice on product that SCTE Cable-Tec Expo attendees shouldn't miss before they left the show. Engineering execs from Bright House, Cox, Charter and Time Warner participated in the judging in 2005.

As a review, let's take a look back on the products that received at least four out of five Diamonds in last year's program. That means the judges deemed them an "excellent product with technical features and performance that provide clear and substantial benefits."

Outside Plant

JDSU (then, Acterna) DSAM: 4.5 Diamonds. This received the highest rating of any product in last year's program. The digital service activation meter ensures provisioning completion, call availability and call quality margin at installs and service calls. In addition to Ethernet IP throughput, ping and packet loss performance testing, the company enhanced the DSAM's VoIP capability by adding mean opinion score (MOS).
Sunrise CM-USG-Upstream Characterization Toolkit: 4 Diamonds. It detects and measures bit transmission errors, return laser clipping and group delay caused by faulty diplex filters and microreflections due to impedance mismatches. "It's the only simple, affordable and mobile verification, test and troubleshooting tool for networks expanding their upstream capacity as they increase bandwidth for cable modem services, VoIP and video over IP," said manufacturer Sunrise Telecom. Here are our judges' analyses: "Compact size and lower cost for troubleshooting;" "Group delay response is a nice touch;" and "prevents second truck rolls."

VoIP Solutions

Cedar Point Communications SAFARI C³: 4 Diamonds. "Cedar Point gets it," said one Diamonds judge. "Low power consumption, small footprint, flexible apps and scalability are the requirements of the next generation headend/CO." It's the only totally integrated carrier class VoIP switch that incorporates all the components that make up the PacketCable voice switching infrastructure, reports the manufacturer. That is said to eliminate the need for ops to purchase, maintain upgrade and regression test separate call management servers, media gateways, record keeping servers, announcement servers, signaling gateways, Ethernet switches and CALEA servers. It is designed to accommodate not only current voice needs, but also multimedia.

Advanced Networking

Terayon CP 7600G: 4 Diamonds. While the judges agreed that it's only one of many solutions coming to market, they thought it was a goody. "The 7600G is a great tool to open up bandwidth capacity for new services in an accelerated manner," a judge noted. With this IP-enabled digital-to-analog multichannel integrated edge decoder at the edge of your net, Terayon said you can immediately remove the analog tier and distribute all your programming only once — digitally — while still providing service to analog subs. Unlike competitive offerings that can only decode one MPEG-2 service, the CP 7600G is a "professional-grade multichannel integrated decoder," capable of decoding up to six MPEG-2 digital video services to either NTSC or PAL analog formats in a one rack-unit tall chassis.

On-Demand and HDTV

JDSU (then, Acterna) DTS-330: 4 Diamonds. The DTS-330 analyzes everything from ingress via the satellite feed to egress points when entering broadcast or terrestrial destinations. A unique feature is that it supports MPEG-2, DVB and ATSC testing in one box. Our judges called it "an essential tool in the digital world," and a "must-have for the headend."
Arroyo Video Solutions' OnDemand: 4 Diamonds. This can deliver up to 5,000 3.75 Mbps video streams per three rack-unit server. Arroyo promises density, scalability and improvement of operational performance "ten-fold over other leading video services companies today." by using "a radically new, network-centric, open VOD architecture that uses open, industry-standard Intel Xeon servers."

"Pushing us out of the proprietary technology can only help ops grow interactive solutions to best serve our customers at lower operating and capital costs," a judge stressed.

For more on the Diamond Technology Reviews, don't miss Part 2 of this story, which will run in the next issue of "Broadband Gear Report."

Advanced Video and Interactivity

Terayon Thinks Locally

Terayon highlighted its latest "Localization on Demand" apps at CableLabs recent Winter Conference in Colorado Springs, CO. The company's demos included:

The Digital Home

Set-tops, DVRs, home networking,CPEs, CableHome, integrated cable modem gateways...

Broadbus Controls TV Time

Broadbus Technologies demonstrated a network-based solution for pausing, fast-forwarding and rewinding live TV using existing digital set-tops at the recent CableLabs Winter Conference in Colorado Springs, CO. With Broadbus Time-Shifted TV, ops can provide digital subs with greater control over their live TV experience without the need for investment in additional customer premises equipment such as PVRs. The current linear broadcast model does not offer the flexibility needed for viewers who want to watch content on their own terms. Ops can use Time-Shifted TV to define flexible viewing windows for all broadcast programs.

Network Management, OSS and Software

Bandwidth management, tiering, service control switches, provisioning and support

Incognito Reveals Address Management Software

Incognito Software released the next generation of its IP address management (IPAM) software, Address and Name Commander 3.6, for ops looking to minimize IP and DNS network administration and expansion costs. The software is said to streamline IP network planning, increase reliability through fully integrated IP address management, incorporate DNS resource management and DHCP provisioning, and support multiple levels of system administration including end-user IP netblock and DNS resource self-management.

CSG Snaps Up Telution

CSG Systems announced it signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Telution and its COMX solution to expand CSG's ability to support cable ops as they deliver advanced IP-based services. CSG will integrate COMX's capabilities into CSG advanced convergent platform (ACP), its existing customer-centric billing and customer care solution, accelerating its product roadmap to enable ops to more easily bundle and deploy wireless, content, business services and IPTV.

Spotlight

Can You Test a Modem or MTA in 10 Minutes?