Website | Advertise | Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Calendar | Links | Advisory Board | Archive | Contact Us | Contact the Editor

> Who's Who in Network Testing and Monitoring

Remote Monitoring and Testing: A New Answer to Troubleshooting

By Jennifer Whalen, Editor, Special Projects

Today's broadband operators realize that subscribers can no longer be a component of their remote monitoring systems. But finding the right balance between hardware- and software-based systems and troubleshooting personnel can be difficult. In this issue of Broadband Gear Report's "Who's Who in Testing and Monitoring," we examine some of the latest vendor solutions for tackling this challenge.

We also talk to Rob Heany, senior vice president of engineering for Weintraub Telecomm, LLC, for his insights on the current testing and monitoring environment. Rob's work with this broadband engineering firm enables him to see the solutions deployed at many cable systems, giving him a unique perspective on testing and monitoring. He has extensive experience in the broadband industry, including stints at Digital Access, Inc.; Suburban Cable, which was acquired by Comcast; Cablevision Systems Corp.; Superior Electronics; and General Instrument's Jerrold Division. Here's what he has to say:

Rob Heany

How does network testing and monitoring impact your company's work as a broadband engineering firm?

Dramatically; there are virtually no network plans underway from any customer that do not specify or include a monitoring solution as part of the requirements. Due to the large number of interconnect points throughout a given network, many of which are either unmanned locations or co-locations within the four walls of a facility owned or managed by other firms, remote monitoring and remote testing capability of hardware has become an assumption rather than a dream. It is no longer a nicety, it is a reality.

What is keeping you busiest right now in the networking testing and monitoring space?

Cutting through the world of proprietary solutions. While it is obviously important for a company to be able to protect their intellectual property, it is equally important to be able to work in compatibility with others inside their industry. The use of proxy serving devices and other gateways that allow cross-compatibility of monitoring without a single-source solution greatly aid in the ability for a customer to select hardware for the features that they see without jeopardy. However, in order to integrate all of that unique hardware and software, much legwork, redesign, and compromise is required.

How has the cable industry's network testing and monitoring regime changed with the launch of advanced broadband services?

With certainty; the inclusion of cable modem services and other two-way service applications has increased the demand on remote monitoring and testing. As the service networks mature, the day-to-day demands on an operator's time leads towards the desire for automated monitoring. Once an effective monitoring solution is in place, and as remote testing can be implemented, a centralized network monitoring center can be used to drive the operation and troubleshooting of the various centers. Rather than having personnel increases, an operator can have more effective management and control of a system with dedicated and better-prepared personnel.

Read the rest of the interview here.

Signal Leakage Detection System Is GPS Based

ComSonics' GPS-based GeoSniffer Nexus Signal Leakage Data Tracking Analyzer is available in two models: Model I offers an integrated Sniffer leakage detector, while Model II utilizes the Sniffer Sleuth leakage detector. Both models support wireless communications for automatic and seamless upload of collected data to a PC running the Nexus Leakage Data Analyzer software.

Distinguishing features: The Nexus Leakage Data Analyzer software utilizes MapInfo Corporation's map base, StreetPro, which references 35 unique geographic sources, in generating and tracking work orders from collected data. The software also allows creation of community units, user-defined leakage level reporting defaults, and generation of FCC reports for each community. All work orders are uniquely numbered and provide a geographical illustration of leak location for quick reference.

Deployment: ComSonics reports that cable systems of all sizes are deploying the GeoSniffer Nexus across the United States and Canada.

Outsourced NOC Services from iGLASS

iGLASS Networks provides outsourced network operations center (NOC) services to cable operators nationwide. Monitoring extends from the digital headend down through the plant to CPE in the home, providing a comprehensive view of an operator's entire system. Support is available for both Scientific-Atlanta and Motorola digital video platforms and all high-speed data and VoIP platforms. iGLASS offers the following major monitoring modules:

• Real-time CPE monitoring with detail at the hub, node, and street levels
• On-demand and scheduled CPE diagnostics
• HFC and IT network availability
• Video-on-demand stream utilization and historical purchase data
• Geospatial integration with MapInfo

Distinguishing features: iGLASS integrates data from a variety of vendors into actionable information. By outsourcing the NOC, iGLASS eliminates the need to staff programmers, analysts, and monitoring personnel, which greatly reduces cable system operating costs and keeps monitoring systems current. iGLASS is Internet-based, has an intuitive user interface, and monitors customer systems 24 hours per day. iGLASS offers a 30-day onsite evaluation for qualified buyers, and reports it deploys its service in less than four weeks per system.

Deployments: According to iGLASS, its NOC services currently are deployed in 23 Time Warner Cable systems and several independent operators, with more than 10,000 network elements and 6.4 million CPE devices monitored.

JDSU Monitors Digital and IP Video

JDSU's new Digital and IP Video Monitoring System provides end-to-end test coverage at all points on the network. The new system enables operators deploying advanced video services such as IPTV, digital terrestrial television, or digital simulcast to perform round-the-clock monitoring of multiple simultaneous signal streams. It also analyzes digital video services remotely to detect problems in any part of the network.

Distinguishing features: Built on JDSU's TruStream product technology found in the DTS-330 and DTS-200 analyzers, the system includes the new QT-1100 Digital Video Service Monitor. It performs "end-to-end" coverage that tests every phase of the network, at any interface (e.g., RF, IP, ASI, among others), of any signal from the time it enters into the network to the time it reaches the network's edge. Once the remotely deployed QT-1100 detects a problem in the service, a fault alarm is generated and forwarded to the centralized monitoring software system. Interfaces include GigE, ASI, QAM, QPSK, 8VSB, and COFDM. Also included in the system is the Digital Video Service Monitoring Server, a 1-RU EMS software server chassis; EMS software; and a variety of DV probes.

Deployments: JDSU currently is beta testing the Digital and IP Video Monitoring System.

Preinstalled Server Minimizes Activation Time

Trilithic's new Guardian System II Integrated Server Package includes a viewing and management server application for return band monitoring that optimizes use of the feature sets of Trilithic monitoring equipment (9581 SST-Release 4 Return Path Analyzer). The integrated package includes high-performance server hardware, Microsoft Windows and SQL Server software, and Viewer II v2.0 for application-specific monitoring and management. Because the Guardian II Integrated Server Package comes preinstalled on a high-performance server, system activation time is minimized.

Distinguishing features: The Viewer II v2.0 application displays and manages SNMP traps gathered from strategically deployed 9581 SSTs, provides reporting and analysis, and serves as a live-view spectrum display for operator-selected nodes. Reports include a node alarm summary, worst offenders report, and node alarm history. Cable operators can control 9581 SST-R4 units in hubs or headends, permitting selection of resolution bandwidths, displayed frequency span, detector modes, and other characteristics. The 9581 SST's fast reverse path spectrum acquisition speed catches difficult-to-detect transient impulse noise, making it suitable for VoIP.

The Guardian System II performs all return path management applications, including:

• Ingress monitoring
• NOC-level return path performance analysis
• Distribution system setup and maintenance
• Installation certification
• Real-time ingress management at all levels service

Deployments: Trilithic reports that the product has been deployed with several major MSOs.

Mini VoIP Tester Takes 60 Measurements

Minacom's PowerProbe 30 VoIP Responder is one of the world's smallest VoIP testers for field technicians performing day-of-install tests and troubleshooting. It is simple to use, is line powered, and logs test results in the Minacom's centralized DirectQuality database — permitting collaborative troubleshooting and companywide pass/fail test criteria.

Distinguishing features: Tests are controlled and results displayed on any Web-enabled portable device, including cellular phones and most third-party cable testsets that cable operators commonly use. The PowerProbe 30 can make more than 60 service level measurements in less than a minute, including:

• Speech quality
• Call connectivity
• Network response
• Voice path delay
• Echo
• Noise
• Packet loss
• Call volume
• Frequency response
• Fax tones

The DirectQuality system, of which the PowerProbe 30 is a component, is a general service level test automation platform that also performs probe-based monitoring, trending, and fault management.

Deployments: Minacom reports that the world's two largest cable MSOs are using the DirectQuality system and its PowerProbe 30 to deploy VoIP to their 40 million subscribers.

Remote Video Monitoring Over IP

Radiant Communications RMI106/4 CATV Monitoring System supports headend consolidation by enabling remote monitoring of the entire channel lineup over an existing local area network.

Distinguishing features: The RM1100 series enables transmission of high-quality video signals over existing IP networks. The flexible system features four selectable video inputs (only one can be viewed at a time), audio, and support for MPEG-4. The three extra video ports are available for security cameras or other raw video feeds coming from that headend or hub. The encoder operates with a scaleable bandwidth from 64 Kbps to 4 Mbps. For critical applications, cable operators can tag video packets for prioritization. At the central location, engineers can view the video on a PC with PC Vision software. Operators also can use it to view set-top diagnostics.

The RM1100 series enables cable operators to:

• Diagnose problems remotely without truck rolls
• Monitor ad sales channels from multiple zones at once
• Monitor multiple locations within a system immediately
• Guarantee VOD streams are leaving headend and hub.

Deployments: Radiant reports that the following operators use the RMI106/4 CATV Monitoring System: Comcast, Comcast Spotlight, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter, Brighthouse, Wide Open West, and Insight.

Handheld OTDR Sports Long-Life Battery

AFL Telecommunications just launched its new Noyes M200 OTDR. The handheld, light-weight device features a long battery life, short dead zone (1.5 meter typical event dead zone), and intermediate dynamic range (26 dB @ 1550 nm on single-mode fiber).

Distinguishing features: Two easy-to-use models are available — the M200-Quad, suitable for Tier-2 certification of multimode and single-mode premises networks, and the M200-SM, designed to test and troubleshoot FTTx and fiber optic access networks. The M200 series supports the following features:

• Auto setup, event table, fiber identification, and dual-wavelength operation
• LiIon battery with operating time greater than 6 hours, tool-free access, and internal recharging
• Data storage on internal memory (hundreds of traces) and available with CompactFlash removable media (thousands of traces per card)
• USB data transfer
• Back-light/transflective color display, crisp and bright indoors and in direct sunlight
• Dedicated test and save keys
• Data entry using physical keys or touch-screen

Deployments: AFL Telecommunications will ship the first M200s to customers by mid-May. Target customers are premises network cable installers, premises network end users, telco and cable TV companies deploying FTTx networks, and telco and cable TV companies with a need for intermediate range, highly-portable OTDRs.

Sencore's MSA 1850 MPEG Service Analyzer

Sencore's MSA 1850 MPEG Service Analyzer is an MPEG analysis tool box suitable for on-the-spot analysis or problem spot monitoring, logging, and triggered recording. The analyzer features a Web-based user interface enabling local or remote engineers and technicians to see the video, parse out the contents, and analyze MPEG transport streams.

Distinguishing features: The MSA 1850's rugged design makes it suitable for use in the field as well as in the headend, lab, or broadcast studio. The analyzer incorporates the most commonly used inputs as part of the standard package, including RF (QAM and 8-VSB), ASI, and IP (standard RJ45 or optical), so engineers and technicians will have the correct input or interface to complete the job. In addition to MPEG, the MSA 1850 also performs RF and IP testing.

The real-time analysis application on the MPEG Service Analyzer allows users to view all the contents of the transport stream, including: individual PID\TS descriptors and data rates; all of the table data including construction of an electronic program guide; and details on packet loss, timing jitter, repetition rates, and more.

Deployments: Sencore reports that many of the major cable operators are implementing the MSA 1850 MPEG Service Analyzer into to their systems.

Integrated Upstream and Downstream Monitoring System

Sunrise Telecom's realWORX automated broadband performance verification system monitors both upstream and downstream signal quality from cable headends or hubs. Applications include:

• Monitoring upstream return path spectrum, including RF signal, ingress, and laser nonlinear operation above 65 MHz and sending real-time return path spectrum traces from multiple analyzers to multiple field personnel simultaneously (using optional realVIEW controller)
• Monitoring forward path downstream channels, including analog and digital QAM measurements and performing real-time remote spectrum view and analysis
• Monitoring digital carriers such as high-speed Internet, digital TV, VOD, and VoIP to detect impairments before customer service is affected
• Performing historical trend analysis

Distinguishing Features: The realWORX Performance Verification System monitors the forward and return path using the same hardware (spectrum analyzer and RF switches), which reduces operational costs; uses Sunrise Telecom's AT2500HMQ broadband spectrum analyzer at its core; and features a fast scan rate (2 ms), high-sensitivity (-65dBmV) and 500 pts resolution, and programming flexibility to detect transient and low-level RF impairments. The system's improved speed (now two times faster), enables it to monitor 80 nodes per second.

Deployments: Sunrise Telecom reports that all major MSOs in North America are using the realWORX Performance Verification System.

IP Test Point Doubles as E-MTA

Tollgrade's Cheetah CMD-E is a DOCSIS-based, outdoor-hardened IP test point. When coupled with the CheetahXD Broadband Assurance Platform, it enables cable operators to monitor proactively the network's ability to transport premium data and VoIP services from the headend to the end of line. The CMD-E is environmentally hardened and line-powered in a cabinet or strand-mountable housing for deployment anywhere in the RF network. The CMD-E integrates the functionality of a DOCSIS-based cable modem with an E-MTA customized for IP and VoIP testing.

Distinguishing features: The Cheetah CMD-E is a fixed-point, DOCSIS-based device/transponder that runs an advanced suite of VoIP/VoCable tests. Because the CMD-E can be used as an E-MTA, operators can complete a voice call to it, while measuring and analyzing key performance indicators (such as R-factor, jitter, latency, and packet loss), to derive useful measurements, such as Mean Opinion Score (MOS). These metrics allow cable operators to gauge the network's ability to carry and provide VoIP services, and proactively monitor the network for degradation in quality so they can perform corrective action.

Deployments: According to Tollgrade, the Cheetah CMD-E is in various stages of evaluation with several major domestic and international providers.

Lightweight OTDR Optimized for Short Links

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. launched its new AXS-100 Access Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) test applications. The lightweight, handheld AXS-100 OTDR is optimized for testing short links within access networks. Field technicians can use it at the optical network terminal, drop terminal, fiber distribution hub (where the splitter is located), or at the central office.

Distinguishing features: The unit is available in various wavelength configurations, including 1550 nm and 1310/1550 nm. Special-filtered 1625 nm and 1650 nm models are also available for live-fiber FTTx troubleshooting. One-button, automated testing generates acquisitions within five seconds, while as many as 500 acquisitions can be stored. The AXS-100 is powered by the Windows CE/Mobile operating system and equipped with an advanced transflective screen for heightened visibility under demanding conditions (sunlight, darkness, fog, etc.). It can be equipped with multiple functionalities, including a power meter, visual fault locator, fiber inspection probe, and portable printer.

Deployments: EXFO reports that Time Warner and Comcast have purchased the unit with an ongoing product evaluation at Comcast.

Measurement System Features Template Monitoring

Rohde & Schwarz has added a template monitoring function to its R&S DVM — a measurement system for monitoring, analyzing, recording, and generating MPEG-2 transport streams. The template monitoring function is available for all instruments in the R&S DVM family. New standards such as AVC/H.264, MPEG-4, or VC1 (WM9) are now supported — both for SDTV and HDTV. And the company has added an expansion for buffer analysis in realtime.

Distinguishing features: The template monitoring function supports service-level monitoring to detect errors occurring during program transmission. This is done by continuous real-time comparison of the monitored transport stream with a parameter list that the user predefines. The monitoring parameters are easily created via the golden stream capture function. The R&S DVM creates the list at the press of a button. Cable operators also can generate the list by means of an editor specifically developed for this function. The R&S DVM can exchange these lists via XML files to link to third-party systems.

Deployments: Rohde & Schwarz does not release customer deployment information.

Test a Modem or MTA in 10 Minutes or Less

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 technician through each test, with only one input required for test startup. Technicians can test a PacketCable or DOCSIS device in less than 10 minutes, reports Incognito.

Distinguishing features: 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 properly are 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.

Deployments: Incognito Software did not release deployment information.

Website | Advertise | Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Calendar | Links | Advisory Board | Archive | Listen to BGR! | Contact Us | Contact the Editor