If you’re looking to Sell Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL 10/100 Ethernet Field Tester

Highlights

• Emulate an ADSL, ADSL 2, and ADSL 2+ modem with upstream/downstream and graphical results
• Analyse IPTV streams to determine your customer’s Quality of Experience
• Verify high-speed internet service using Ping, TraceRoute, Web Browser and OAM loopbacks.
• Find faults with a resistive fault locator (RFL) and a 26kft (8km) time domain reflectometer (TDR)
• Pre-qualify pairs for xDSL services with spectrum and noise analysis, and insertion loss to 12MHz
• Quickly see faults or view results on a large graphical display

 

For true end-to-end testing, service providers can use Tech-X Plus to test from the customer’s media gateway to the DSLAM and then on to the ATM/Ethernet backbone; and then to the Internet, voice, or video service provider.

Tech-X Plus’ expert copper, DSL, and IP diagnostics eliminate the need for a technician to be expert at new technologies. Tech-X Plus diagnostics automatically indicate the source of the problem and in plain English suggest the next steps.

By using one of the numerous connection options with test automation, the field technician quickly gains access to central office support and network resources during installation or troubleshooting.

Thorough testing of the end-users’ voice, video, and data service reduces the customer’s wait between the service order initiation and service availability. In addition, if service interruptions occur, the resolution time is drastically reduced. With Tech-X Plus, service providers can confidently increase broadband IP service availability while attracting and retaining satisfied customers.

Comprehensive Copper Fault Analysis
Using the Multimeter (DVOM) features in Tech-X Plus, technicians easily identify AC and DC faults shown by large screen results and help menus. Tests for voltage, current, capacitance (opens), resistance, and balance identify the presence of these faults. After faults are shown to exist, the Tech-X Plus’ precise, long-range TDR finds the location of those faults with a simple push of a button. In addition, high-resistive faults can be found using the instrument’s unmatched RFL feature.

DSL Pre-qualification
The Tech-X Plus locates all types of faults. It is equipped with wideband noise and loss tests that provide qualitative testing and impairment diagnosis for pre-qualifying the loop before deployment of xDSL services. Furthermore, wideband Power Spectral Density (PSD) can be used to identify noise disturbers and is shown on a large graphical screen.

DSL and IP Service Installation
In addition to copper qualification measurements, Tech-X Plus performs complete DSL service testing. Using a combination of modem emulation, DSL expert diagnostics, and various ATM/IP tests such as Ping, TraceRoute and even a Web Browser, Tech-X Plus helps your technicians verify that your customer’s service is working. Plain text and graphical results enable isolation of in-home wiring, local loop faults, noise disturbers, bad or missing DSLAM cards, and mis-configured port configurations.

Buying, Selling, Trading Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL

Key Product Features

Automated Test Scripts
Tech-X Plus provides one-button test scripts tailored to service-specific Methods and Procedures (M&Ps). These scripts provide a quick indication that all required measurements have been made and that service levels have been met. As tests are performed, the user is automatically informed whether the results pass or fail pre-defined thresholds. These thresholds can be customized by a manager. This process standardizes testing and offers technicians the highest degree of confidence the service works properly and additional dispatches are not required.

Data Storage
All test results can be stored on the Tech-X Plus using a timestamp, a unique name and other pertinent information. Field supervisors can automatically receive collected results that provide a real-time assessment of crew progress. If results do not pass thresholds, the supervisor can be immediately notified. These results also identify technicians who are not consistently following M&Ps or who may need additional training. Such trending information is also valuable for plant engineering and planning.

Expert Analysis
The Tech-X Plus employs Spirent’s automated expert diagnostics to accelerate troubleshooting in the field. By pressing a single button, an automated test is performed, and its results are immediately analyzed and correlated to identify faults. The faults are prioritized according to the greatest impact on service. For field technicians, guesswork is removed from testing. Quick isolation and repair of faults is ensured.

 

Applications

xDSL Modem Emulation
Tech-X Plus emulates the xTU-R, enabling field technicians to separate network issues from in-house problems. The instrument emulates the xTU-R (customer modem) and trains with the DSLAM in the central office or remote terminal. By training with the DSLAM, results such as upstream/downstream rates, noise margin and errors are provided. Graphical results such as bits/bin and noise/bin are easily viewable on a large screen.

The Tech-X has a single onboard modem that emulates ADSL, ADSL2, and ADSL2+. This removes the need for multiple plug-in modules to be carried by the field technician which can end up damaged or lost.

DSL Expert Diagnostics
ADSL 2/2+ standards provide Management Information Bases (MIBs) for service technicians to obtain expert diagnostics on the source of low data rates. This can be done without interpreting hundreds of individual results. Using the DSL Expert Diagnostics option, a technician receives a report indicating disturbers such as bridged taps, missing micro filters, WB noise (e.g., T1, HDSL) and how they directly impact the data rate. Results are provided in plain text.

This option guides troubleshooting activities. The field technician avoids wasting time on problems that do not impact the data rate, thereby minimizing MTTR. The Tech-X Plus diagnostics option eliminates the need for each dispatched technician to be an expert at these new technologies. Fault isolation is quickly and reliably performed.

IP Video Testing
The Tech-X Plus provides field technicians with a comprehensive, yet easy to use tool for diagnosing problems with IPTV deployments. One button testing provides the user with a quick indication as to the Quality of Experience as received by the user. This measurement is a VMOS score, which is a numeric value between 1 and 5 that is used as a rating of the TV picture as seen by the customer. Should a more detailed analysis be required, measurements such as jitter, delay and packet loss can all be performed.

IP/ATM Testing
Once the xDSL link has been activated, the customer’s data, voice, and video services must be verified with various IP and ATM measurements. The field technician should attempt to verify connectivity to the Internet service provider (ISP) using various IP measurements such as an IP ping. By using a URL in a ping or trace route test, the technician is assured the customer can reach the desired IP address and that the domain name server (DNS) works properly. Tests such as a TraceRoute identify where excessive delay is introduced or how far the customer’s traffic can traverse the network before a failure. By using Tech-X Plus features, the technician verifies without entering the customer’s home, thereby decreasing time at each job.

Web Browser
The Web browsing feature further enhances the field technician’s ability to verify DNS operation and can also be used to provide a fast, visual confirmation to the customer that their service is fully operational and thereby eliminates the need for the field technician’s laptop to be carried in the field.

 

Key Copper Features

Multimeter (DVOM)
Voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance (opens) measurements can be performed to determine loop length, capacitive and resistive balance, current and battery voltage. Furthermore, the Tech-X Plus identifies faults such as opens, shorts, battery crosses, bad splices, and more.

Time Domain Reflectometer
Tech-X Plus provides an extremely highprecision TDR so that load coils, bridged taps and faults can be found with ease. Fully functional and simple to operate, this TDR reduces time spent trying to locate the fault. Other TDR highlights include:

• Large graphical display for easy fault finding and analysis
• Isolation of faults 26,000ft (8km) away
• Auto detection of faults such as opens, short, bridgetaps, and more

Resistive Fault Locator (RFL)
RFL analysis is used for high-resistance faults that normally cannot be found by a TDR. Loop resistance, insulation resistance, and accurate location of ground and battery faults are easily found with a touch of a button.

Wideband Services Testing
DSL and other digital services require the loop be pre-qualified before service is installed. The Tech-X Plus performs wideband (WB) insertion loss up to 12MHz for comprehensive loss characterization of the copper pair. In addition, the Power Spectral Density feature automatically identifies noise disturbers of DSL service such as HDSL, T1 and others. These higher bandwidths are important for qualifying services such as ADSL 2+, VDSL and VDSL2, which far exceed the 1.1MHz spectrum covered by traditional ADSL testers. Graphical and numerical analyses of noise in WB frequencies quickly isolate and resolve trouble associated with intermittent modem sync and/or data rate. Lastly, a WB longitudinal balance measurement is available for stressing the copper pair at DSL frequencies to verify the noise immunity of the pair.

Installation of Voice Services
Various features such as drawing dial-tone, C-Message noise, VF loss and DVOM tests enable field technicians to ensure the voice (e.g. POTS) service meets service criteria after the copper pair has been conditioned. Various test numbers such as quiet termination, milliwatt and “drop battery” can be stored in the unit for automatic dialling before the measurement is made. Using the built-in speaker, the field technician can listen to various tones being received.

In-Band Controllable Remote Unit
The Tech-X Plus has an optional remote unit, simplifying field testing of wideband insertion loss measurements. Once placed on the correct pair, the remote unit reduces truck rolls and time consumed waiting for other technicians to complete a job. This unit can be remotely configured via the line under test and DTMF tones to perform various measurements. For example, the remote unit can be instructed to send wideband tones for the Tech-X Plus to receive. Lastly, once the trouble has been fixed, the field technician remotely configures a through mode and immediately places the customer back in service.

The Remote Unit also operates as a far end strap when running the RFL test. The Tech-X Plus will automatically command the Remote Unit to open and short the pair as necessary in order to obtain the required measurements. This cuts down on the number of journeys that must be made to the far end of the pair which are normally required when using a manual str
If you’re selling your Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL please fill out form on the right hand side of page.

If you’re looking to Sell Spirent Tech-X Flex 10/100 Ethernet Field Tester

SPIRENT TECH-X FLEX FIELD TESTER

Dual Ethernet Option:  Provides a second Ethernet interface to allow in-line/passive testing of IP services.

Web Browser Option:  Provides the ability to surf the web to verify internet and DNS functionality.

Dual MoCA Option:  Provides a second MoCA interface to allow in-line/passive testing of IP services.

Wi-FI Option:  Provides wireless communications to a PC as well as the ability to detect and measure signal strength and other Wi-Fi stats.

Tech-X Flex® is the field test solution for all telco and cable providers, enabling qualification of the service and troubleshooting of transport related issues within the consumer’s home.
Features:

• Modular platform architecture
• Ruggedized design meets stringent outside plant requirements
• Large, color VGA touch-screen display with Extended battery pack performance
• Back-office integration capability for test results, trouble ticketing and work force systems
• Passive Video Monitoring and MoCA or Ethernet
• Wireless Network identification and connection validation
• Integral Web browser
• IP Testing: Ping, Trace Route, FTP

Flex is the field test solution for all telco and cable providers, enabling qualification of the service and troubleshooting of transport and service related issues within the consumer’s home and in the outside plant.

New modular platform has been designed for use in a wide range of applications, equally suited to testing inside the home as for outside plant environments. Its high resolution, touch screen display and powerful processing capability delivers the most advanced test set on the market. Coupled with its ability to push data to almost any external location, Tech-X Flex offers a level of capability normally associated with a PC–not a test set with such a small form factor.

In-home network is considered one of the last major hurdles service providers will have to overcome to efficiently deliver Triple Play services to the consumer. Previously, the in-home network was the responsibility of the consumer. However, providers have spent billions of dollars on both network and access infrastructure. They now view the in-home network as a potential stumbling block which can mean keeping or losing subscribers. The high penetration of cable TV and satellite services has resulted in ready-to-use network installations of coaxial cabling within the subscriber home. New technologies such as MoCA and HPNA have been developed to operate on these networks and allow high-speed transfer of video between devices within the home.

New in-home technologies come additional requirements for maintaining and troubleshooting. Tech-X Flex provides a complete set of test features to ensure any problems within the home are diagnosed and resolved in an efficient and timely manner–ensuring ultimate customer satisfaction.
IN HOME TRIPLE PLAY TESTING
The in-home network is considered one of the last major hurdles service providers will have to overcome to efficiently deliver Triple Play services to the consumer. Previously, the in-home network was the responsibility of the consumer. However, providers have spent billions of dollars on both network and access infrastructure. They now view the in-home network as a potential stumbling block which can mean keeping or losing subscribers.

The high penetration of cable TV and satellite services has resulted in ready-to-use network installations of coaxial cabling within the subscriber home. New technologies such as MoCA have been developed to operate on these networks and allow high-speed transfer of video between devices within the home

WEB BROWSER
The Web Browser allows technicians to verify Web connectivity from within the customer premise over the 802.11 (WiFi) or 10/100 Ethernet connections. This removes the need for the technician to carry the laptop to the customer premise to prove the service. Although Ping and TraceRoute functions may provide connectivity to destinations across the internet, they do not guarantee the absence of DNS issues which may be hampering your customer’s attempts to access various Web sites.

A high resolution, color display and touch screen allow the Web Browser to be used as a configuration tool for either the customer’s home router or any central office Web-based portals. This further eliminates the need for removing the laptop from the truck.

INTEGRATION
Tech-X Flex has been designed with integration in mind. Integration to local PCs, integration to back office systems. In fact, anything that a field technician’s laptop normally integrates with.

802.11
The WiFi link from the home router is often viewed as a problematic area for service providers. Using an integrated 802.11 modem, Tech-X Flex can help troubleshoot issues related to the connection link as well as providing the capability to test over that link using tests such as Ping, TraceRoute , Packet Loss, Throughput and Web browser.

Tech-X Flex allows the technician to validate the consumer’s network is configured, as it should be by way of verifying the SSID name, channel usage and encryption type used. Signal strength measurements help locate areas within the home that may be suffering from poor coverage and detect interfering networks.

RESULTS STORAGE AND TRANSMISSION
Tech-X Flex offers unlimited storage capacity due to both the large internal memory and external capability via the USB slot. USB flash drives can be used for result storage, offering an inexpensive method for saving. All results are timestamped and stored in XML along with the test set’s serial number, and the technician’s name and ID number.

The retrieval of results from the Tech-X Flex differs from the normal method of hooking up a PC to pull the results from the test set. Tech-X Flex is easily configurable to have all results automatically pushed from the Tech-X Flex when they are saved. These results can be sent via Ethernet or 802.11. The field technician decides whether the results are sent to a back-office database, to a laptop in the truck or e-mailed to a supervisor.

MOCA Module

Provides a single MoCA interface for joining a MoCA  network to measure various stats such as throughput,  bandwidth map, individual node performance, TX/TX bit  loading per node, etc.

Cable Services Module  V1 with DOCSIS Module

Provides support for 5-45MHz upstream and up to 1GHz  downstream RF video testing including SLM, MER, BER, Constellation, Spectral analysis, Tilt, HUM and other critical RF testing functions. Also provides DOCSIS 3.0 testing support including connect to CMTS, statistics, IP testing,  ECB Mode and Automated scripts

Buying, Selling, Trading Spirent Tech-X Flex

 

If you’re selling your Spirent Tech-X Flex please fill out form on the right hand side of page.

If you’re looking to Sell Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL Copper / ADSL2+ Tester

Highlights

• Emulate an ADSL, ADSL 2, and ADSL 2+ modem with upstream/downstream and graphical results
• Analyse IPTV streams to determine your customer’s Quality of Experience
• Verify high-speed internet service using Ping, TraceRoute, Web Browser and OAM loopbacks.
• Find faults with a resistive fault locator (RFL) and a 26kft (8km) time domain reflectometer (TDR)
• Pre-qualify pairs for xDSL services with spectrum and noise analysis, and insertion loss to 12MHz
• Quickly see faults or view results on a large graphical display

 

For true end-to-end testing, service providers can use Tech-X Plus to test from the customer’s media gateway to the DSLAM and then on to the ATM/Ethernet backbone; and then to the Internet, voice, or video service provider.

Tech-X Plus’ expert copper, DSL, and IP diagnostics eliminate the need for a technician to be expert at new technologies. Tech-X Plus diagnostics automatically indicate the source of the problem and in plain English suggest the next steps.

By using one of the numerous connection options with test automation, the field technician quickly gains access to central office support and network resources during installation or troubleshooting.

Thorough testing of the end-users’ voice, video, and data service reduces the customer’s wait between the service order initiation and service availability. In addition, if service interruptions occur, the resolution time is drastically reduced. With Tech-X Plus, service providers can confidently increase broadband IP service availability while attracting and retaining satisfied customers.

Comprehensive Copper Fault Analysis
Using the Multimeter (DVOM) features in Tech-X Plus, technicians easily identify AC and DC faults shown by large screen results and help menus. Tests for voltage, current, capacitance (opens), resistance, and balance identify the presence of these faults. After faults are shown to exist, the Tech-X Plus’ precise, long-range TDR finds the location of those faults with a simple push of a button. In addition, high-resistive faults can be found using the instrument’s unmatched RFL feature.

DSL Pre-qualification
The Tech-X Plus locates all types of faults. It is equipped with wideband noise and loss tests that provide qualitative testing and impairment diagnosis for pre-qualifying the loop before deployment of xDSL services. Furthermore, wideband Power Spectral Density (PSD) can be used to identify noise disturbers and is shown on a large graphical screen.

DSL and IP Service Installation
In addition to copper qualification measurements, Tech-X Plus performs complete DSL service testing. Using a combination of modem emulation, DSL expert diagnostics, and various ATM/IP tests such as Ping, TraceRoute and even a Web Browser, Tech-X Plus helps your technicians verify that your customer’s service is working. Plain text and graphical results enable isolation of in-home wiring, local loop faults, noise disturbers, bad or missing DSLAM cards, and mis-configured port configurations.

 

Key Product Features

Automated Test Scripts
Tech-X Plus provides one-button test scripts tailored to service-specific Methods and Procedures (M&Ps). These scripts provide a quick indication that all required measurements have been made and that service levels have been met. As tests are performed, the user is automatically informed whether the results pass or fail pre-defined thresholds. These thresholds can be customized by a manager. This process standardizes testing and offers technicians the highest degree of confidence the service works properly and additional dispatches are not required.

Data Storage
All test results can be stored on the Tech-X Plus using a timestamp, a unique name and other pertinent information. Field supervisors can automatically receive collected results that provide a real-time assessment of crew progress. If results do not pass thresholds, the supervisor can be immediately notified. These results also identify technicians who are not consistently following M&Ps or who may need additional training. Such trending information is also valuable for plant engineering and planning.

Expert Analysis
The Tech-X Plus employs Spirent’s automated expert diagnostics to accelerate troubleshooting in the field. By pressing a single button, an automated test is performed, and its results are immediately analyzed and correlated to identify faults. The faults are prioritized according to the greatest impact on service. For field technicians, guesswork is removed from testing. Quick isolation and repair of faults is ensured.

 

Applications

xDSL Modem Emulation
Tech-X Plus emulates the xTU-R, enabling field technicians to separate network issues from in-house problems. The instrument emulates the xTU-R (customer modem) and trains with the DSLAM in the central office or remote terminal. By training with the DSLAM, results such as upstream/downstream rates, noise margin and errors are provided. Graphical results such as bits/bin and noise/bin are easily viewable on a large screen.

The Tech-X has a single onboard modem that emulates ADSL, ADSL2, and ADSL2+. This removes the need for multiple plug-in modules to be carried by the field technician which can end up damaged or lost.

DSL Expert Diagnostics
ADSL 2/2+ standards provide Management Information Bases (MIBs) for service technicians to obtain expert diagnostics on the source of low data rates. This can be done without interpreting hundreds of individual results. Using the DSL Expert Diagnostics option, a technician receives a report indicating disturbers such as bridged taps, missing micro filters, WB noise (e.g., T1, HDSL) and how they directly impact the data rate. Results are provided in plain text.

This option guides troubleshooting activities. The field technician avoids wasting time on problems that do not impact the data rate, thereby minimizing MTTR. The Tech-X Plus diagnostics option eliminates the need for each dispatched technician to be an expert at these new technologies. Fault isolation is quickly and reliably performed.

IP Video Testing
The Tech-X Plus provides field technicians with a comprehensive, yet easy to use tool for diagnosing problems with IPTV deployments. One button testing provides the user with a quick indication as to the Quality of Experience as received by the user. This measurement is a VMOS score, which is a numeric value between 1 and 5 that is used as a rating of the TV picture as seen by the customer. Should a more detailed analysis be required, measurements such as jitter, delay and packet loss can all be performed.

IP/ATM Testing
Once the xDSL link has been activated, the customer’s data, voice, and video services must be verified with various IP and ATM measurements. The field technician should attempt to verify connectivity to the Internet service provider (ISP) using various IP measurements such as an IP ping. By using a URL in a ping or trace route test, the technician is assured the customer can reach the desired IP address and that the domain name server (DNS) works properly. Tests such as a TraceRoute identify where excessive delay is introduced or how far the customer’s traffic can traverse the network before a failure. By using Tech-X Plus features, the technician verifies without entering the customer’s home, thereby decreasing time at each job.

Web Browser
The Web browsing feature further enhances the field technician’s ability to verify DNS operation and can also be used to provide a fast, visual confirmation to the customer that their service is fully operational and thereby eliminates the need for the field technician’s laptop to be carried in the field.

 

Key Copper Features

Multimeter (DVOM)
Voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance (opens) measurements can be performed to determine loop length, capacitive and resistive balance, current and battery voltage. Furthermore, the Tech-X Plus identifies faults such as opens, shorts, battery crosses, bad splices, and more.

Time Domain Reflectometer
Tech-X Plus provides an extremely highprecision TDR so that load coils, bridged taps and faults can be found with ease. Fully functional and simple to operate, this TDR reduces time spent trying to locate the fault. Other TDR highlights include:

• Large graphical display for easy fault finding and analysis
• Isolation of faults 26,000ft (8km) away
• Auto detection of faults such as opens, short, bridgetaps, and more

Resistive Fault Locator (RFL)
RFL analysis is used for high-resistance faults that normally cannot be found by a TDR. Loop resistance, insulation resistance, and accurate location of ground and battery faults are easily found with a touch of a button.

Wideband Services Testing
DSL and other digital services require the loop be pre-qualified before service is installed. The Tech-X Plus performs wideband (WB) insertion loss up to 12MHz for comprehensive loss characterization of the copper pair. In addition, the Power Spectral Density feature automatically identifies noise disturbers of DSL service such as HDSL, T1 and others. These higher bandwidths are important for qualifying services such as ADSL 2+, VDSL and VDSL2, which far exceed the 1.1MHz spectrum covered by traditional ADSL testers. Graphical and numerical analyses of noise in WB frequencies quickly isolate and resolve trouble associated with intermittent modem sync and/or data rate. Lastly, a WB longitudinal balance measurement is available for stressing the copper pair at DSL frequencies to verify the noise immunity of the pair.

Installation of Voice Services
Various features such as drawing dial-tone, C-Message noise, VF loss and DVOM tests enable field technicians to ensure the voice (e.g. POTS) service meets service criteria after the copper pair has been conditioned. Various test numbers such as quiet termination, milliwatt and “drop battery” can be stored in the unit for automatic dialling before the measurement is made. Using the built-in speaker, the field technician can listen to various tones being received.

In-Band Controllable Remote Unit
The Tech-X Plus has an optional remote unit, simplifying field testing of wideband insertion loss measurements. Once placed on the correct pair, the remote unit reduces truck rolls and time consumed waiting for other technicians to complete a job. This unit can be remotely configured via the line under test and DTMF tones to perform various measurements. For example, the remote unit can be instructed to send wideband tones for the Tech-X Plus to receive. Lastly, once the trouble has been fixed, the field technician remotely configures a through mode and immediately places the customer back in service.

The Remote Unit also operates as a far end strap when running the RFL test. The Tech-X Plus will automatically command the Remote Unit to open and short the pair as necessary in order to obtain the required measurements. This cuts down on the number of journeys that must be made to the far end of the pair which are normally required when using a manual strap.

Buying, Selling, Trading Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL

If you’re selling your Spirent Tech-X Plus xDSL please fill out form on the right hand side of page
.