Advanced SONET/SDH Access and Metro Testing
EXFO’s FTB-8115 Transport Blazer test module combines advanced DSn/PDH and SONET/SDH test functions in a single unit, eliminating the need for multiple, purpose-built test platforms for the commissioning or troubleshooting of T1/E1 to OC-48/STM-16 circuits. The extensive list of DSn, SONET, PDH and SDH features available on the FTB-8115 Transport Blazer allows users to perform a wide range of tests from simple bit-error-rate (BER) analysis to more advanced network characterization and troubleshooting. These functions include:
- Mixed and bulk payload generation and analysis from 64 kbit/s to 2.5 Gbit/s
- High-order mappings: STS-1/3c/12c/48c and AU-3/AU-4/AU-4-4c/16c
- Low-order mappings: VT1.5/2/6, TU-11/12/2/3
- Section, line, high-order (HO) and low-order (LO) path overhead manipulation and monitoring
- Section, line, high-order and low-order path alarm/error generation and monitoring
- High-order and low-order pointer generation and monitoring
- Performance monitoring: G.821, G.826, G.828, G.829, M.2100, M.2101
- Frequency analysis and power measurement
- Frequency offset generation
- Automatic protection switching and service disruption time measurements
- Round-trip delay measurements
- DS1/DS3 auto-detection of line code, framing and test pattern
- Dual DS1/DS3 receiver testing
- Independent transmitter and receiver testing
- Through mode analysis
- Programmable error/alarm injection
- DS1 FDL
- DS1 loopcodes and NI/CSU loopback emulation
- Fractional T1/E1 testing
- DS3 FEAC
- Tandem connection monitoring
SmartMode: Real-Time Signal Structure Discovery and Monitoring
EXFO’s FTB-8115 Transport Blazer supports a unique feature called SmartMode. This provides users with full visibility of all high-order (STS/AU) and low-order (VT/TU) mixed mappings within the incoming SONET/SDH test signal.
SmartMode automatically discovers the signal structure of the OC-n/STM-n line, including mixed mappings. In addition to this in-depth multichannel visibility, SmartMode performs real-time monitoring of all discovered high-order paths and user selected low-order paths simultaneously, providing users with the industry’s most powerful SONET/SDH multichannel monitoring and troubleshooting solution. Real-time monitoring allows users to easily isolate network faults, saving valuable time and minimizing service disruption. SmartMode also provides one-touch test case start, allowing users to quickly configure a desired test path.
Unsurpassed Configuration and Operational Flexibility
Multiplatform Support and Versatility
The FTB-8115 Transport Blazer module is supported and interchangeable on the FTB-500 Platform or the FTB-200 Compact Platform. This cross-platform support provides users with added flexibility by enabling them to select the appropriate platform that suits their testing needs. EXFO is the first and only test solution provider to offer this versatility, delivering single to multi-application test solutions with the same hardware module, which in turn dramatically reduces capital expenditures.
Inserted in the FTB-200 Compact Platform, the FTB-8115 Transport Blazer module delivers SONET/SDH test functions in a small, lightweight platform, ideal for field technicians’ installation and commissioning needs. When combined with the FTB-200’s optional integrated high-precision power meter, visual fault locator and fiber scope, this solution provides all the critical test tools required for day-to-day activities, eliminating the need to carry and manage multiple test sets.
Using the FTB-500 platform provides users with an all-in-one solution supporting a mix of SONET/SDH, OTN, Ethernet, Fibre Channel and optical-layer test modules, making it the industry’s first truly integrated network testing platform. This modularity enables users to upgrade their systems in the field according to their testing needs. This multiservice test platform is the ideal solution for field, central office and lab applications.
Remote Management
Through the optical Visual Guardian Lite™ management software, the FTB-8115 Transport Blazer module allows users to perform remote testing and data analysis, as well as remote monitoring via standard Ethernet or remote dial-up connections.
Automated Test Scripting
When configured for the FTB-400 and the FTB-500 platforms, the FTB-8115 Transport Blazer comes with a built-in macrorecorder, allowing users to easily record their test actions and automatically create test scripts. This also allows them to build standard test routines that can be easily accessed and run by field technicians with little or no manual intervention.
Test Logger and Reporting
EXFO’s FTB-8115 Transport Blazer module supports a detailed test logger and test reporting tools, enabling users to view any errors/alarms that occurred during the test interval, which can then be used for post-processing of results or SLA conformance validation.