Testing Traditional and Packet-Based Ethernet TDM Services
Compatible with the FTB-200 Compact Platform and the FTB-500 Platform, the FTB-8105 Transport Blazer is ideally suited for TDM field service deployment and maintenance activities. This test module offers capabilities to test traditional TDM DSn and PDH electrical rates as well as the SONET and SDH electrical rates of up to 155 Mbit/s.
The growing demand for Ethernet-based services to small and medium sized enterprises is driving the need for new, cost-effective transmission technologies such as Ethernet-over-TDM. This in turn creates the need for solutions to test traditional TDM services with packet-based Ethernet test functions. The combined test capabilities of the FTB-8105 Transport Blazer and the FTB-8510B Packet Blazer modules provide customers with an integrated test solution to efficiently achieve such deployments.
DSn/PDH and SONET/SDH Service Turn-up and Troubleshooting
The FTB-8105 Transport Blazer module offers a wide range of TDM and SONET/SDH test functions, allowing users to perform tests ranging from simple bit error rate (BER) testing to advanced characterization and troubleshooting procedures. These functions include:
- Mixed and bulk payload generation and analysis from 64 kbit/s to 155 Mbit/s
- High-order mappings: STS-1/3c and AU-3/AU-4
- Low-order mappings: VT1.5/2/6 and VC-11/12/2/3
- Section/RS, line/MS, high-order (HO) and low-order (LO) path overhead manipulation and monitoring
- Section/RS, line/MS, high-order and low-order path alarm/error generation and monitoring
- High-order and low-order pointer generation and monitoring
- Tandem connection 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
- Independent transmitter and receiver testing
- Through mode analysis
- Programmable error/alarm injection
- DS1/DS3 auto-detection of line code, framing and test pattern
- Dual DS1/DS3 receiver testing
- DS1 FDL
- DS1 loopcodes and NI/CSU loopback emulation
- Fractional T1/E1 testing
- DS3 FEAC
SmartMode: Real-Time Signal Structure Discovery and Monitoring
EXFO’s FTB-8105 Transport Blazer module offers 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 electrical test signal.
SmartMode automatically discovers the signal structure of the STS-n/STM-n electrical rate line, including mixed mappings and virtual concatenation (VCAT) members. 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-8105 Transport Blazer module, similar to the FTB-8120/8130 modules, is supported and interchangeable on the FTB-500 Platform and 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 sole 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-8105 Transport Blazer module delivers DSn/PDH and SONET/SDH electrical test functions up to 155 Mbit/s in a small, lightweight platform, ideal for field technicians’ installation and commissioning needs.
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 optional Visual Guardian Lite™ management software, the FTB-8105 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-500 platform, the FTB-8105 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-8105 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.