Residential network services

Installing gigabit broadband services? Ensure all testing requirements and best practices have been followed and that everything is up and running.  Equip technicians with the unique capability to find and fix throughput issues before leaving the premises.

Here are a few best practices to consider for faster, more reliable residential services deployments:

1. Testing in multiple rooms: Signal in one room may be excellent, but mediocre in another room (e.g., basement) due to bad residential gateway, router positioning or obstacles (2/3 signal lost through brick or concrete). Technicians must test the WiFi signal in all rooms of the house to ensure signal is optimal especially given today’s demanding consumer trends (e.g., 4K video streaming).
2. Testing real-life throughput: Testing speeds over WiFi using a low-performance computer can lead to misleading results due to interference or incapacity to achieve high speeds. There’s also a huge difference in performance depending on the various device types and vendors, even with the same 802.11 capabilities. Technicians need to be able to measure the real-life throughput to check if the speed delivered is the speed promised with a reference unit as ‘golden WiFi device’.
3. 4 GHz offers longer reach than 5 GHz signals however 5 GHz offers higher throughput. Technicians must be aware of the trade-offs to configure systems onsite accordingly. Their equipment must be able to test both frequency bands.
4. Following thorough testing, properly equipped technicians should issue a detailed birth certificate before leaving the premises to attest that everything is up and running.

Get everything right on your first visit.

EXFO provides network operators with the expert testing knowledge, tools and environment they need to bridge the OPEX gap created by the increased demand for bandwidth. With intelligent, automated and integrated test solutions backed by field-proven methods and procedures, getting reliable results on the first try is now possible using smart yet easy-to-use test equipment.