Latest testing and diagnostic equipment - Buyers Guide

Communications News, May, 2001

VoIP and data testing

MEASURE THE QUALITY, PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY OF VoIP over policy-based networks. The SmartVoIPQoS system generates and analyzes thousands of VoIP flows and millions of IF data flows simultaneously, in real time. The QoS is reported for both the voice and data flows, and the corresponding voice-quality scores are reported for voice flows The Windows-based application uses the capabilities of SmartMetrics cards to generate traffic that represents different classes of service (voice, data, multimedia), at up to full-line rate. The application then analyzes the performance of each incoming stream to test a device or network's ability to forward large numbers of data and voice flows by measuring statistics, such as loss, latency and jitter, for every packet transmitted, t also analyzes the device's ability to correctly handle policies implemented in the network or device under test. SmartVoIPQoS supports testing for all applicable VoIP standards.--Spirent Communications-SmartBits Div.

www.spirentcom.com

Circle 325 for more information

Find cable faults

EASY-TO-USE CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION streamlines troubleshooting in copper telephone lines. The TS100 Cable Fault Finder provides an easy method for locating open- and short-circuited conductors. It helps to reduce labor costs and increase customer satisfaction by accurately pinpointing the location of trouble within seconds--all from one end of the cable. The TS100 works on virtually any two or more conductor cables up to 2,500', with no additional calibration for wire thickness, and uses five types of clips. The unit's proprietary use of time domain reflectometry technology eliminates the need for manual interpretation of test data--all analysis is done via the software, eliminating the potential for human error. The TS100 eliminates the guesswork involved in the interpretation of test results, allowing technicians of all skill levels to do their jobs quickly, easily and accurately.--Harris

www.harris.com

Circle 327 for more information

Fiber-optic fault finder

LOCATE FAULTS IN FIBER-OPTIC CABLES. The VFL-300 is a lightweight, handheld laser light source indicator used to pinpoint faults in fiber-optic cables. By emitting a bright red beam of light into the fiber, faults can be detected by the glowing or blinking red light. The indicator works with either multimode cable or single-mode cable, with distances up to three km. The VFL-300 can be used to make a visual inspection of the fiber and determine the exact location of the fault. It is also used to identify tight bends or crimps, faulty connections, damaged components, bad splices and fiber breaks. A red LED is provided to indicate when the laser is active. A second LED indicates a low battery. The VFL-300 is powered by a single AA battery, which allows up to 24 hours of continuous operation. --Corning Cable Systems

www.corningcablesystems.com

Circle 328 for more information

Fiber-optic microscope

COMPACT, VERSATILE, USER-FRIENDLY MICROSCOPE HAS SUPERIOR IMAGE QUALITY. The Fiberoptic Inspection Microscope features three built-in magnifications (150x, 175x and 200x); a universal adapter that accepts most ST, SC and FC 2.5 mm connector ferrules; focus wheel; eyepiece; and minimum/maximum zoom-control knob. The microscope eliminates the need to choose a different adapter for each magnification, use interchangeable eye pieces or purchase additional optics. Model FIM 150-200 is 5.75"x1.75"x.85", and weighs 5.1 oz. with batteries.--Clauss

www.claussco.com

Circle 322 for more information

Permanent link testing

AVOID FALSE FAILURES that add costly, unnecessary hours of troubleshooting and repeated testing. The DSP-LIA 101S Permanent Link Interface Adapter moves the baseline accuracy of the DSP-4000 Series Cable Analyzers to the end of the test adapter, delivering more accurate test results and standards compliance for field testing of twisted-pair cabling installations. The tester is an out-of-the-box CAT 6 solution that minimizes costly fail results associated with poor link interface adapters. Susceptible to the daily wear and tear associated with rough field conditions, typical adapter interface cables degrade with time and contribute to return loss. The Permanent Link Interface Adapter boosts the reliability of tests with a field-tough, proprietary design to survive field conditions and maintain the accuracy and stability required for measuring return loss.--Fluke Networks

www.flukenetwork.com

Circle 326 for more information

WLAN receiver for 802.11

IDENTIFY WIRELESS LAN EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS and monitor performance. The Cricket is a hand-held, wideband, wireless receiver designed for sweeping and optimizing LANs. The instrument measures coverage of FHSS CDMA networks operating on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The unit allows administrators to measure and determine the access point packet error rate and RSSI signal levels to help locate access points and hubs throughout a building. The Cricket can also display other sources of interference, such as microwave ovens and DSSS signals. The device features a backlit display, keypad and two removable battery packs.--Berkeley Varitronics Systems