Agilent Technologies Introduces Newest Comprehensive Handheld Test Set for Field Network Technicians

Business Wire, June 4, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2001

Tester Speeds Installation Tasks and Troubleshooting with

SONET/SDH/PDH Testing at Line Rates of Up to OC-48

Supercomm 2001 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced its newest handheld test set, a comprehensive tool set created for field installation and maintenance testing of access network services and customer equipment.

The Agilent N4553A OC-48/STM-16 Handheld Tester allows technicians to analyze and evaluate SDH, SONET, PDH and T-Carrier network services and equipment, at line rates up to OC-48, from a single test set. By integrating a full range of testing options and interfaces into one instrument, this handheld tester speeds installation tasks and troubleshooting in the field, while reducing service provider testing costs and training time.

The Agilent N4553A OC-48/STM-16 Handheld Tester complements Agilent's new multi-rate 10 Gb/s and 2.5 Gb/s transmission test sets, aimed at the testing needs of edge and core network service providers and equipment manufacturers.

This compact, battery-powered handheld tester can be used for bit error rate analysis, error and alarm testing and automated network performance evaluation against numerous industry standards (G.821, G.826, M.2100 and M.2101). Built-in interfaces allow field personnel to test multiple network topologies (line and ring) at 16 different electrical and optical line rates and framing standards without the need to change modules or utilize multiple test sets. This handheld tester weighs slightly more than five pounds and can operate on battery or external power.

Up to 100 events can be monitored simultaneously through the tester's 10 external LED displays. Color codes on the LEDs simplify tracking of errors, pointer events, slip and alarms on the line, while the product's large color touch screen and three-layer graphical interface simplify ergonomics and eliminate the need to use multiple keystrokes to select tests, view results and store data for future reference.

This handheld can be operated in through, mux/demux, OOS and ISM modes for testing access network equipment prior to installation, at service turn-up or for passive monitoring. It automatically detects signal framing, maps channels on the line for testing and identifies and displays existing errors and alarms on the link. Specific test sequences can be easily programmed to display simple pass/fail results.

Additional product information and specifications, as well as information on Agilent's complete line of handheld field test equipment, are available at www.agilent.com/comms/sonetsdh.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Base pricing on the Agilent N4553A SONET/SDH/PDH Handheld Tester with OC-48/STM-16 testing capability is available by calling 800/452-4844. Other product configurations are also available.

The entire range of equipment will be on display at Agilent booth No. 4432 at Supercomm 2001.

Agilent in Communications

Agilent Technologies is a leading provider of components, test, measurement, monitoring and management solutions for the communications industry. Agilent enables designers, manufacturers and service providers to accelerate the delivery of next-generation devices, networks and services. Agilent's broad set of solutions and services includes optical, wireless, Internet and broadband technologies that span the entire communications lifecycle.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.