Remote broadband testing

Telecommunications Americas, Feb, 2005

mPhase

www.mphase.com

If telcos are going to maintain the same reliability on their broadband networks as on their traditional PSTNs, they need a system that performs preventative network maintenance. Enter mPhase and its Broadband Loop Watch System, Model 1 (BLW1), an automated remote loop testing system that enables independent remote test access to both the line and CO equipment sides of a loop. Through its modular design, the BLW1 supports separate, phased deployment of test access functions. The system is integrated and interoperates with any test head system and can support RS232, RS485 or Ethernet control. Switching supports probing each loop independently in an impedance-controlled fabric. A high impedance mode allows test access without causing DSL modems to resynchronize during testing. The BLW1's TL1 interface, which is interoperable with any test OSS, will allow a service provider to perform real-time testing to determine if a customer's line is eligible for DSL. And whereas traditional test access is restricted to the loop side of the splitter, which limits the service provider's ability to isolate faults, the BLW1 provides direct connections to any network element on all sides of the splitter. In addition, the system supports an optional integrated splitter for DSL applications.