UTEL touts in-field FTTC test capabilities

UTEL, which offers test and measurement capabilities for broadband access networks (see, for example, "UTEL unveils proactive PON management system"), says it has revamped its last-mile copper testing technology to enable it to fit into fielded fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) installations.

The FTTC network test technology is designed to identify line faults and their location, which enables operators to streamline fault resolution. The new retrofit version of the technology was developed at the behest of a European carrier who has now ordered the equipment, UTEL says.

The company says the FTTC test capabilities, based on UTEL's Test Access Switch Matrix (TASM) technology, does not rely on an active modem at the customer location. It detects and locates faults from the network operators contact center.

"With our latest product, the aim is simple," said Frank Kaufhold, Managing Director of UTEL. "Operators are well aware of the benefits last-mile copper testing technology brings but having to build it into the design of new cabinets was limiting so we wanted to condense everything down in order for it to be added at any time in a cabinet's life-span."

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