Acterna launches integrated module for 10-Gb Ethernet, SONET/SDH testing

March 16, 2005 Germantown, MD -- Acterna, a developer of test and management platforms for broadband communications, has introduced an integrated transport module that provides its T-BERD and MTS-8000 field platforms with Ethernet and SONET/SDH testing capabilities.

The company says that by integrating Ethernet, SONET, SDH, PDH, and T-carrier technologies, the module allows network operators to use a single portable instrument to test 1.5-Mbit/sec to 10-Gbit/sec transmissions. Combined with the fiber capabilities of the platforms' other user interface modules, the transport module provides test functionality for the deployment and maintenance of these optical network services.

"The addition of the transport module to the T-BERD and MTS-8000 platforms illustrates the powerful scalability that these platforms provide, enabling existing customers to deploy new revenue-generating services by leveraging their existing T-BERD and MTS-8000 solutions," remarks Helmut Berg, president of Acterna's telecom division.

The module's advanced applications include simultaneous performance of five BER tests, QoS measurement, and verifying switch times for automatic protection.

The company says its test platforms are based on the industry-standard T-BERD, ANT, TestPad, and MTS product families. Combining multiple test capabilities with field modularity, the platforms enable maintenance and provisioning for short-haul, long-haul, FTTx, Metro, CWDM, transport, data, and DWDM networks. The platforms' integrated modular options include support for video microscope, VFL, light source, power meter, and optical talk settings. Application modules include SONET, SDH, Ethernet, multimode and single mode OTDRs, PMD, spectral attenuation, CD, WDM, as well as single- and dual-port OSA.