Protocol analysis software targets Ethernet field-test apps

November 15, 2005 Quebec City, Canada -- EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering has released its EXpert Network Protocol Analyzer (NPA), a software platform that enables network service providers (NSPs) to quickly and easily identify network problems by capturing, filtering, and decoding Ethernet and higher-layer traffic, according to the company.

The company contends that NSP field-test requirements are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, since many of them offer fully managed services that require in-depth analysis when network problems occur. In response to this trend, the company says it offers the EXpertNPA platform as an option for its FTB-400 Universal Test System, in order to deliver a comprehensive, easily used suite of test and diagnostic tools for telecom field technicians.

According to the company, the EXpertNPA platform decodes hundreds of protocols but, more importantly, displays the retrieved information in a contextual way, thus simplifying the task while accelerating network problem analysis. The company says that combining these capabilities with its FTB-8510 Packet Blazer Ethernet test module creates a powerful and complete toolset for the turn-up and troubleshooting of Ethernet-based services. According to the company, when used in conjunction with the Packet Blazer, the EXpertNPA platform allows customers to perform deeper analysis of network traffic, thereby simplifying the deployment of new services or applications, without the need for a second test instrument.

"As network testing becomes increasingly complex with the emergence of converged IP-based networking, field technicians require more comprehensive, yet simple and efficient tools to carry out their tests," comments Benoit Fleury, EXFO's vice president of protocol layer product management. "By providing unique capabilities, such as user-definable reporting and advanced filtering, and by leveraging the powerful PC/Windows capabilities of our FTB-400 field-test platform, the EXpert Network Protocol Analyzer becomes a valuable integrated tool for field-testing personnel involved in turning up and troubleshooting Ethernet-based services."