AUGUST 21, 2006 -- Anritsu Instruments Co., a subsidiary of Anritsu Corp. (Search Anritsu), today announced the availability of a next-generation option for the CMA5000 XTA (eXtended Transport Analysis application) module, which provides new test functions for testing Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) and Ethernet over SDH/SONET (EoS).
This option is supported by the existing XTA-2.5Gig modules and does not require a new module. As a result, the XTA modules, when equipped with this option, can test both legacy and next-generation SONET/SDH networks while remaining very portable.
The option is able to manage both GFP framings: GFP-Framed and GFP-Transparent. Consequently, the XTA module can test VCAT groups used for a variety of data rates--not just Ethernet rates. For example, next-generation SONET/SDH networks that carry Fibre Channel 1G or 2G can be tested with the XTA (via GFP-T).
The XTA module also offers Ethernet add/drop capability. It is possible to add and drop Ethernet traffic from a SDH/SONET signal for further analysis via an external Ethernet tester. Users who already have standalone Ethernet testers can use them for analyzing Ethernet over SDH/SONET. Thus, all the tests done by the external Ethernet tester are directly done on an Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH signal. The Ethernet add/drop capability is a smart and cheap way of extending the XTA capacities, say company representatives.
"For operators and carriers, the advantages of the evolution of SONET/SDH networks are obvious: efficiency, flexibility, new service revenues and more," contends Arnaud Wroblewski, product manager, Anritsu. "However, for the engineers and technicians tasked with the installation, turn-up, and maintenance of today's networks, specific test instruments capable of handling these different technologies are needed."
The new analysis capabilities in the CMA 5000 will enable operators and manufacturers to measure the performance of next-generation SONET/SDH networks. All operations will be simplified by an easy-to-use graphical user interface that is characteristic of all CMA 5000 applications, says the company.
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