AXS-200/635 | 30 MHz Copper Spectrum | VDSL2

Key features

Multilayer copper, DSL and triple-play analysis, for minimized CAPEX and OPEX

Affordable triple-play testing over VDSL2 and ADSL1/2/2+, including Ethernet in/out operation for FTTx deployments

30 MHz spectrum analysis for single-ended VDSL2, for a truck roll reduction

DSL, IPTV and VoIP service assurance using a comprehensive range of metrics such as DSL link speeds, multilayer fault analysis histogram, MDI* as well as IP packet loss and jitter (*the MDI feature of the IPTV software option is not available in the USA)

VDSL2 and ADSL2+ Annexes A, B, L and M support for ultimate network flexibility

INP and PhyR™: supports Broadcom’s PhyR™ functionality and legacy impulse noise protection parameters

User-definable automated test routines: presents easy-to-interpret pass/fail results

FTTx support: enables DSL and 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet assessment of triple-play services in Terminate and Pass Through mode

IPTV analysis: provides key IPTV qualification parameters with features such as set-top box (STB) emulation, join/leave requests, PCR jitter analysis and PID viewer

MDI* reporting: supports media delivery index (RFC 4445) for evaluating the IPTV quality of experience

VoIP analysis: ensures VoIP services are not affected by packet loss or jitter

Data analysis: offers a common set of measures such as ping, traceroute, HTTP speed testing and FTP speed testing to ensure reliable and consistent Internet connectivity

Multilayer fault analysis histogram: visually indicates when and at what layer errors are occurring, helping to identify the source of the problem as well as facilitating quick and efficient troubleshooting

Applications

Copper qualification—identify and locate physical layer faults and qualify the copper local loop for suitability of handling triple-play services over DSL

Service verification—sync with the DSLAM to determine upstream/downstream DSL data rates or confirm Ethernet link status (10/100)

Triple-play analysis—analyze IPTV and VoIP quality of service (QoS) and conduct IP connectivity tests over ADSL2+, VDSL2, or Ethernet 10/100 links

Description

30 MHz copper and VDSL2 triple-play services testing

Benefit from optimal performance and flexibility for your FTTx-based triple-play services deployments thanks to EXFO’s AXS-200/635 module for the AXS-200 SharpTESTER. This test set provides you with a wide range of measurements so that no matter what stage of VDSL2 or ADSL1/2/2+ deployment you are at—prequalification, installation, troubleshooting or repair—you have all the measurement tools you need to get the job done efficiently and properly. Moreover, by keeping test cycles as short as possible, the AXS-200/635 allows you to save money; thus, positively affecting your bottom line.

The AXS-200/635 combines multilayer 30 MHz copper spectrum, VDSL2 speed verification with backward compatibility to ADSL1/2/2+ and triple-play testing—making it the only test set you need. It also enables field crews to speed up service turn-up, maintenance and troubleshooting operations by assessing the physical medium or triple-play services in a single test sequence.

Part of the SharpTESTER Access Line, the AXS-200/635 integrates the functionalities of the AXS-200/610 30 MHz Copper Test Set and the AXS-200/630 VDSL2, ADSL2+ and IP Triple-Play Test Set. This highly intuitive handheld unit allows technicians to qualify and troubleshoot the copper-loop plant and triple-play services from top to bottom with one consolidated test set.

The AXS-200/635’s bright color LCD display provides a sharp graphical user interface for showing clear results (including graphs), making it a straightforward, user-friendly test solution, perfect for triple-play services analysis. Designed for real-life testing conditions, the AXS-200/635’s display is ideally suited for use in direct sunlight thanks to its transflective color display.

You need VDSL2 and Ethernet to deliver HD IPTV

VDSL2’s high-speed capability not only breathes new life into your existing copper plant but it allows you to reduce churn and gain market share in delivering triple-play services to your customers. High-definition (HD) IPTV service is the killer application for VDSL2 deployment as it requires the most bandwidth and the best quality of service (QoS) that your customers have come to expect.

EXFO’s AXS-200/635 offers a quick, yet thorough method for testing triple-play services—VDSL2 and Ethernet-based data, VoIP and IPTV testing—using pass/fail-driven automated functionalities.

In addition to validating connectivity to the DSLAM, the AXS-200/635 provides upstream and downstream parameters such as actual data rates, attenuation and noise margin. What’s more, it delivers advanced IPTV measurements—packet jitter, packet loss, PCR jitter, MDI, PID viewer and IGMP zap time—both in Terminate (stand-alone) and Through mode operation. The AXS-200/635 also monitors residential VoIP call flow and statistics, facilitating VoIP QoS assurance.

Single-ended video and data rate analysis

The AXS-200/635 single-ended video and data rate analyzer software option allows you to determine the xDSL data rates that a copper loop will support, prior to connecting/provisioning the circuit. With this new feature, you can evaluate a circuit’s ability to carry ADSL2+ bit rates at the CO or the customer premises and find out how many IPTV channels can be supported during the pre-deployment stage. Thanks to this industry-leading option, you can:

Prequalify and validate circuits without having to install terminal equipment
Reduce the number of false positives (failed installs)
Decrease the cost of identifying up-sell opportunities (customers wanting newer/faster video and network applications such as ADSL2+ and IPTV)

Impulse noise protection +

You need to provide your customers with comprehensive assurance against poor triple-play services. With this in mind, the telecom industry has adopted the DSL-based impulse noise protection (INP) parameter, which is particularly important when deploying IPTV services based on VDSL2 and ADSL2+. For example, the INP helps reduce the amount of macro-blocking in an IPTV stream caused by short duration and intermittent impulse noise spikes. However, the downside of standard INP implementation is that it can limit the speed of VDSL2 (or ADSL2+) offered to customers as well as the addressable service area (distance).

The AXS-200/635 supports the traditional INP parameter as well as Broadcom’s innovative approach to INP called PhyR™. This technology allows for significantly lower BER, higher DSL rate and longer reach compared to standard INP implementations. As a result, the AXS-200/635 can be used to verify and ensure consistent QoS for DSL-based IPTV deployments without impacting speed or performance of the DSL link.

True backward-compatible and interoperable testing

Since the AXS-200/635 is based on the industry-leading Broadcom chipset, you are assured of excellent interoperability for VDSL2 and ADSL2+ when testing against other Broadcom chipset-based devices as well as other manufacturer chipsets.

Thanks to the AXS-200/635’s Broadcom chipset, you can use the Broadcom’s Nitro mode when testing ADSL2+ to effectively negotiate with DSLAM (also using a Broadcom chipset) in order to achieve data rates as high as 30 Mbit/s (depending on DSLAM setup, loop length, noise influences and circuit quality).

* The MDI feature of the IPTV software option is not available in the USA.

30 MHz testing: get the whole picture

For many telcos, installing ADSL links has gone quite smoothly; however, preparing the copper loop plant for triple-play services is another story. EXFO’s AXS-200/635 provides a full VDSL2 spectrum analysis in order to identify and locate disturbances and signal interferers affecting voice and video delivery over the last mile. It also offers an extensive range of single-ended tests that help you quickly locate and repair the faults that affect quality of service (QoS).

Detecting excessive spectral noise

Use the AXS-200/635’s 30 MHz Power Spectral Density Noise feature to manage the spectrum in the cable bundle. The unit’s graphic display helps to determine which service is deployed on the loop and at what power level. This is the best technique to use in identifying signals that are running too strong for the bundle, and it is essential in unbundled local loop environments for spectral policing.

Loop mapper makes it simple

The AXS-200/635’s convenient and powerful Loop Mapper tool simplifies the detection of faults, bridge taps or cable ends. By automatically selecting the time-domain reflectometer (TDR) and/or the frequency-domain reflectometer (FDR), based on the line conditions, Loop Mapper displays a straightforward wiring diagram that includes the loop distances, for easy interpretation.

Complete metallic testing including digital multimeter (DMM) and voice frequency (VF)

With the AXS-200/635, AC and DC voltage measurements are automatically performed and documented, without having to press countless buttons or having to move the test leads. The AXS-200/635 also measures AC and DC current to offer a complete picture of the electrical stability on the circuit under test. Additionally, it measures capacitance and resistance, while automatically converting measured capacitance/resistance into distance values for loop length assessment.

Multiple applications, one test set

EXFO’s AXS-200/635 integrates the capabilities of both the AXS-200/610 30 MHz Copper Test Set and the AXS-200/630 VDSL2, ADSL2+ and IP Triple-Play Test Set. It’s the all-in-one solution for complete copper/DSL/triple-play assessment on the local loop.

AXS-200/635 - Copper, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and IP triple-play test set