MaxTester 630 - ADSL2+/VDSL2 multiplay testing

Description

A next-generation tool for broadband deployments

EXFO’s MaxTester 630 is the perfect tool for any service provider deploying multiplay services over single-pair or bonded ADSL2+ and/or VDSL2. Its small form factor, rugged design and easy-to-use menu make it the ideal tool for installation and repair technicians. With the MaxTester 630, the testing process is highly automated and technicians close their jobs quickly and efficiently. The large display of the MaxTester 630 makes it even more user-friendly, and when it comes to saving results, it provides technicians with many connectivity options for uploading tests and compiling reports.

Test hybrid ADSL1/2/2+, VDSL2 and newly deployed bonded DSL networks

The MaxTester 630 is based on the industry-leading Broadcom chipset, which ensures excellent interoperability for VDSL2 and ADSL2+ hybrid networks. The MaxTester 630 also supports the use of Broadcom’s ADSL2+ Nitro mode to negotiate with Broadcom-based DSLAMs in order to achieve data rates as high as 30 Mbit/s (depending on DSLAM setup, loop length, noise influences and circuit quality). Nitro™ is a Broadcom approach that increases the throughput on links by compressing the ADSL2+ ATM header and as a result, requires fewer bits to be transmitted.

Ensuring the highest quality triple-play services to customers is a must for service providers, but it is also a challenge with an aging copper plant and the need to maximize the use of all pairs in the cable bundle. Service providers can offer higher rate/reach by implementing ADSL2+ and/or VDSL2 bonding (using two copper pairs as defined within ITU-T G.998.1,2,3) to increase the available data rates and/or the loop lengths to address a new customer service area. Another industry standard method that helps achieve high-quality multiplay is to take noise mitigation to the next level through G.INP (impulse noise protection and physical layer retransmission as defined by ITU-T G.998.4) and vectoring (ITU-T G.993.5). These techniques are supported by the MaxTester 630 to ensure consistency with service providers’ noise migration methods and procedures.

Simplifying FTTx testing

Thanks to its xDSL and dual Ethernet ports, the MaxTester 630 is a flexible tool for service providers qualifying service from the central office or remote terminals to the customer’s equipment. The MaxTester 630 also provides powerful troubleshooting applications that can be used in different modes to quickly isolate faults no matter where they are located (network, outside plant, customer equipment or inside wiring). Even in hybrid networks, where FTTH is also being deployed, the MaxTester 630 can be used inside the home to test at any point where a LAN connection is available.

IPTV testing

To boost their revenues, many service providers are using DSL to deliver new multiplay services on their existing networks. Among these services, video (IPTV) is one of the fastest growing and is getting a high level of focus and investment. Knowing that customers are very sensitive when it comes to IPTV QoS (i.e., picture quality due to packet loss, zap time, etc.), technicians must be equipped with the right test sets to quickly and efficiently turn up IPTV services and meet customers’ QoS expectations. With this in mind, the MaxTester 630 offers an optional IPTV test suite to provide both expert and entry-level technicians with a simple method to check the operation and quality of the offered video channels.

Web browser

Many telcos require that technicians use a Web browser to confirm service operation or as visual proof to show the customer. Up to now, technicians required a PC in addition to the test set to do this. Thanks to the integrated browser of the MaxTester 630, carrying a laptop to the job location is no longer necessary. The MaxTester 630 is equipped with a browser that allows the user to access websites and load a web page as part of any automated test, directly from the test set. Just as any other browser, it can bookmark commonly used URLs and allows the user to save new ones in real time as needed. Complete navigation and the selection of hyperlinks are all a part of this optional feature.

VoIP testing

The MaxTester provides SIP-based, voice-over-IP (VoIP) performance validation for service turn-up and troubleshooting. The VoIP function allows users to send or receive live VoIP calls to an FTB EXpert VoIP-enabled platform or IP phone. The MaxTester supports industry-recognized quality metrics (e.g., mean opinion score (MOS), R-factor) and performance metrics (e.g., latency, jitter).

All the right features for installation technicians

With its small form factor, the MaxTester 630 can go anywhere the technician needs to go. It is rugged and light, and all connectors are protected from the rain—just what is needed for the demanding outside-plant environment.

Automated service testing

Thresholds can be set and saved for key DSL parameters as well as for the data and IPTV service tests. When tests are run, users are given a clear graphical pass/fail result so they can quickly move on to the next job or investigate further. Test profiles can easily be transferred between units to ensure that all technicians from the same organization are testing to the same thresholds.

Easy to use GUI

The next-generation user interface of the MaxTester 630 was designed with first-level technicians in mind. The large display features colored icons and graphics for easy configuration and operation, and is simple to use for both experienced and novice users. 

Capturing results and connectivity

In today’s highly competitive environment, QoS is paramount for service providers. MaxTester 630 allows reports of all tests to be uploaded in a variety of formats. Therefore, service providers can keep all the results on file for future reference and confirm that all the required tests have been completed by the technician.

Battery powered

The MaxTester 630 is equipped with a battery using the latest technology in rechargeable cells. It provides the maximum testing time between charges—even when meeting the high-power demands of VDSL2. When charging is required, technicians can either use the optional 12 volt vehicle charger or the supplied AC adapter.

MaxTester 630 Operational Modes

ADSL2+/VDSL2 Terminate Mode

The MaxTester 630 synchronizes with the DSLAM on the circuit in the outside plant or at the NID, allowing authentication and service testing. Technicians can test ADSL2+ and VDSL2 single pair, ADSL2+ and VDSL2 bonding, as well as ADSL2+ PTM modes.

xDSL Pass Through Mode

The MaxTester 630 replaces the customer modem or router, synchronizes with the DSLAM, and enables authentication and service testing. It also allows the customer’s applications to be used to confirm the correct operation for services such as PC Web access, IPTV viewing, STB operation and VoIP.

Ethernet Terminate Mode

The MaxTester 630 automatically synchronizes with 10/100Base-T ports inside the customer premises and allows authentication as well as service testing. In this configuration, the MaxTester 630 can be used in xDSL (FTTN), xPON (FTTH) or Ethernet deployments.

Ethernet Pass Through Mode

The MaxTester 630 automatically synchronizes with 10/100Base-T ports inside the customer premises as traffic is passed between both Ethernet ports. In this configuration, the MaxTester 630 can be used in xDSL (FTTN), xPON (FTTH) or Ethernet deployments.

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