One meter sweeps the field and tests digital video, VoIP, and high-speed data

The time-sensitive nature of packet-based, on-demand video, digital data, and VoIP services gives operators even more reasons to employ more accurate methods to keep the forward and reverse paths healthy. Level measurements once were enough to maintain performance quality; now, frequency range, ingress, and signal leakage along with digital video, voice, and data signals must be measured. With the stakes getting higher every day, strategic decisions on how to deliver the highest quality services to an ever-expanding base of new customers must be made.

When digital and analog video, VoIP, and high-speed data are added to the services lineup, establishing quality involves more than keeping the forward and reverse path aligned and free of ingress and noise. There are strict performance guidelines demanded by federal regulations, service level agreements, and a very competitive marketplace that must be maintained. As the industry revamps its networks and services, equipment that can test, measure, and troubleshoot DOCSIS IP and digital technology, high frequency ranges, and triple-play services have a greater role in provisioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

JDSU recognized the impact these new services, technology, and standards have on bottom-line objectives as well as network operations and introduced the DSAM-6000. This one meter combines video, audio, and data test functions with downstream forward path and upstream return path sweep functions, reducing the pieces of equipment technicians need to carry to the field. Operating even in the harshest environments, the DSAM-6000 allows technicians to measure—and listen to—call quality, including MOS on real-time phone calls. And it is the only meter measuring QAM MER/BER to 1 GHz.

Before the DSAM-6000, JDSU revolutionized plant maintenance with the SDA and Stealth Sweep™, the world's only non-interfering sweep system. An active sweep system with complete frequency coverage can ensure proper frequency response and RF performance by detecting distortion and carrier noise problems that level measurements alone would miss. For example, performing sweep with a tightly spaced frequency plan lets technicians find issues such as group delay and micro-reflections, which show up as ripples in the sweep response. Sweep also can detect ingress caused by short-wave broadcast transmitters, household and industry type equipment, PCs, TVs, VCRs and other consumer equipment.

When it became apparent that digital services required new types of tests and measurements, JDSU introduced its DSAM (digital service activation meters) that, in addition to performing required DOCSIS range and registration tests, could verify service level agreement data and speed performance. With this meter, technicians could measure upstream and downstream throughput and packet loss and conduct Ping testing—tests used to troubleshoot cable modem problems such as slow surfing and poor download speeds.

Designed to test and maintain both the downstream forward path and upstream return path, the DSAM-6000’s ability to sweep as well as conduct signal level measurements, perform ingress testing, and verify forward path signals pares down the number of instruments technicians need to evaluate network performance and troubleshoot service quality. And, because this meter delivers the same accuracy as that established by JDSU’s Stealth Sweep technology, technicians easily recognize symptoms that indicate faults and can correctly diagnose and fix problems while on site, keeping repeat visits to a minimum. Through Web-based communication with JDSU’s TPP server in the headend, test results can be confirmed. In addition, this two-way communication gives supervisors insight into field staff productivity, efficiency, and accuracy so that the workforce is more efficiently managed and time to repair is kept to a minimum.

Digital and on-demand services require technicians to achieve very accurate results as well as perform a greater number of labor-intensive tests. Sweep is one of the best ways to prepare the network for 256 QAM because it detects standing waves, suck-outs, intermodulation distortion, and non-linear performance, which adversely effect digital performance. The DSAM architecture incorporates analog and digital testing into a single user interface, allowing the technician to select a specific channel or a scan of channels without having to differentiate between analog or digital video, DOCSIS high-speed data, or voice. With its built-in cable modem, the DSAM-6000 can verify cable modem connectivity and test the customer premises equipment’s connection.

Click for more information on JDSU’s DSAM-6000.