VIAVI Solutions (NASDAQ:VIAV) announced the launch of the NSC-100, the first in a new class of field test instruments called the Network & Service Companion. The NSC-100 integrates passive optical network (PON), Ethernet and WiFi test capabilities together with the VIAVI OneCheck automated test process. The device was designed to address demand from service providers for intuitive instruments that frontline technicians and contractors of any skill level can pick up and begin using to speed residential, small business and enterprise Ethernet network deployment and maintenance up to 10G.
Designed to validate current and future gigabit services, the handheld Network & Service Companion tests both network delivery and service performance in a range of network environments such as PON (for FTTH and 5G xHaul), DOCSIS 3.1 (cable), xDSL and Gfast (telco), and Ethernet (enterprise, data center and metro). It features a screenless design and is operated directly via the VIAVI Mobile Tech app, or paired with other VIAVI test instruments to expand their capabilities. Instruments that can be paired with the NSC-100 include VIAVI's OneExpert CATV and DSL analysis platforms, SmartOTDR, T-BERD/MTS-2000 and 4000 fiber testers, T-BERD/MTS-5800 Metro network tester and NITRO vNet Fusion virtual test and activation.
The Network & Service Companion uses the VIAVI OneCheck automated test process to help ensure a technician completes all necessary tests while on site. The NSC-100 is supported by StrataSync, a hosted, cloud-based solution that provides asset, configuration, and test data management for VIAVI instruments and ensures all instruments have the latest software and options installed.
"VIAVI has helped the world's leading communication service providers to deploy all the major network technologies, and we are deeply aligned on their technical and their operational requirements," said Kevin Oliver, vice president and general manager, Converged Instruments and Virtual Test, VIAVI. "Efficiency is the watchword of the Network & Service Companion. We designed it so a technician can pinpoint service performance issues in under a minute, and close out tickets on the first visit, optimizing time, expense and subscriber satisfaction, even as networks and services get ever more complex."
The NSC-100 will be featured at SCTE/ISBE Cable-Tec Expo in New Orleans.