ZCorum has enhanced its TruVizion diagnostics software platform with the addition of features that will provide visibility into PON fiber network performance. The new capabilities include provision of a diagnostics screen that aggregates performance metrics from the devices connected to an optical line terminal (OLT), as well as the ability to display information from the customer premises optical network terminal (ONT).
The company asserts the FTTx capabilities are more useful and user friendly than relying on element management systems (EMSs). Presented data is organized intuitively on a single screen and color coded to highlight trouble spots, according to Peter Olivia, vice president of software development at ZCorum. Presentations include a chart that shows the utilization for each PON port; information is available with a single click about the subscribers who compose that usage and how much they have transferred.
“Other summary data we provide on the OLT screen is also linked to detailed data,” continued Olivia. “If you click a number on the screen, we present a report with all of the subscribers that make up that data point, including their name, address, and the individual readings and alerts from their ONT. With another click you can plot those devices on a map so you can see where they are located geographically, which helps you determine if there is a common problem affecting multiple customers.”
Users also can click on any subscriber in the report or on the map to open the full ONT Diagnostics screen for their device. That screen now enables plots of historical performance data for an ONT for the last 24 hours, up to 90 days, including the number of unicast, multicast and broadcast packets transmitted. Several error types are also tracked over time. Meanwhile, users also can link directly to the management interface on compatible CPE. Use of the ONT Diagnostic screen capabilities by call center operators can save time and subscriber frustration.
ZCorum says it will make the FTTx enhancements available to existing TruVizion for Fiber customers at no additional cost. The initial release will support Calix E7 EXA and ADTRAN Total Access 5000 OLTs. The company plans to extend support to Nokia and Dasan Zhone systems, as well as the ADTRAN 9500 and Calix E7 AXOS platforms, in the future.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.