Ikanos Gigabit Speed Test home gateway software enables service monitoring

Communications semiconductor and software vendor Ikanos Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: IKAN) has introduced Gigabit Speed Test embedded software for broadband home gateways. The software monitors data rates across the gateway, regardless of the broadband access network technology used, at service speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Part of the company's inSIGHT BXM software suite, Gigabit Speed Test is designed to enable service providers and their subscribers to track and manage quality of service. The offering recognizes the growing popularity of online speed tests to determine whether delivered data rates match advertised data rates. In the case of a significant mismatch, Gigabit Speed Test helps service providers determine whether the problem is in their network or, perhaps, in the subscriber's home network.

The software is designed to operate without affecting the normal operation of the residential gateway or the home network. It will measure services provided via the most common broadband access methods, including all forms of DSL (including G.fast), fiber to the home (FTTH), cable (including DOCSIS 3.1), and wireless (including LTE).

"As broadband data rates approach the gigabit range, consumers need some tangible evidence of the actual rates they receive and for which they are paying," said Erik M. Keith, principal analyst for fixed access and video at market research firm Current Analysis. "Even in a gigabit-per-subscriber world, it's safe to say that home networks will experience bandwidth contention among connected devices. This is why the introduction of Gigabit Speed Test, following on the footsteps of Ikanos' recently announced Traffic Analyzer, is compelling. Together they provide carriers and customers the same view of delivered bandwidth, while improving the overall broadband experience -- with real-time performance tracking of their usage and cap monitoring."

Ikanos says that the inSIGHT Gigabit Speed Test software is currently going through carrier evaluations. It is scheduled for commercial release in third quarter of this year.

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