JUNE 18, 2009 -- JDSU (search Lightwave for JDSU) has introduced what it claims is the first centralized remote PON test system, which tests point-to-multi-point networks from the central office (CO) using a web browser. It is a complementary application to the JDSU Optical Network Management System (ONMS) that includes point-to-point fiber monitoring and GIS-based outside plant documentation. The system supports service providers migrating to PON by delivering a fast and cost-effective method of turning up and restoring IPTV and other broadband services to meet users' quality of experience expectations, says JDSU.
"It's a competitive environment and communications service providers must find ways to cost-effectively deliver bandwidth-intensive applications like IPTV while meeting high quality standards," explains Enzo di Luigi, general manager in JDSU's Communications Test and Measurement business segment. "PON makes it possible to service multiple subscribers at a competitive price, and the JDSU centralized remote PON test system helps reduce operating expenses even further by limiting the amount of support needed for field turn-up and maintenance."
Accelerating demand for IPTV and online video is introducing new network complexities and quality assurance challenges. In the United States alone, according to research firm comScore (search Lightwave for comScore), U.S. consumers watched 16.8 billion online videos in April 2009, a 16% sequential increase from 14.4 billion in March.
Traditional troubleshooting methods for services like IPTV require time-consuming coordination between the CO and field personnel using portable devices to conduct tests. The test system enables a technician in the field to troubleshoot any leg of the PON by accessing an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) in the CO through a mobile phone or web browser.
According to the company, the ability to perform single-ended measurements without having to involve a second person at the CO provides faster service turn-up and service restoration and reduces the number of field personnel needed to maintain the PON system. The JDSU ONMS also enables network operations center (NOC) personnel to quickly check the current status of a fiber without having to be trained in the use of an OTDR.
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