Anritsu has introduced a one-button test feature for its next-generation Network Master Pro MT1000A and Network Master Flex MT1100A transport tester platforms. These platforms simplify the end-to-end process of installing and maintaining the quality of high speed core and metro networks. The MT1000A helps install and maintain communication networks and network elements from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps, including optical time domain reflectometer and IEC 61300-3-35-based connector inspection. Recent enhancements to the platform include G.8275.1-compliant precision time protocol capabilities, enhanced SyncE support for time division (TD) long term evolution (LTE) Advanced networks, and common public radio interface (CPRI) automatic protection switching measurement to simplify the installation and maintenance of 4G/5G networks.
Meanwhile, the MT1100A supports all the latest communication network technologies. It is the only field portable multi-100G transport tester that can support native client payloads, including Ethernet, fibre channel, synchronous optical networking/synchronous digital hierarchy and CPRI, making it a comprehensive tool to verify network performance during installation and maintenance.
The new one-button test capability has not only made it easier for operators to implement their testing procedures but also enabled technicians to complete their jobs faster based on predefined requirements. This reduces test times and costs and improves quality. To implement this method, Anritsu has developed the Scenario Edit Environment Kit MX100003A, which allows users to create detailed test configuration files on a computer. Users can include contextual or graphical prompts while completing multiple sequential tests with user-defined pass/fail thresholds. Once created, the file is loaded into the appropriate network master transport tester and saved to the utilities tab. To run the test series, field engineers and technicians connect to the cable, device or network under test and press the icon, thus saving time and ensuring accurate and consistent results.
The one-button test system provides several benefits to operators, field technicians and on-site contractors. Departments responsible for operations management, network quality control and network expansion can create single-file test scripts, including multiple tests such as electrical/optical fibre cable testing, BERT, RFC2544, and Y.1564, each with individual criteria so technicians know when each test is completed and can continue to the next test section. Flexibility in the settings allows technicians to enter network details and change the configuration and pass/fail criteria while still being managed by the operator for greater network quality and versatility.
