At OFC/NFOEC 2011, Anritsu Company introduced enhancements to its MT9090A Network Master to include all the tools necessary to install and maintain Carrier-class Ethernet links in the access network and mobile backhaul deployments, as well as an improved method for analyzing and documenting connector conditions. The new features add to the inherent benefits of the palm-sized tester, says the company, allowing field engineers and technicians to quickly and cost-effectively isolate network problems.
The company says its new Video Inspection Probe Lite (VIP Lite) application provides a safe, easy way to analyze and document connector conditions, a critical testing capability due to today’s high data rate, high-definition services. Connector images are captured digitally and displayed on the test set screen. The images can then be viewed or saved as a variety of common graphics files for later review or documentation of connector quality.
Various interchangeable adapters are available for most popular connector styles to allow direct viewing of patch cord end faces, as well as to view end faces already installed in patch panels. Because the VIP Lite application is completely digital, there is no path to the human eye, eliminating the possibility of injury associated with traditional connector microscopes.
Additionally, with new Gigabit Ethernet enhancements, users of the MT9090A Network Master can test up to three layers of VLANs based on the IEEE 802.1ad standard, and results can be viewed relative to untagged frames, single VLAN frames or multiple VLAN frames. The tester also supports up to three layers of MPLS label tags, as well as ISO layer 6. A Service Disrupt Time (SDT) feature is also added that allows the time between frames to be measured to determine if there are larger gaps than normal in the traffic flow and configured thresholds. It also measures the network quality for time-sensitive streams, such as voice and video.
Other features of the network tester's new Gigabit Ethernet module include the ability to configure thresholds for different areas, such as frame rate, utilization, throughput, errors, frame loss, and SDT, as well a trace route feature that allows users to trace to an end IP address while viewing all IP addresses passed to reach the designated end destination.
Anritsu says the small size and light weight of the MT9090A Network Master make it easy for field technicians to carry it around. Despite its compact design, it has a large 4.3-inch color display with easy-to-understand colors and graphical symbols that make it simple for users to read and interpret results, notes the company. Its rugged design and three-hour battery life make the MT9090A well suited for any outside plant environment. Features such as a Test Automater and PASS/FAIL indicators make it easy for tests to be performed.
To learn more visit www.anritsu.com.
