Acterna LLC. (Booth 743) took the wraps off a new module for its HST-3000, a consumer DSL handheld testing product used by installation and maintenance technicians in the field. The new module allows the device to support all-in-one testing for ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+ services. It also supports new modes of operation such as reach-extended DSL and all-digital DSL for higher throughput, according to Acterna.
The HST-3000 troubleshooting device connects to a DSLAM at the central office and emulates an ADSL transmission unit-remote (ATU-R) modem that would be sitting at the customer's house, in order to gather data and perform circuit analysis. It provides installation technicians with automated closeout tests, scripting, pass/fail tests and laptop links for back office test results integration.
The new module provides HST data features over ADSL2+, a new copper loop technology poised for wide-scale development in 2005. ADSL2+ is considered key to the deployment of new voice-video-data services over copper access networks. Coupled with the recently-released IP video test option for the HST, Acterna says it can provide test support for these triple play service deployments.
"The HST extends its reach into [installation and maintenance] crews who will be responsible for turn-up and troubleshooting these new services, providing an all-in-one tool specifically designed for rugged field use," says a company spokesperson.
