This is an introduction to the Acterna ANT-5 SDH/PDH Access Tester: a test solution that provides the network installation teams with a powerful handheld tool, to cost effectively install SDH and PDH links and demonstrate their quality of performance before they become ‘live’. Covering bitrates from 1.5 M to 2.5 G The unit provides PDH / SDH and ATM technology in the industry´s most compact design. Additional SONET options upgrade the unit as a universal test tool addressing international links. (connections between the ANSI and ITU world) The ATM option is the ideal supplement for installation teams, who are nowadays confronted with various technologies.�Features like O.171 testing supports easy turn-up procedures of ATM traffic carried over PDH/SDH/Sonet �
Weight: < 2.5 kgDimensions: 197 mm x 76 mm x 275 mm
PDHSDH
SONETATM
No restriction !
Any unit is configurable with all the above technologies
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Presentation Notes�
By focussing on Installation and Commissioning applications ANT-5 is able to provide all the necessary test functions in a manner which means is very fast and simple to use - all in a truly handheld unit. Its simple user interface based upon just 1 group of set-up pages and 1 group of results pages make it very quick to learn and very easy to remember. ANT-5 provides all the key interfaces used in the access network from E1 through to STM-1already with the base unit. All these are built in including E1 balanced and the 1310 & 1550nm optical interfaces so there is no need for external adapters/converters. DS3 is increasingly used internationally (Internet traffic/ Cable TV) ! ANT-5 big OK summary page and the split screen layout showing results and setup simultaneously makes it very quick to use reducing install times and saving costs. Long battery life, compact size and light weight mean ANT-5 is ideal for the Access network environment.��Each Ant-5 is provided with a CD that also contains an off-line viewer: For demo purposes, for cloning configurations, for result review and report generation �
It is:It is:--• A very compact field test solution• An easy to use SDH/SONET/ATM handheld tester
It has:It has:--• PDH, SDH, SONET from 1.5M to 2.5G in one instrument• All Interfaces built-in – which means NO adapters• Optimized test philosophy to reduce user costs• Superb off-line viewer for easy report generation• An ATM Option that supports ATM on all rates• Upgrade paths from electrical only to STM-1/-4/-16 optical
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Presentation Notes�
The ANT-5 is a very compact test solution that has all the interfaces built into one unit. The competition are modular – so require a set of additional modules to meet the same capability. The offline viewer is ranked as the best in this market area. There is a second generation of ATM features due in Q1 2006 which will bring the ANT-5 up to the required ATM support for the next generation mobile phone systems = UMTS/WCDMA/3G. �
ANT-5 can test all interfaces in the network:-Installation, Commissioning Maintenance, Fault Finding
ANT-5 can test all interfaces in the network:-Installation, Commissioning Maintenance, Fault Finding
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Presentation Notes�
NOTES FOR PRESENTER:- This shows the versatility of the ANT-5 from the perspective of:- Its range of capabilities – SDH, PDH, SONET, ATM The fact that it is a truly international capable unit Points to stress The national boarded – this is important since TCM mode of software 10 is specifically aimed at supporting this requirement – may be very important in regions of the world where telecoms systems span national boundries The ATM and the UMTS/3G capability – this is aimed at a market that should be expanding in Asia over the next 2 years and to see if MEA is moving towards 3rd generation mobile networks. Again stress all interfaces are in a single unit.�
• Very compact field test solution (Size & Weight)• The easiest to use SDH handheld on the market• PDH, SDH, SONET - 1.5M to 2.5G in one instrument• All Interfaces built-in (no adapters)• Designed to minimise cost of ownership• Off-line viewer for easy report generation• ATM Option available on all rates• 3 hour battery life for optical tests• Upgrade paths – “future proof investment”
Presenter�
Presentation Notes�
By focussing on Installation and Commissioning applications ANT-5 is able to provide all the necessary test functions in a manner which means is very fast and simple to use - all in a truly handheld unit. Its simple user interface based upon just 1 group of set-up pages and 1 group of results pages make it very quick to learn and very easy to remember. ANT-5 provides all the key interfaces used in the access network from E1 through to STM-1already with the base unit. All these are built in including E1 balanced and the 1310 & 1550nm optical interfaces so there is no need for external adapters/converters. DS3 is increasingly used internationally (Internet traffic/ Cable TV) ! ANT-5 big OK summary page and the split screen layout showing results and setup simultaneously makes it very quick to use reducing install times and saving costs. Long battery life, compact size and light weight mean ANT-5 is ideal for the Access network environment.��Each Ant-5 is provided with a CD that also contains an off-line viewer: For demo purposes, for cloning configurations, for result review and report generation �
Many of the installation task require quick go/no-go checks. ANT-5’s ‘BIG OK’ summary results page is implemented to provide immediate indication that the link is functioning correctly or not. The split screen allows results and setup pages to be viewed simultaneously with the injection pages - this makes network reaction to anomalies and defects to be quickly verified without scrolling through menus. Built into the high-contrast display is a set of labelled soft LED’s and animated ICONs which display all appropriate anomaly’s and defects for the network configuration under test. A beeper alerts the user when any event occurs and the Big OK is replaced by a list of events. All events are simultaneously counted and displayed. The display of basic transmission anomalies and defects is highly effective and easily interpreted by the engineer: Additional anomaly and defect analysis pages are provided for more comprehensive analysis.�
Verify ConnectivityQuick BER test at fiber interfaceVerify optical power level at Rx side
STM-1/4/16o
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Presentation Notes�
There are three main steps to the installation of SDH / PDH lines within the Access network. Optical Fiber Installation Optical fiber deployment is usually the first stage of the installation process. The terminating site may either be a transmission room within a building, or at a street cabinet. Traditionally, the installation engineer confirms fiber quality with an optical power meter and a field OTDR. With the recent increase of inter-networking between local operators and carriers, the access engineer now requires to perform simple BERT testing directly on the fiber. Often the local operator has no knowledge of, or access to, the core carrier network, hence the end-to-end BERT test is the best guarantee of quality at this early stage of the installation process. By employing an internal optical interface the Acterna ANT-5 provides full optical testing at STM-1/-4/-16�directly on the fiber.��The ANT-5 provides a power meter functionality, reflecting the actual power level at the RX-input.�
Network Element Installation During installation of network elements, such as an Add/Drop Mux (ADM) rack, it is necessary to test correct mapping and switching of the STM-1 payload from optical east/west aggregates to/from the tributaries ports. This needs to be performed independently before the element is connected to the network. This requires a ‘mux/demux’ or ‘muxwrap test’. The slide shows such a test on a DS3 trib: ANT-5 transmitting an STM-1 signal with a DS-3 (45Mbit/s) payload carrying a PRBS. The ADM drops the DS-3 signal from the received STM-1 and the PRBS within the DS-3 signal can be analysed with the same instrument. ANT-5 has fully independent Tx & Rx to enable this test and is able to test framed and unframed PDH tribs at the PDH interface and within the SDH sub-structure. SDH systems utilize TMN systems for in-service monitoring of performance. For these systems to function it is essential that all NE’s react correctly to any network defects and/or alarms. During installation It is therefore necessary to verify this before the network element ‘goes live’. ANT-5 is able to inject all anomalies and defects into its Tx signal and monitor it Rx to see how the NE has responded. Line card Installation It is the final job of the installation engineer to turn up the lines required by the end customer. This usually requires fitting the relevant line cards to the multiplexer rack and performing a quick end to end or looped back BERT across the network . This requires testing functionality for PDH and STM-1 interfaces.�
Commissioning By commissioning the link, the operator is proving to the customer that the digital line is of high quality. PDH and SDH leased lines are relatively expensive services for end customers and it is usual for a service level agreement to be in place between the operator and the end customer. The most common measurement made during the commissioning phase is the performance test. By following the ITU-T recommendations G.821, G.826, G.828, G.829, ANSI, M.2100 and M.2100 the operator is demonstrating recognized testing procedures to the end customer. It is common practice that a ‘hard copy’ of the results are given to the end customer as a guarantee of line quality. This standardization of performance measurement can help when comparing different operators service level offerings or resolving disputes between interworking carriers. The ANT-5 includes G.821, G.826,G.828, G.829, ANSI, M.2100 and M.2101 performance analysis. This provides the access engineer with the complete set of tools needed for the commissioning process. With the provision of a serial interface, the ANT-5 can print all results directly to a serial printer or to a PC. Screen dumps of histograms and bar charts are also available. A PC card interface is also available to provide increased storage of results and instrument configurations. �
In service verification– Monitoring alarms/errors, OH bytes, Pointer, TCM
Check for tributary problemsUse VC12 tributary scan for a fast overview
ANT-5 provides NRZ ECL port for monitoring of STM-1/-4/-16 signals (electr. conversion done by specific NE.
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Maintenance Most maintenance is performed on ‘in-service’ links. Operators incur serious penalties when taking live links out of service. For STM-1 electrical monitoring a protected monitor point (PMP) must be used; this is due to the high amount of reflections introduced by impedance mis-match. The PMP allows the test instrument to access ‘in-service’ data, however the signal is attenuated by 20dB. For STM-1 optical monitoring, an optical splitter is commonly employed. A tester such as the ANT-5, with ‘in-service’ testing capabilities, is vital to the everyday maintenance tasks of the local operator. In addition to most installation and commissioning functions, typical maintenance duties include ‘in- service’ anomaly/defect analysis, overhead analysis, path tracing and in-service performance analysis. It is often necessary for tests to be carried out over long periods to identify problems that arise only after certain events have occurred or after a certain amount of time. Due to this the programmable timer on the ANT-5 can be used to start a test at a particular time and then run for a user-defined duration.�
ATM option for ANT-5 is a s/w option which can be field installed providing the user with a single tool that enables installation and maintenance of PDH, SDH, SONET and ATM services.� The 3rd generation mobile UMTS network relies heavily on PDH and SDH transport layers carrying ATM for the links between the Node B and the RNC. Typically E1 in the GSM world, these links will be a variety of E1, E3 and STM-1 for UMTS possibly migrating to STM-4 as network traffic increases. It is important that the technicians installing & maintaining these networks are equipped with testers that can provide PDH and SDH physical tests and ATM tests and are expandable to higher bandwidth services need in the future e.g STM-4 and STM-16. �
4. Select Result View (OK screen, Alarm/Error list, Histogram)
5. START Test / STOP Test6. Analyze Result (OK / alarms / errors)7. Store results / configuration8. Transfer results / configurations9. Report Generation (off-line)
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Presentation Notes�
What counts in the world of measurements is not a feature loaded test instrument,�but an optimized workflow concept, mimimizing errors and reducing the overall installation costs.��This is relating to configuration, testing, quick result analysis, result storage and post processing of results ! The ANT-5 was designed keeping an optimized process in mind !�
AUTO Config: The instrument automatically checks the interfaces, their signal and mappings tructure ndividual or multiple tributaries can be automatically�
PDH Mux / Demux:�Enables ANT-5 to test tributaries, like E1 or T1, down to fractional E1 testing:�(Fractional T1 nx64k is planned with SW release 10.x / Nov. 2004.�
All common SDH structures up to STM-1/4 via AU4 are catered for in the ANT-5: �E1, E3, DS1, DS3 and E4. STM-4 mapping only when STM-4 option has been purchased STM-16 mapping only when STM-16 option has been purchased AU-3 mapping only available with option AU3/STS-1 �
If No application selected, then when ‘Start’ is run, the normal ‘OK’ page is displayed. If an application is selected, as above - Performance Analysis, then that Results page is displayed. Same for APS, Delay, etc.�
• Guarantee link performance to end customer– G.821, G.826, G.828, G.829– ANSI, M.2100, M.2101
• Perf. tests on SDH substructure / PDH interfaces
• User defined test duration
• Test results exportable to PC using CSV & ASCII
SETUP Application Perf. Analysis
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Performance analysis is a key feature for a commissioning tool such as the ANT-5. Used for verifying service quality complies with contractual agreements Although G.821 is an older standard focused on 64kbit/s channels, it is still sometimes used for 2Mbit/s. The more common standard is G.826, and is based on block errors rather than bit errors like G.821. For G.826 to be supported fully, framed PDH has been implemented on ANT-5. M.2100 is the ITU-T recommendation for bringing into service PDH links with the more recent M.2101 recommendation for SDH links. The ANT-5 implements a programmable timer, therefore tests can be automatically started and stopped as required. All test results can be printed or sent to to a PC. �
• For the testing of Radio Links• Results used for Carrier to Noise ratios
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The new Repeated BER feature, makes ANT-5 ideal for microwave (radio link) installation procedures. Typical customers will be: Microwave installation departments of operators and cellular operators Field installation departments of microwave manufacturers. The installation for microwave circuits requires measurement of Carrier to Noise ratio (C/N) versus BER and comparison against a pass/fail mask. The procedure is: Adjust a variable attenuator on the receive side of the RF signal, until the BER is 10E-7. Measure the C/N ratio at 10E-7. Adjust the attenuator until the BER is 10E-6. Again measure the C/N ratio. Repeat this for all values from 10E-7 to 10E-3. Compare the C/N values against the pass/fail mask. Note - if the attenuation increases the C/N decreases and the BER increases. The resulting curve is known as the BER x C/N curve. There is such a curve for each type of radio and each type of installation site and the curve can degrade with time. For this application: The BERT must be repeated automatically. So that after the attenuator is adjusted a new BERT is started automatically without the user having to reset the test. Manual resetting is often difficult because the attenuator is not next to the instrument. Resetting also wastes time because the instrument takes time to store the results before it restarts. The Repeated BER feature automatically restarts the BERT after a time period set-up by the user and without wasting time saving the results. The time period of the BERT is defined in the procedure, eg it is 1 sec for 10E-3. The Repeated BER feature enables the user to set-up the time period. Because the attenuator is not next to the instrument, the Repeated BER feature displays the BER in large characters�
Key measurement used during installation & fault finding– Check routing of 3rd party provided circuits– Satellite hop line up test– Latency checking of cross connects– Connectivity testing– Regenerator loop checks
Measurement range up to 10sResolution: +/- 1uS except…
RTD measurements are requested more and more often.��These tests however should be done at the physical interface rate.�The deeper the structure the the lower the reolution, and the uncertainty, as the intrinsic uncertainty� (process of mapping and demapping) is depending on the actual memory load and may vary (same is valid for Network elemets itself) �
ANT-5s pointer generation function includes:�Manipulation of AU and TU pointers Types: Increments, Decrements, Incr/decr. * (*available with SW version 10.x/Nov.2004) Mode: Single, rated�
Manipulates AU and/or TU pointerINC rements and DEC rementsSingle and Contineous
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ANT-5s pointer generation function includes:�Manipulation of AU and TU pointers Types: Increments, Decrements, Incr/decr. * (*available with SW version 10.x/Nov.2004) Mode: Single, rated�
The ANT-5 implements a number of different views for displaying results. These include: The simple ‘BIG OK’ page, with a corresponding league table of events when they occur - just like the PA/PFA family. �
• OK / Alarm/Event screen: shows results & set-up simultaneously
RESULTS Alarm & Event analysis
• Defect Panel monitors overhead alarms
• Anomaly page indicates counts & ratios
• Event Log timestamps all events (res.: 100 ms)
• Histogram incl. Zoom function
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Any part of the STM-1 structure can be analyzed for anomalies or defects:�. The Defect panel monitors all overhead alarms. Anomaly page shows counts of all anomalies.�(ANT-20 like). Event log where all events are shown with date, start time, stop�time and duration. (ANT-20 like) Graphs.�For both anomalies and defects, a ticker tape graph is implemented. Additionally, for any anomaly, a histogram can be displayed clearly highlighting the ratio. �
Key OH bytes are displayed in Hex or text formatInterpreter works network structure dependant (linear or ring)
Bytes not currently used are greyed out
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All of the overhead bytes can be monitored. Two views have been implemented for overhead analysis and generation. A summary page where all key overhead bytes are displayed in Hex or ASCII. Ideal for engineers for quickly identifying routing problems or synchronization issues. Bytes not relevant to the current configuration are greyed out to prevent confusion�
Detects AU and TU Pointer actions– Current pointer values– No. of INCrements/DECrements– No. of NDFs– Average deviation from nominal (in +/- ppm)
Recorded with event log
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ANT-5s pointer analysis function displays the current pointer value together with count s of : Increments, Decrements, Sum of inc.s & decs Difference between Incs & Decs and the average deviation from the nominal in ppm. Note: deviation is displayed as the average for the test duration - instantaneous values can be shown by resetting the test�
Most convenient: Using the CF card !Direct readable with any Labtop with PCMCIA slot !Easy readable with Desktops using card readers !
Results
Configurations
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Using the Off-line viewer allows you also to pre-define settings and configurations�and distribute to various units. This means you can simplify your test process by uploading network or element specific test procedures. �
The off-line viewer is available with the ANT-5 Utility CD (coming along with each instrument).��You can easily transfer files down to your local harddiscs or servers and print reults �dierctly to your desktop printer (so practically any Windows supported printer).��
PDH Mux/DeMux testing of legacy PDH systemsTransmit/Receive at 2, 34 and 140 MbpsTest signals at 64Kbps, 2,8,34,140 Mbpsstructured signals from nx64k to 140M– Structure depth
(nx64, E1, E2, E3)E1 Sa-bit (Tx/Rx)generation and analysis
on PC / Laptop– Establish connection – Easy operation (GUI simuation)– No additional user training required– ROC is Master; Remote unit will act as a Slave
(measurements run as long as connection is established)
No need to develop SCPI control programs – Enables FTP of results and configurations
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Remark:�The remote Operation SW (Remote GUI) enables the operation of the instrument from the far end.��Care should be taken that this function is only available as long as the connection is on-line !�The measurement unit is the slave, and the SW is the Master !!�As as soon as the master is disconnect, the ANT-5 operation stops !�
SONET Option: Enables ANT-5 to test OC3, OC3c, OC12 & OC12c, OC-48 systems.�Many global carriers and Gateway operators require SDH and SONET testing, now available in a handheld unit. �
ATM Channel Explorer (detects automatically active VCI, VPI)
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ATM option equips the ANT-5 with all the following ATM mappings: PDH ATM in E1, E3, E4 to ITU-T ATM in DS3 both PLCP & HEC SDH ATM in STM-1 via C4 container ATM in STM-4c via C4–4c container (note: requires STM-4 optical option BN4565/00.14 and VC-4c mapping option BN4565/00.59) SONET (requires SONET option BN4565/00.62) ATM in STS-3c ATM in STS-12c (note: requires STM-4 optical option BN4565/00.14 and VC-4c mapping option BN4565/00.59) Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) operation is provided at both UNI & NNI�
ATM option equips the ANT-5 with all the following ATM mappings: PDH ATM in E1, E3, E4 to ITU-T ATM in DS3 both PLCP & HEC SDH ATM in STM-1 via C4 container ATM in STM-4c via C4–4c container (note: requires STM-4 optical option BN4565/00.14 and VC-4c mapping option BN4565/00.59) SONET (requires SONET option BN4565/00.62) ATM in STS-3c ATM in STS-12c (note: requires STM-4 optical option BN4565/00.14 and VC-4c mapping option BN4565/00.59) Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) operation is provided at both UNI & NNI�
• “Big OK” results summary speeds up installation tasks
• Split screen: results & set-up simultaneously
• Permanent LED's, animated Icons, beeper with alarms
• All errors counted simultaneously
ANT-5 Installations made simpler !
Presenter�
Presentation Notes�
Many of the installation task require quick go/no-go checks. ANT-5’s ‘BIG OK’ summary results page is implemented to provide immediate indication that the link is functioning correctly or not. The split screen allows results and setup pages to be viewed simultaneously with the injection pages - this makes network reaction to anomalies and defects to be quickly verified without scrolling through menus. Built into the high-contrast display is a set of labelled soft LED’s and animated ICONs which display all appropriate anomaly’s and defects for the network configuration under test. A beeper alerts the user when any event occurs and the Big OK is replaced by a list of events. All events are simultaneously counted and displayed. The display of basic transmission anomalies and defects is highly effective and easily interpreted by the engineer: Additional anomaly and defect analysis pages are provided for more comprehensive analysis.�
