Grintek Telecom, the local partner for Acterna, has added support for testing IP services and fibre channel flow control to the existing FST-2802 features portfolio, enabling users to qualify and provision both Layer 2 and Layer 3 service offerings with one tool.
Service providers and operators are planning to transition from their current SONET/SDH networks to next generation IP/MPLS converged networks. Despite lean spending environments, network operators are increasing their investments in IP/MPLS and metro Ethernet technologies to enable converged voice, data and video services that will drive new revenue streams.
The FST-2802 Gigabit Ethernet Module has been enhanced with capabilities that enable Grintek Telecom's network operator clients to turn up and troubleshoot IP services, focusing on ease-of-use for Tier-1 field technicians who have minimal data testing experience.
By using the FST-2802 with Ethernet, IP and fibre channel capabilities, technicians are not required to interchange modules in order to test multiple technologies. With one user interface, the additional training per technology is effectively minimised.
In addition, with this engineering design, Grintek Telecom is able to pass on to clients the savings achieved through economies of scale associated with the FST-2802 by offering competitive pricing and flexible test-mainframe configurations.
Acterna has also added IP enhancements as well as support for fibre-channel flow control capability to the existing 1G and 2G fibre channel feature set of the FST-2802. Today's storage area networks (SANs) are migrating from transparent DWDM networks to non-transparent, longer-distance networks. Such networks require service providers to test and verify flow control on fibre channel links by performing log-in and buffer-to-buffer credit support for verification of throughput and round-trip delay over these distance-extended SAN links.
By combining Ethernet, IP and fibre channel testing capabilities, the FST-2802 is the only industry test tool that features rich and broad testing capabilities in one package.
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Weighing less than 10 pounds, the FST-2802 is the only handheld field solution on the market that enables service providers to provision, install and maintain cost-effective testing of various Ethernet and fibre channel services, all from one test module. The robust testing capability of the FST-2802 includes end-to-end connectivity, throughout, and quality of service parameters, such as round-trip delay measurements and lost frames. Its easy-to-use graphical interface empowers technicians with limited experience in testing Ethernet or fibre channel services to verify performance parameters and ensure conformance to service level agreements. The graphical remote control feature allows for remote testing using various connectivity options, such as analogue modem and/or Ethernet access.
The FST-2802 operates on the TestPad platform, which was launched in January 1999 as the industry's first handheld, battery operated, integrated test set, and is widely used by service providers and equipment manufacturers for provisioning and maintaining voice and data networks. More than 20 000 TestPads are currently deployed around the world.
Grintek Telecom
Grintek Telecom, a division of JSE-listed Grintek Ltd, is one of SA's leading empowerment ICT solutions and integration companies. Grintek Telecom provides tailored and innovative ICT solutions, from initial project and business requirement consulting, through to implementation, integration and ongoing support.
The company's ICT solutions have been implemented in more than 500 top South African companies and it provides solutions, services and maintenance in 23 African countries. Over 25 international vendors have selected Grintek Telecom as their local service provider and partner.
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