Subscriber Line Test System (SLTS)

Main Functions

The Maestro line test system can be used either for monitoring copper pair networks for telephone services (narrow band) or for services based on xDSL (broadband) technologies. The Maestro system is ideal for qualifiying lines handling POTS, ISDN, HDSL, HDSL-2, G.Lite, G.SHDSL and ADSL, VDSL services. Using AC/DC and/or echometric measurements, it enables operators to:

• carry out preventive maintenance of their networks and therefore anticipate any possibilities of failure by:
  • bulk testing,
  • establishing line signature,
  • comparing results to predetermined templates (detection of deviations from reference values),
• perform corrective maintenance of the network by:
  • identifying wiring errors and any failures that may affect the service provided to clients,
  • obtaining a clear diagnostic that may be interpreted by non-technical people,
  • accurately localizing the failure,
• calculate the maximum xDSL bit rate of the line, and therefore automatically qualify the line from Single Ended Tests made at the Local Exchange without any action at the subscriber end,
• optimizing interference suppression in the carrier-carrier environment by exactly detecting errors
• decrease considerably the number of operations by technicians, thus cutting costs,
• guarantee the image of quality of the operator, thus increasing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Service Testing

In addition to the qualitiy of copper lines the topic service testing gains more priority. The Maestro system is able to measure important parameters related to availability and service quality. Not only parameters of the DSL line are detected, but also characteristics of an Internet access (e.g. PPPoE, DNS) and quality parameters of VoIP and IPTV. Thus you can reach more service availability and fast troubleshooting.

VIERLING plans to upgrade Maestro with an additional service testing functionality. The system will be able to measure parameters such as the data rates in the upstream and downstream and the ATM connection parameters (including VPI/VCI). The system will also support tests of VoIP and video service quality.

Architecture

The Maestro line test system is built around three components:

• the Maestro management Software (MMSW) which receives the test requests either from operators, customers' OSS or Field Access Point.
• the Maestro Test and Diagnostic Unit (MTDU) installed in the Central Office, which performs the line test.
• the MAX HD access matrix, where applicable, installed in the central office, which provides access to the line to be tested.

Modularity

Maestro has got the necessary adaptability to support all kinds of networks to be monitored. The number of lines, structure, required performance level, characteristics of the Local Exchanges (manufacturer, hardware, software), are all parameters taken into consideration when Maestro is incorporated into the network.

"Universality"

The MTDU is a Test Head that can be adapted to any configuration. It can be connected to a Local Exchange, to a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Module), to a matrix (like the MMTA matrix, MAX HD), or to a DLM for leased lines.

Open Architecture

If operators use Customers' Operational Support Systems (OSS), whether proprietary or a package, Maestro can be easily and quickly combined with them through supplied programming interfaces (API), thus offering a complete and effective application-tailored solution. In addition, the MMSW Management Software is built on a Client/Server model. It has the necessary modularity for distributing logic services on various machines (distributed architecture). Its development using Java makes it portable to any platform having a JRE 1.3 engine, in particular Windows 2000, XP and Linux.