Spirent Expands In-Home Network Test Solution

Spirent Communications has unveiled a new RF video test module that’s expected to identify and troubleshoot deployment issues related to video services within a customer’s home. It’s part of the Spirent Tech-X Flex field test solution.

The company claims Tech-X Flex is the industry’s first and only device to support, in a single unit, both the testing of IP video service quality of Multimedia over Coax (MoCA) networks as well as analog and digital RF-based video signals.

Telcos and cable operators with hybrid video networks no longer have to supply field technicians with multiple devices to test RF video and MoCA. Instead, these technicians can identify and troubleshoot both network- and service-related issues inside the customer's residence with a just one piece of test equipment. Spirent Tech-X Flex also supports other in-home networking technologies including Ethernet and 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN).

"A service provider, such as Verizon, who is aggressively rolling out its FiOS TV service, or a cable operator trying to deliver the complete triple-play experience, will clearly welcome the utility and functionality of a handheld testing device which allows field technicians to easily yet comprehensively install and maintain residential video offerings," said Olga Yashkova, Test & Measurement Industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan. "The ability to accomplish all in-home testing needs with a single, compact device furnishes telcos and cable companies with an efficient tool that allows for the faster introduction of services as well as happier customers."

With both dual MoCA and dual Ethernet interfaces, Spirent says its Tech-X Flex offers field technicians an in-line IP video monitoring solution that helps them avoid issues with proprietary signaling between the set-top box and the video server. Specifically, it delivers automated expert diagnostics which accelerate the field troubleshooting process by analyzing and correlating various test results to identify faults and prioritize those with the greatest impact on service.