Spirent Enhances Ethernet Test Solution

MSOs have continued to increase their use of IP video technology in their core networks as they prepare to eventually transition some of their traditional video offerings to IP video delivered over DOCSIS. Spirent, through its technology leadership, continues to support its current and future customers, providing solutions that grow as our customers networks continue to transform.



“We’re always examining ways to best address the needs of MSOs as we serve providers worldwide,” said John Cunningham, vice president of Service Assurance at Spirent. “Understanding the challenges they face in maintaining their base of customers while delivering new and enhanced services over evolving networks is critical. IP video performance monitoring plays a key role in today’s MSO networks and Spirent is uniquely positioned since it delivers a single solution for active and passive Ethernet testing of 1GbE and 10GbE networks for test and diagnostics, as well as performance monitoring for IP video.”



With support for IP video at 1GbE and 10GbE speeds, MSOs can monitor the quality of their networks at both head-end and hub offices. If network problems are identified, the source can be quickly isolated to the video feed versus the core Ethernet network. Typically, these two testing applications require different solutions, with two or more probes making the process a more time-consuming and expensive effort.



Round-the-clock monitoring with Spirent TestCenter Live lets MSOs gauge the health of their network and quality of their video service. Additionally, preset thresholds and alarms for video operations can identify service degradation and proactively address these issues before consumers begin to see the effect. This approach reduces customer churn and optimizes operations by avoiding costly reactive dispatches and service orders.