Fibre monitoring system upgraded to cover DWDM

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Aug 7, 2002

QuestFiber 2.1 is the latest version of the proactive, remote fibre monitoring system from NetTest designed to work with full-service emerging and next generation networks.

QuestFiber 2.1 is the latest version of the proactive, remote fibre monitoring system from NetTest designed to work with full-service emerging and next generation networks.

QuestFiber is the only remote fibre testing system that allows the network operations manager to proactively monitor the fibre optic network through the use of domains, thus enabling delivery of the highest level of QoS and ensuring network security and reliability to the greatest degree.

With the addition of QuestFiber, NetTest continues to deliver on its long-term vision for enabling seamless and automated optical networks.

Complimenting the use of field portable equipment, the QuestFiber monitoring system proactively and non-intrusively provides network operators with vital information concerning network health.

"QuestFiber 2.1 brings to the market NetTest's long-term vision for network monitoring in the optical area.

With its DWDM monitoring and automated reporting, QuestFiber 2.1 provides network operators with a unique tool that allows them to fully manage the optical layer of their networks with very minimal effort", said David Coker, Vice President of Product Management, NetTest.

QuestFiber 2.1 now supports spectral monitoring for DWDM networks.

The system's optical channel analysis (OCA) module provides comprehensive spectral information to the network operator, including automated tracking of key spectral parameters such as OSNR, gain tilt and ASE noise levels along with power level and central wavelength tracking for each optical channel.

As with all QuestFiber testing capabilities, each key parameter may be tracked for long-term performance assessment.

Through use of the expert analysis mode, real-time and historical data may be analysed while overlaid with standard ITU-T grid specifications for quick visual analysis.

In surveillance mode, the system provides alarm notification whenever any of the spectral characteristics fall outside of specified performance parameters.

QuestFiber 2.1 now also provides network operations managers with an automated reporting tool, a first in the world of remote fibre test systems.

With this new reporting application, network operators can schedule QuestFiber to collect, analyse and summarise optical network data automatically on either a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

Results are summarised in a report that is automatically distributed as a PDF via email to key operations personnel.

The available reports target network status and optical performance on a per customer, per region or per service basis.

In addition, key optical quality of service parameters are tracked for key services or customers, thus allowing automated validation of service level agreements.

With QuestFiber 2.1's continuous, automated analysis and reporting of network performance, network operators can make more efficient use of available resources by scheduling preventative maintenance activities before network problems become catastrophic.

QuestFiber 2.1 is available for immediate delivery.