Empirix puts Surf software to testing application

Empirix has selected Surf Multi-access Pool software for use in its Hammer Universal Port with Modem Tester (UPM)

Empirix has selected Surf Multi-access Pool software for use in its Hammer Universal Port with Modem Tester (UPM), an universal port test solution for carrier-class next generation network equipment.

Designed to test universal port gateways as well as remote access server (RAS) devices, the new system delivers real-world traffic patterns including mixes of modem, voice and fax traffic.

Surf's software provides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with the most advanced solution available for converged packet voice, packet fax, and high-speed V.9x modem services.

Surf's SMP is a modular software solution that can process multiple channels concurrently using a multitude of access technologies and is perfectly suited for systems such as the Hammer UPM that generates multiple calls in parallel, using various protocols.

The Hammer UPM is capable of generating up to 240 channels of modem traffic across up to 10 T1 or 8 E1 spans controlled with CAS, ISDN PRI, or SS7 signaling.

The system can be configured to emulate a mix of client types (including V.90, V.92 and V.34).

Following session establishment, each channel can ping a remote IP address and generate summary metrics for each modem connection, session training, and ping test.

Uniquely, the Hammer UPM can test V.92 modem-on-hold capability.

Based on the easy-to-use TestBuilder user interface, the Hammer UPM is capable of delivering mixes of different traffic types and real-world calling profiles.

"In addition to addressing a critical need for testing RAS devices, the UPM is unique in its ability to subject gateways to real-world traffic in the lab", said Empirix product manager Mark MacLean.

"The performance of any device being deployed in a telephone network today must be verified with a mix of call traffic that includes modem calls".

The Empirix system is designed to test telecom equipment under heavy load to verify its performance and stability during peak call times and during unexpected call behaviour.

It emulates actual user interactions with network applications, gauges the performance of those applications and ultimately assesses the quality-of-service delivered to the end-user.

It also provides an independent validation of the manufacturer's performance figures.

Surf is delighted to have been selected by Empirix for the UPM Test System.

Empirix' selection of Surf's Multi-modem, DSP-based software solution for its testing equipment is a vote of confidence in the quality of our solutions", said Dr Amnon Gavish, Surf's Chief Executive Officer.

"Since the SMP is a software-based solution, Empirix will have the needed flexibility, through simple software upgrades, to accommodate other access services in the future", Gavish continued.

"Empirix found Surf's software easy to use.

It shortened Empirix' development time and enabled Empirix to speed the UPMs time-to-revenue reducing overall development costs and improving our bottom line", said JD Doyle, director of engineering for Empirix.

Market research firm Frost and Sullivan estimates that between 1999 and 2006 the world market for general test and measurement equipment will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6% to total $7.35 billion by 2006.

In a June 2000 report, the company also noted that communications is the fastest growing sector of the test and measurement industry, already accounting for over 50% of revenue worldwide.

Back to top