CHRIS DUNFORD G.FAST TESTING
RECOMMENDED TESTING l Always utilise automated G.fast (or VDSL2) test scripts to validate subscriber data rates, signal-to-noise ratio and that the signal is operating error free. This can be especially critical with IPTV and VoIP services since they use UDP to transfer data, so lost packets will show up as visible (or audible) quality of service (QoS) issues, unlike internet data which uses TCP, so lost packets are recovered through retransmission and my not be visible until it is bad enough to degrade throughput noticeably. l Have a G.fast test set, which also supports copper loop test tools to locate faults on any copper loop which does not meet service level requirements. Being able to make measurements like metallic insulation resistance with voltages up to 500V (very important in case of remote powering of the DPU), stressed balance (energise resistive faults), resistance fault location (RFL), and time domain reflectometry (TDR) are just a few additional measurements that are very beneficial to the technician during the installation and repair phases. l Document and store all test results from the field to allow for ongoing characterization and learnings to enable insights into the overall network health. Are there more issues in a specific region or neighborhood? Does existing equipment need to be upgraded or replaced? Is there a correlation between
1 to 48 users per remote network equipment
CPE
DPU
(X)GPON, P2P, copper backhaul
Passive splitter
Aggregation
150 Mbit/s vectored VDSL2 17a (250 Mbit/s with 30a) 1 Gbit/s G.fast
DPU
home already has copper access. l The key to success is ensuring that, at every step along the way, the construction, installation and commissioning of the entire G.fast network is properly tested and characterised. Best practices, well documented methods of procedures and the right automated, intelligent test equipment, will help traditional access providers maintain a strong competitive footing against the other access solutions.
customer trouble reports and a specific network build? By having this information readily available for analytics, the operator can transition from reactive maintenance to proactive service assurance; leading to happier and more loyal customers. l G.fast provides a real opportunity for carriers utilizing copper loop access technology to compete head-to-head with cable MSO coax solutions as well as FTTH. Not only does it provide fibre-like speeds and performance, it can do so at a fraction of the cost since just about every
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ISSUE 10 | Q3 2017
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