By integrating a set of interoperable field test instruments, network probes and management software, JDSU has come up with a Metro Ethernet test solution that it introduced this week and will demonstrate next week at Globalcomm in Chicago.

The solution is used to ensure quality-of-service for Metro Ethernet across both core and access networks. It consists of several of JDSU’s flagship products integrated together, including portable testers such as the MTS/T-BERD 8000 and FST-2802 Ethernet tester and the NetComplete Metro Ethernet Service Assurance Solution, which is made up of the rack-mountable QT-600 Ethernet IP testhead and the centralized NetAnalyst Test OSS.

Helmut Berg, senior vice president of JDSU’s Test and Measurement group, said in a statement that managing Metro Ethernet networks has become a complicated task because next-generation IP services such as IPTV and VoIP expose QoS guarantees to greater scrutiny.

NetComplete for Metro Ethernet provides continuous QoS and service availability testing, monitoring and analysis; on-demand and scheduled testing; service turn-up verification; rapid fault isolation and troubleshooting; data filtering using extensive triggers and filter criteria; and multi-interface support (10/100/1000 Mbps via the QT-600). The portable testers mentioned above support Layer 1 bit-error-rate-testing up to Layer 3 installation and maintenance, including loopback capabilities. Tests performed during the installation and commissioning include connectivity, throughput, frame loss, and round trip delay (latency).

“With each customer looking for 100 Mb/s, it puts incredible demand on the infrastructure and its driving demand for new physical layer test equipment,” said Jim Nershook, vice president of marketing for the telecom field service group at JDSU.

Also this week JDSU and Montreal-based Accedian Networks, a provider of Ethernet demarcation devices, announced interoperability between Accedian’s EtherNID product family and JDSU's FST-2802 Field Services Test Set and QT-600 TestHead.

This allows field technicians to initiate far-end Ethernet loopbacks across entire Layer 2 or Layer 3 Carrier Networks. The companies claim it can cut the operational and capital expense of turning up Ethernet services by 50%. It also addresses ongoing operations administration and maintenance expenses associated with Ethernet–based services.

This, too, will be demonstrated at Globalcomm.