SPIRENT TECH-X FLEX - Spirent Communications

SPIRENT TECH-X FLEXIP TESTING SOLUTIONSpirent’s Tech-X Flex® is the field test solution which enables qualification andtroubleshooting of transport-related issues within the customer’s home.FEATURES AND BENEFITS• 802.11 signal strength analysis enables customer networkvalidation• Full-featured Web browser enables true Web connectivity,configuring equipment and accessing back-office applications• High-speed data tests verify TCP connectivity for Over-the-Topapplications like Video• Analyze IP video streams to determine your customers’ Qualityof Experience• Full Color VGA display shows maximum information and detailto the userSpirent’s Tech-X Flex platform isthe ideal platform for testing IPconnectivity inside the home. Itfeatures full support for 802.11Wi-Fi and Ethernet coupled with asuite of IP tests from an easy-touse,intuitive GUI.Coupled with its ability to pushdata to almost any externallocation, the Tech-X Flex offersa level of capability normallyassociated with a full-fledged PC.IN HOMETRIPLE PLAY TESTINGThe in-home network is consideredone of the last major hurdles service providers will have toovercome to efficiently deliver Triple Play services to theconsumer. Previously, the in-home network was the responsibilityof the consumer. However, providers have spent billions of dollarson both network and access infrastructure. They now view thein-home network as a potential stumbling block which can meankeeping or losing subscribers.802.11 TESTINGThe WiFi link from the home router is often viewed as aproblematic area for service providers. Using an integrated802.11 modem, Tech-X Flexcan help troubleshoot issuesrelated to the connectionlink as well as providing thecapability to test over thatlink using tests such asPing, Traceroute andWeb browser.Tech-X Flex allows thetechnician to validate theconsumer’s network is configured, as it should be by way ofverifying the SSID name, channel usage and encryption typeused. Signal strength measurements help locate areas withinthe home that may be suffering from poor coverage and detectinterfering networks.HIGH SPEED DATA TESTSIP Connectivity can also be tested using either the Dual Ethernetor Wi-Fi interfaces. The Flex features High Speed Data testslike TCP Throughput and Packet Loss test in addition to thestandard Ping and Traceroute tests. Testing TCP performance withThroughput test ensures the connection is suitable for Over theTop content like Video (e.g., Netflix, Hulu) or Voice (e.g., Skype).A Packet Loss test indicates the quality of the IP network usinga Packet Loss counter and three types of delay metrics. Testingacross all layers ensures no protocol issues exist, which may notbe apparent when it is only Layer 2 level tests that are performed.

SPIRENT TECH-X FLEXIP TESTING SOLUTIONIP VIDEO TESTINGTech-X Flex extends Spirent’sreputation of testing IP Videoto inside the home. Tech-X Flexcan be configured to emulatean STB, select a video streamand measure subsequentvideo quality, network qualityand channel change time.Tech-X Flex is also equippedwith dual Ethernet ports for in-line/passive monitoring of bothEthernet and IP services. In this scenario, the STB selects thevideo streams, so that faults can be seen on both the Tech-X Flexand on a customer’s actual television for easy correlation. Thispassive testing overcomes the inability of other testers to analyzeproprietary middleware and encrypted video.Spirent’s approach to video testing is measure the network andtransport metrics, and analyze the content of the video. This isthe most comprehensive method of determining the customer’sQuality of Experience (QoE). An experienced Tier 2/3 technicianor novice user can accommodate their respective demands for thedisplay of IP Video results. Tech-X Flex gives a Video MOS score(VMOS) which rates the customer’s QoE with a number between1 and 5. The closer to 5, the better the experience. This providesa quick and easy method for the technician to evaluate thecustomer’s service. However, should a more detailed analysis berequired, Tech-X Flex also provides additional measurements suchas jitter, I/B/F frame counts, loss and more.SPIRENT SERVICESSpirent Global Services provides a variety of professionalservices, support services and education services—all focusedon helping customers meet their complex testing and serviceassurance requirements. For more information, visit the GlobalServices Website at www.spirent.com or contact your Spirentsales representative.WEB BROWSERThe Web browser allows technicians to verify Web connectivity fromwithin the customer premise over the 802.11 (Wi-Fi) or 10/100Ethernet connections. This removes the need for the technicianto carry the laptop to the customer premise to prove the service.Although Ping and Traceroute functions may provide connectivityto destinations across the Internet, they do not guarantee theabsence of DNS issues which may be hampering your customer’sattempts to access various Web sites.A high resolution, color display and touch screen allow theWeb browser to be used as a configuration tool for either thecustomer’s home router or any central office Web-based portals.This further eliminates the need for removing the laptop fromthe truck.ORDERING INFORMATIONPRODUCTNUMBER PRODUCT NAME DESCRIPTIONT5000 Tech-X Flex With 10/100 Ethernet interface for IP Ping,Traceroute, DHCP/Static AddressingOPTIONST5001 Dual Ethernet Option Provides a second Ethernet interface to allowin-line/passive testing of IP servicesT5003 IP Video Option Provides IP Video set-top box emulation withresults such as VMOS, type of video codec,channel change time, packet loss, latency,jitter, out-of-order & duplicate packets, I/B/Pframe counts, etc.T5004 Web Browser Option Provides the ability to surf the Web to verifyinternet and DNS functionality.T5005 Wi-FI Option Provides wireless communications to a PCas well as the ability to detect and measuresignal strength and other Wi-Fi statsT5419 High-Speed Data Tests Provides TCP throughput and Packet Loss TestAMERICAS 1-800-SPIRENT • +1-818-676-2683 • sales@spirent.comEUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST +44 (0) 1293 767979 • emeainfo@spirent.comASIA AND THE PACIFIC +86-10-8518-2539 • salesasia@spirent.com© 2012 Spirent Communications, Inc. All of the company names and/or brand names and/or product names referred to in thisdocument, in particular the name “Spirent” and its logo device, are either registered trademarks or trademarks pending registrationin accordance with relevant national laws. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. Rev. A 03/12