Triple-Play Service Deployment

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Chapter 9: Troubleshooting High Speed Data Service
High Speed Data Service Delivery Test Strategy
With this extensive list of xDSL caveats and considerations,
network operators and service providers face a variety of testing
challenges to install and maintain robust and cost-effective high
speed data services. Providers need a test strategy that ensures
connectivity and quality from the time of turn-up and fast root
cause identification and resolution of problems that arise on the
live network.
The strategy begins with establishing the readiness of the
physical plant to support high speed data service (as explained in
Chapters 3 and 4). Connectivity of the service to the DSLAM in the
local exchange must also be assured. Beyond the DSLAM,
connectivity and routing, both to the ATM or IP network and
ultimately to the service provider, need to be verified to ensure
the customer’s expected level of service.
There is also the challenge of providing and maintaining different
DSL variants simultaneously such as ADSL, ADSL2+, VDSL, and
VDSL2 to meet the demands of business and residential
customers using fiber and copper for the last mile. To complicate
matters, all of these challenges must be addressed within an
operating environment constrained by reduced budgets, smaller
workforces, and tighter deadlines.
As a result, a comprehensive test strategy that addresses each of
these aspects is critical. The test solution must deliver
comprehensive physical layer, data, and service testing at the
twisted pair/metallic, DSL, ATM, IP, and application layers. It must
also support multiple DSL variants. In addition, it should be
capable of delivering process improvement features that can be
utilized to improve productivity and efficiency. Portable test tools
with Web browser and FTP throughput test capabilities are
required to verify DSL physical layer performance, ISP
connectivity, and ISP and data service throughput.