Filtronic Sigtek Unveils AnalyzerFiltronic Sigtek Unveils Analyzer

Announces the ST-261 DOCSIS Protocol Analyzer for MSOs

May 12, 2003

2 Min Read

COLUMBIA, Md. -- Filtronic Sigtek (www.sigtek.com), a leading designer and manufacturer of broadband and wireless communications products, today announces the ST-261 DOCSIS Protocol Analyzer for MSOs (Multiple System Operators). Building upon its reputation as the industry standard for DOCSIS protocol analyzers for certification and qualification testing, Filtronic Sigtek is now offering a low-cost, portable DOCSIS protocol analyzer targeted specifically for the DOCSIS network operator. The ST-261 provides a method for cable operators implementing DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) to rapidly investigate and resolve DOCSIS communication problems occurring in the RF (radio frequency) portion of their networks. The ST-261 transparently demodulates DOCSIS modulated signals residing on HFC networks, providing a complete analysis tool from the Physical Link Layer (PHY) through the Application Layer of DOCSIS networks. The ST-261 is the only tool in the industry that can provide a complete analysis of DOCSIS network performance from the quality of the modulated RF carriers to the data that end users are transporting over the network, thus increasing revenues by reducing network downtime and improving customer service and satisfaction with cable modem services.

The ST-261 enables functional analysis of the RF upstream and downstream DOCSIS-based modulation and communication protocols. It offers the industry’ s first portable upstream DOCSIS RF analysis tool that can measure the upstream Modulation Error Ratio (MER) of a specific cable modem by knowing the unique MAC (Media Access Control) address of that cable modem. This means that when a specific customer is having connectivity problems, the network technician can enter that user’s unique MAC address and instantly verify the RF performance of the users device. Once RF performance is confirmed, the technician can run automated scripts which will verify that the customer’s premise equipment is conforming to the DOCSIS 1.0/1.1 specification. Upon verification of proper DOCSIS protocol, the technician can monitor the customer’s cable modem communications with network devices such as DHCP, TFTP and Time servers, which enable the next level of connectivity. Having passed all network tests, the technician can monitor actual network traffic flows of the customer experiencing connectivity problems. A remote user interface allows the technician at any time to call for additional support from network or engineering specialists at a remote location. The specialists will be able to remotely see what the technician sees and take the necessary action to resolve the customer’s problems. No single tool in the industry offers this level of un-paralleled network support. No tool in the industry is like the ST-261!

Filtronic Sigtek Inc.

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