Incognito Tests PacketCable

VANCOUVER -- Incognito Software today released the Broadband Command Center(TM) MTA Test Appliance to perform turnkey testing of cable modems and multimedia termination adapters (MTAs) that are returned from the field for repair. Cable operators with PacketCable or DOCSIS devices can realize substantial savings from the simple point-and-click testing that removes manual errors and limits the number of non-defective devices returned to the manufacturer, enabling more successful returns to the field. Product operation does not require any knowledge of cable provisioning or IP networking.

The Broadband Command Center MTA Test Appliance includes automation software pre-installed on a Linux server, a VoIP call agent, two analog modems, and all necessary cabling. A simple GUI guides a field technician through each test, with only one input required for test startup. Technicians can test a PacketCable or DOCSIS device in less than 10 minutes, saving both time and money in eliminating unnecessary returns to the manufacturer.

The new appliance tests DOCSIS modems and PacketCable embedded or standalone MTAs (eMTAs or sMTAs) using four software modules: device provisioning, call agent simulation, testing, and reporting. The provisioning module prepares each device for testing by dynamically configuring it with the required parameters. The VoIP call agent simulates a voice network and confirms that MTAs are properly processing messages according to Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) and Network Calling Signaling (NCS) standards. The test module verifies each MTA's VoIP functionality including on/off-hook state changes, ring tone detection, station-to-station calling, and mechanical jack presentations. Finally, the reporting module outputs each device's test results with the corresponding hardware MAC address so the operator can print and enclose the report with any device returned to the manufacturer.

Patricia Steadman, CEO of Incognito, commented, "Typically, 80 to 90 per cent of modems returned from the field are not defective and can be re-deployed. In the past, these functioning devices have been returned to the manufacturer since the operator did not have an easy-to-use test tool for its regional field technicians. We are excited to release a new product that solves this very costly problem."

Incognito Software Inc.