HIGH WYCOMBE, U.K. -- Trend Communications has launched Victoria Combo, a new test and measurement platform initially for SDH, SONET, PDH and T-Carrier networks up to 10 Gbit/s. Based on a truly modular, stackable design, this effective multi-role tester is ideal for fault location, field use, and as a remote probe. With separate top and bottom modules for the user interface and power provision, the Victoria Combo can perform both simultaneous and independent measurements using user-selectable technology modules locked between the interface and power sections. This tester is stackable, and multiple modules can be included or not as the situation demands. The platform has been prepared to support different technologies, which not only makes the test set easy to adapt to applications for New Generation Networks, but also protects the customer's investment.The robust design of Victoria Combo, together with the fact that it can be powered by field-replaceable batteries, make it easy to operate at any measurement point, under any conditions. A unique additional battery compartment both extends operation time and makes it possible to replace battery packs without switching the tester off. Removable optical connectors for easy cleaning, especially useful in the field, and essential to avoid false error indications. A large colour touch screen (10.4") with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels displays all necessary information in an easy–to-understand manner. The graphical user interface with its unique window-icon approach provides the quickest possible access to all the information, simplifies use and minimises technicians' training time.The revolutionary 10 Gbit/s module is equipped with full SDH/SONET generation, together with analysis of errors, alarms and pointer events down to VC-4/STS-12c SPE. Also available is the 2.5 Gbit/s module which covers applications down to 2 and 1.5 Mbit/s, including Fractional E1 and T1 tests. Both modules are in line with all the applicable ITU-T and Telcordia standards, adding new pass/fail tests for G.828 & G.829 to the existing G.826, M.2100 and M.2101 performance evaluation. Victoria Combo expands these features by including optical power measurements with automatic receiver shutdown in case of optical overload. At the same time it provides for frequency verification and stress tests by means of frequency offset insertion, In-band G.707 FEC option, frame capture and a powerful graphical display of results by means of histograms and time graphs for both ISM and OOS measurements. This test set includes special capabilities, such as Overhead BERT, Tandem Connection Monitoring, G.783 Pointer Sequence Generation, Path Trace Messages and operation in Through Mode, together with such functions as Scan, Auto-Setup, Automatic Protection Switching and Round Trip Delay.

A customizable set of widely used tests can be automated by means of a unique screen that displays the progress of each test and gives obvious pass/fail indication at the end of the process. This functionality makes Victoria Combo easy to use with practically no training at all.

The platform allows for both standard and Wireless LAN connections, making it easy to control Victoria Combo remotely from anywhere in the world via any network, just by using a standard Java-enabled browser and TCP/IP connectivity. This feature improves monitoring and maintenance, reduces response time to network failures, and enables remote assistance to field technicians from a central site, saving both time and money. Moreover, several remote users can control the same unit concurrently, using Victoria Combo as a shared resource installed on a fixed site. Generating results files and programming automated tasks is easy to achieve by transferring files between a PC and Victoria. Victoria's compact Flash slots make it quick and easy to transfer files by using Micro-drive memory cards, which also work as a memory extension, useful when storing long measurement results.

Victoria Combo does not require a long learning process. The built-in on-line manual can be accessed as an HTML page by using a special browser included in the GUI. Another unique feature of this tester is the Sleep mode. The tester can be switched back on instantaneously from Sleep mode without booting the SW, this way saving time. An additional advantage of the Sleep mode is its extremely low power consumption, especially useful when operating on batteries.

Trend Communications Ltd.