The telecommunications industry is undergoing important changes. Incumbent operators have already moved away from the model of the past century, where voice between fixed terminals was the core of the business. Technological shifts, social changes, competition and new regulations have persuaded fixed-line operators to redefine their enterprise around converged multiservice networks.

Continuous innovations in wireless technologies have produced a significant social change. Now personal telephony is based on a combination of mobility and privacy. It is no secret that wireless providers have stolen a share of the revenues from fixed-line operators and are even suggesting that all traditional and new services can be delivered with wireless technologies. But the biggest threat to the traditional voice business are ISPs and smart pieces of freeware using inexpensive VoIP calls, which can reduce revenues to a minimum. Unfortunately alternative businesses, such as data services based on DSL, have quickly become a commodity difficult to differentiate from the competition and maintain profitability. New regulations have also allowed cable and competitive operators to grab a slice of the conventional market.

Fixed-line providers are responding to these threats by bundling multiple services into a commercial package that includes a combination of: IPTV, VoD, PSTN, VoIP, messaging, broadband and mobile access, multiplayer gaming and other entertainment applications. Everything is bundled into a single package that also includes the line rental. This is often known as Triple or Quadruple Play; a bundle of video, audio, data and, eventually, mobile services, designed to reduce churn while building customer loyalty.

Bundling video and voice over IP, with the existing data and voice services, is more than just a strategy. It is, in many cases, a must to keep data service companies in the residential market business. This is an important point, because supporting these new applications requires migrating the existing infrastructures towards a new converged network based on IP, xDSL, Carrier Ethernet and, often, FTT and NG SDH.

These converged networks offer important benefits, and can increase the average revenue per user (ARPU), but it is also essential to make sure that they deliver optimum performance.

It is very difficult to differentiate between competing bundled services. Therefore, it is now even more important to test your network to ensure that any issues that may affect the customers' Quality of Experience (QoE) or the availability of the services, are addressed.

Modular and Customisable

- New modules can be added as new technologies emerge
- Supports a large number of different network and desktop interfaces
- Includes selectable set-up files
- Multifunction, multipurpose platform
- Easy to set up
- Will never go out of date!

Highly Portable

- Light and robust
- Comfortable to handle
- Easy-to-change modules and battery for seamless operation

Clear Results

- Big, easy-to-view screen
- Intuitive
- Easy import/export and storage!

High-Quality Graphical User Interface

- UNIQUE: Live audio/video signal preview for IPTV!
- Large TFT true-colour touchscreen
- ¼ VGA resolution
- PC Remote Control identical to the GUI
- OS-independent!

Excellent Connectivity

- USB and Ethernet for through-mode and end-point operation
- Compact Flash for easy file transfer
- RS-232 port
- Microphone and headphone sockets
- Optional telephone headset
- Optional POTS test port

With Trend Multipro you can perform the following tasks, and more:

Channel Zap Testing

Trend Multipro uses channel zap tests to validate the IGMP performance of customer premises equipment, to ensure there is minimum delay when the viewer changes channels.

Troubleshooting the Local Loop

Trend Multipro can perform an ADSL2+ sync test to check and evaluate the performance of the copper-based local loop.

Possible issues in the local loop include: a misconfigured DSLAM or user modem/router, faulty copper, crosstalk and external radio interference. The copper link between the central office and the customer premises may also be too long.

QoE Testing

The IPTV service can be checked automatically by performing a Quality of Experience (QoE) test. This test summarizes the different sources of degradation and gives a simple Pass/Fail result.

Determining Up/Down Bit Rates

During synchronization and training, the subscriber modem/router and the DSLAM agree the upstream/downstream bit rates in the local loop. The actual transmission rates can be less, due to congestion in the network or in the remote system.

Trend Multipro obtains information on the real end-to-end transmission rate calls, so that continuous traffic flow can be generated and the average bit rate measured over a specified time.

Testing End-to-End Connectivity

The end-to-end connectivity or Ping test can be used to check if two network devices can communicate with each other or not. It can also be used to collect basic performance statistics; the measured round trip delay and the number of times the remote server fails to reply.

Verifying SIP Signalling

The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an application-layer protocol used to establish, modify and tear down calls between users in VoIP applications. Trend Multipro can check the SIP protocol operation, and make and receive VoIP calls.

TS Structure Analysis

The Video Player test is used to locate image-related problems in the IPTV service.

Video signals are transported in networks using Transport Streams (TS). Trend Multipro analyses the complete structure of the TS and measures the bandwidth, jitter, as well as any other events that may be occurring.

IPTV Service Testing

You can check that the IPTV services are working as expected by using the Video player test to preview the video signal on Trend Multipro's true-colour touchscreen. You can also listen directly to the audio signal via the built-in speaker or optional headphones.

Internet Service Testing

By browsing the web, Trend Multipro automatically checks that the Internet access or Data services are working as expected. This is usually the first test to perform when installing and maintaining data access networks. The operation of communication services can be tested from almost anywhere: customer premises, central office or street cabinets.

Trend Multipro is an ideal tool for:

• Triple Play service providers
• Fixed-line operators
• ADSL2+, VDSL2, FTTx installers
• Content providers

Trend Communications is sponsoring a series of touring workshops on Triple Play. These workshops will give your customers the opportunity to understand why new applications like VoIP, IPTV, VoD and Broadband Internet access are being rolled out and bundled.

These events have been prepared for decision-makers, business developers, field engineers and those in charge of the roll-out. In short, for those who are leading the development of the new Triple Play services.

For more information, see our brochure.

Get more information about Trend Communications Solutions from our Pocket Portfolio brochure.

Trend Communications can provide demonstrations and training courses on this solution and associated technologies. Please contact your local Trend representative or e-mail to infoline@trendcomms.com

Alternatively call Trend Communications sales on:

International: China: Deutschland: España: France: India: UK: US:

+44 (0)1628 503500 +86 1085183141 +49 (0)8932300930 +34 933003313 +33 169355470 +91 2228521059 +44 (0)1628503500 +1 2564610790