Sunrise Telecom says the demand for triple-play services -- television, Internet access, and VoIP, all over the same cable -- is making upstream bandwidth an increasingly critical resource. Accordingly, the CM2800 is said to incorporate not only a downstream sweep (5MHz to 11MHz) receiver, but also an upstream sweep transmitter that quickly tests from 5MHz to 200MHz. The upstream sweep function is compatible with that offered by legacy HP/Agilent CaLan devices, the company adds.

Despite these enhancements, the CM2800 appears to employ hardware very similar to the company's CM2000, first introduced in October 2007, runs Windows CE 5.0 and displays graphical data on a 6.4-inch VGA touchscreen. Like the CM2000, the CM2800 has a built-in DOCSIS 2.0 (data over cable service interface specifications) cable modem, and is also capable of VoIP testing, according to the company.

The CM2000 received a firmware upgrade in May of this year that added web browsing via Internet Explorer, plus the capability of connecting to wireless networks via an optional USB network adapter.

Features cited then by Sunrise, and now carried over to the CM2800, include the following:

• Troubleshooting tools for wireless networks
  
• SNMP
  
• FTP
  
• Telnet
  
• Live Search
  
• Audio demodulation
  
• S-CDMA compatibility
  
• Maintains DOCSIS connection through service interruptions up to five seconds
  
• Spectrum display adds attenuation and reference level controls
  
• Scan and auto tests identify individual failing criteria

The CM2800's underlying hardware appears to be similar to the CM2000's. The device is packaged in a weatherproof, shock-resistant case that features "integrated cooling." It also features a field-replaceable battery that provides four to six hours of operation. I/O connections include RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial cable, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and a USB port.

Sunrise Telecom's CM2800, with optional soft case, can be used in a variety of positions

According to Sunrise, the CM2800 can tune to any upstream or downstream channel, from 5 MHz to 1 GHz. It then measures a variety of parameters, such as video and audio levels and upstream and downstream throughput. The unit's graphical user interface allows using the touchscreen to drill down for further details.


The CM2800 provides graphical test results
An optional MTA (multimedia terminal adapter) module allows the device to perform VoIP testing, including making actual calls, the company says. The QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) analyzer can do constellation, equalizer, frequency response, and spectrum analysis, adds Sunrise.

Available accessories include a custom soft-sided carrying case, a 12-volt power adapter for vehicle use, and spare battery packs.

Physical characteristics cited by the company include:

• Display -- 6.4-inch VGA touchscreen, daylight-viewable
  
• I/O:
  • RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial cable
    
  • RG-45 connector for 10/100 Ethernet
    
  • audio output with volume control
• Power:
  • Lithium-ion battery pack
    
  • 15 VDC power input
    
  • 2-3 hour charging time
    
  • 4-6 hour operating time
• Dimensions -- 10 x 7 x 3 inches
  
• Weight -- approximately 6 pounds

Availability

Pricing was not disclosed, but the device is available now, Sunrise Telecom says. A U.S. version, the CM2800, is said to support DOCSIS and Annex B & C, while a European equivalent, the CM2800E supports DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS and Annex A, B & C, according to the company.

More information may be found on the Sunrise Telecom website, here.

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