| Network tester runs Windows CE |
Sep. 27, 2007
 Exfo has announced a modular network tester that features a color display with a graphical user interface (GUI) based on Windows CE. The AXS-200 SharpTESTER platform is available in versions for Ethernet, copper/DSL/triple-play, and fiber-optic, according to the company.
Windows CE is of particular advantage here, Exfo says, because "the graphical user interface for all test configurations reduces the need for training and allows both expert and entry-level technicians to quickly get on track." The screens provide users with a straightforward view of test results and make them easy to interpret, it's claimed.
The AXS-200 SharpTESTER's 28-key keyboard has a numeric keypad, arrow keys, and three dedicated function keys. Among the unit's other touted specs are a 3.5-inch color TFT display, 512 MB of RAM, and a USB host/client interface port.
Exfo's AXS-200 network tester
According to Exfo, the device is available as the AXS-200/850, which is intended for performance assessment of metropolitan Ethernet networks. Relevant specifications of this model, as listed by the company, include:- User-definable RFC 2544 test routines
- Bit-error-rate testing (BERT) up to layer 4
- Pass/fail results provided via LED indicators, with user-defined thresholds
- Configurable VLAN capability
- QoS, ToS and diffserv capabilities
- Intelligent network autodiscovery for simplified loopback testing
Also available is the AXS-200/620, intended for DSL and "triple-play" (data, VoIP and IPTV services) testing. The model is meant for validating connectivity to the digital subscriber line access multiplier (DSLAM) and for performing upstream and downstream measurements such as actual data rates, attenuation, and noise margin. In addition, it's said to provide advanced VoIP and IPTV measurements, over either Ethernet or DSL.
Finally, positioned as "coming soon," though not yet assigned a model number, is a version that will test fiber-optic cable, locating faults and determining end-to-end loss.
Specifications listed by the company that are common to all AXS-200 SharpTESTER versions include the following:- Processor -- not specified
- Memory -- 512 MB internal; can also store data on USB flash drives
- Display -- 3.5 inch QVGA (320 x 240) TFT display
- I/O:
- USB host/client
- 10/100 Ethernet with RJ-45 connector
- Video fiber inspection probe port
- Battery and power supply -- lithium-ion battery, 15-24 VDC power input (40 W minimum)
- Dimensions -- 9.5 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches (241 x 109 x 38 mm)
- Weight -- 1 pound
- Operating range -- –10 to 50 deg. C (14 to 122 deg. F)
- Relative humidity -- 0 to 93%, non-condensing
The AXS-200/850 and AXS-200/620 appear to be available now, though pricing was not released. More information is available from the company's website, here.
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