EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. announced today the introduction of the new CoLT-450P, a handheld, battery-powered test set for installation and maintenance applications on copper-based broadband access networks.

The next-generation CoLT-450P contains a number of major hardware and software upgrades compared to its popular predecessor, the CoLT-450, which is used by network operators to install and troubleshoot digital subscriber line (DSL) circuits that deliver triple-play services (voice, data and video) over high-speed access networks.

The revolutionary CoLT-450P is the first DSL test set to be specifically designed for assessing the high bit-rate throughput of multiple-channel, high-definition television (HDTV). This easy-to-use, modular test solution acts as a golden modem for confirming the rates and other measured parameters provided by asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), ADSL2, ADSL2+, and reach extended (RE) ADSL. The CoLT-450P also performs functional testing and quality-of-service testing for video and television services over IP (IPTV), Voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) and Internet services.

With telecom service providers poised to make large-scale deployments of IPTV services, the CoLT-450P is an indispensable tool for rapid installation and efficient troubleshooting. The CoLT-450P supports an industry-leading and flexible suite for IPTV testing. It features high-performance, video-packet processing speed and throughput. Once equipped with a CoLT-450P, technicians can establish a DSL connection, log onto a service provider's network, "join" and "leave" various streaming video channels, and measure the quality of the video stream.

The CoLT-450P has the power to support the highest DSL rates and performance, while simultaneously handling multiple standard and high-definition video streams. A 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface enables the CoLT-450P to operate as a complete home/office DSL modem and router, allowing it to work "in-line" on a live IPTV service in conjunction with a set-top box. In addition to industry-leading IPTV and HDTV testing, the CoLT-450P tests the availability and proper functionality of Internet service provider (ISP) services, and offers the ability to monitor various types of VoIP services (SIP and MGCP).

The CoLT-450P will be showcased at OSP Expo, booth 66005, at the McCormick Center in Chicago from June 5 to 7.

"This multi-purpose, future-proof, modular DSL and triple-play test set allows carriers to remove the guesswork from the installation process and will act as a strong evolutionary platform to strengthen our presence and market share in the triple-play, access network testing market," said Robert Fitts, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Management, Copper Access Group. "The intuitive menu guides the user through the process of confirming that services promised are delivered. In addition, the CoLT-450P provides technicians with an easy way to observe the quality and stability of video services delivered to the subscriber premises."