Agilent Technologies Inc. announced that its N2X multiservices test solution was chosen by Fiberxon to validate Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) system performance while delivering real-world triple-play services. The Agilent N2X multiservices test solution -- the industry's most comprehensive EPON performance test solution -- enabled Fiberxon to set up and evaluate its system performance faster to achieve successful triple-play (video, voice and data) services at its EPON demonstration here.

Video-on-demand and other triple-play services require the provision of high-bandwidth residential services directly to consumers. Passive optical networks are the next step beyond DSL and cable modems, delivering very high-speed services to consumers over an all-optical access network. Chip vendors, network equipment manufacturers and service providers must verify the fair sharing of bandwidth on an EPON, and pinpoint the precise location and causes of congestion and service disruption.

The Agilent N2X N5604A Tri-rate Ethernet EPON Test Card and dedicated software was used to verify Fiberxon's EPON system performance, providing dynamic bandwidth, Multi-Point Control Protocol (MPCP) message interchange, Ethernet Operations and Administration and Maintenance (OAM) flows across EPON, as well as end-to-end system performance. Using unique triggering and filtering capabilities, the N2X was used to isolate issues at either the Optical Network Unit (ONU) or the Optical Line Terminal (OLT). N2X was also configured to emulate end-to-end triple-play services while simultaneously measuring the Quality of Service (QoS).

"The Agilent N2X EPON solution was pivotal in evaluating the performance of EPON device and system performance and their impact on triple-play services," said Li Hsu, president and CEO of Fiberxon. "We believe the N2X EPON solution will accelerate EPON and triple-play service deployment in the fiber-to-the-home industry worldwide."

"Industry-leading EPON vendors like Fiberxon have successfully used N2X for OLT and ONU device and system testing," said Dave Bass, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Data Network Division. "By incorporating the Fiberxon 802.3ah-compliant EPON transceivers in the N2X EPON test card, N2X can ensure the highest performance of gigabit-rate EPON systems while simultaneously measuring the impact on the triple-play services carried."

The N2X EPON Solution can perform the following functions:

• Simulate realistic triple-play services by generating subscriber and network traffic from end to end.
• Verify dynamic bandwidth algorithm behavior across the EPON by monitoring the MPCP and Ethernet OAM flows in each direction.
• Isolate performance problems to the ONU or OLT, providing faster time to insight.
• Debug vendor-specific settings of subscriber box capability settings by examining the Ethernet OAM flows directly with "on-EPON" monitor capability, a key enabler for interoperability testing.
• Exercise EPON OLT features, using the Agilent N2X IPTV channel zapping and DHCP protocol emulation software.
• Measure control protocol and message timing to ensure compliance to the IEEE 802.3ah specification.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent N2X multiservices solution is available starting at $20,000. More information is available at www.agilent.com/comms/n2x.

More information about Fiberxon is available at www.fiberxon.com.