What is an xDSL Tester?
The xDSL tester is used to maintain existing broadband lines or the deployment of new broadband lines. It is a necessary tool to check if there are any faults in the physical layer, network layer, and application layer of the lines accurately and quickly.
Application
Mainly used by field operators for telecommunication, an xDSL tester can be used on existing broadband lines or when installing a new line. Able to test many DSL lines to guarantee the quality of the broadband service being provided by the provider.
Why do you need an xDSL Tester?
Testing for faults in existing or newly deployed lines is essential to maintain quality broadband service. Depending on the xDSL tester, it can test ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, etc, and emulate a PC, modem, telephone and many other things to test the physical layer, network layer and application layer of the service. This will ensure that the broadband line is up to standard and good for consumer use.
Factors when selecting xDSL Tester
Choosing the right xDSL tester can be difficult these days with many to choose from. Knowing the specification of the xDSL tester is a good start but ask yourself a question:
- What kind of test will you be applying to the lines?
Asking yourself this question is important as some xDSL testers do not have all the available tests. For example, some xDSL testers may have a READSL test while others may not. So, make sure to read the specification of the xDSL tester such that it has the required tests that you need.
Other things to consider
- Battery Life: xDSL tester should last you a full working day
- Display: whether you want TFT LCD, LCD, touch screen and display size
- Storage: internal storage with an extendable USB storage is available
- Accessories: whether you need a touch pen, etc
- Weight: carry weight will be up to 1kg depending on the tester
- Dimensions: carry small or big xDSL tester
- Features: Auto-off function, Audio and LED indicators, etc
Here at GAOTek, there are a few xDSL testers available that may meet your requirements, you should double-check the specification of the product to make sure that it meets the requirement that you desire.
Process
Physical Layer Testing
When testing the physical layer of the service. Each xDSL tester will test the line and comply with regulation standards, for example:b ADSL Standards: ITU G.992.1(G.dmt), ITU G.992.2(G.lite), TU G.994.1(G.hs), ANSI T1.413 Issue#2 and will also test the DSL transmission parameter:
- DSL upstream channel speed
- DSL downstream channel speed
- DSL attenuation
- DSL noise margin
- DSL up/down stream maximum speed
- DSL up/down stream channel utilization rate
- DSL output power Bits adjusted on DMT sub channel, 0-15 and each sub channel frequency rate
- DSL circuit errors (error code will depend on which line is being tested)
- Display status on DSL circuit
- Display DSL circuit link mode
- DSL testers cable tracking (optional)
In physical layer testing, the xDSL tester can also emulate a modem. This allows the user to link to the internet thought the xDSL tester and verify if there are any faults in the modem.
The xDSL tester can simulate a subscriber’s modem and PC to verify the connectivity between the subscriber and the ISP service provider. If there is any problem with the connectivity via website surfing, the tester can also connect to the PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) dial-up and change the properties within it to ensure that there is good connectivity between the subscriber and the provider.
Network Layer Test
In the network layer testing, the xDSL tester can perform a ping, Ipconfig, route and tracer test on the subscriber’s network via the PPPoE dial-up connection. If any problem is found, the user can change the properties so that the subscriber is able to get a good connection from the provider.
Application Layer Test
Using the xDSL tester to surf through the internet via a web browser, the instrument measures the network speed and the file transfer protocol (FTP) speed of the line. If there is any problem, the user can then change the properties such that there is a good connection from the subscriber to the provider.
WAN and LAN test
The xDSL tester can perform a LAN, WAN or Broadband PPPoE dial-up test and a combination of LAN network layer test and application test or a WAN network layer test and application test.
WAN/LAN test consist of the following:
- DHCP subscriber end test
- PPoE dial-up and modify PPPoE dial properties and will verify if there is any problem with the broadband IP, LAN or WAN
- Network layer testing: Ping, Ipconfig, Route, Tracer test
- Application layer testing: Web surfing to measure network speed and FTP speed
By doing these following tests, the instrument can verify the ethernet utility by connecting to ethernet as an IP terminal
DMM and Cable Testing
With a built-in digital multimeter (DMM), the xDSL tester can measure the constant DC voltage in the circuit to ensure that there is no voltage across pairs and opens, AC voltage can also be measured. Like any other DMM, the instrument can also test the loop resistance and the capacitance of the line when there is no voltage more than 5V present. With this built-in DMM, the instrument can also search via the audio tracking function, for matched wire pairs.