Sunrise Telecom offers AT2500Plus spectrum analyzer for cable operators/DuPont, Fiber-Line collaborate on fiber-optic cable protection

Sunrise Telecom Inc. (OTC: SRTI) says the new addition to its family of CATV spectrum analyzers, the AT2500Plus, enables comprehensive digital and analog test automation to ensure that networks meet the technical parameters required by FCC and SCTE-40. Thus, the AT2500Plus helps operators to eliminate problems in the network before they affect the end-customer experience.

The test equipment vendor also asserts the AT2500Plus has the most comprehensive set of automated FCC and SCTE-40 digital tests, including frequency, group delay, frequency response, digital HUM, and micro reflection margins. Test results are delivered in a CSV file format.

The optional cloud-based realPOP SaaS report generator helps consolidate all that data into an easy-to-manage, FCC-ready report including headend, end-of-line, and 24-hour test data. Additionally, a 43-dB MER range enables users to see impairments and identify marginal performance issues in the headend or hub before they impair the customer experience.

The new AT2500Plus includes what the company claims are unique new features. For example, AT-Web, a browser-based remote control and automated testing system that does not require a local client for remote operation. AT-Web also provides the most comprehensive analog and digital testing suite, providing most FCC and SCTE-40 tests in an automated suite.

Thanks to the new system, headend and hub validation testing that used to take hours or even days to complete can now be done automatically with greater accuracy, consistency, and complete documentation, according to Sunrise.

“SCTE-40 and FCC proof-of-performance testing provides for a thorough and pragmatic methodology for helping cable network operators to assure their networks and meet the quality expectation of demanding customers,” said Bahaa Moukadam, chief executive officer at Sunrise Telecom. “Our new AT2500Plus is the most comprehensive, highly-automated solution for network technicians tasked with managing and documenting the onerous suite of proof-of-performance tests.”

Along with the AT2500Plus test engine, Sunrise Telecom offers realWORX WEB, a 24/7 return path monitoring and downstream performance system for pinpointing service-affecting issues, before they become customer-affecting issues. realWORX WEB identifies network impairments and correctly defines the problem type, alerting the user immediately and further increasing the productivity of field personnel.

Fiber-Line Inc. has developed a new line of fiber-optic cables that uses DuPont’s (NYSE: DD) Kevlar technology. The fiber-optic cables, aimed at broadband communications and above-ground installation applications, combine Fiber-Line’s Swellcoat water-blocking technology with the strength and protection that Kevlar AP provides, the two companies say.

“Advanced protective materials are important to DuPont, and our work with Fiber-Line is a great example of how we re-invent our offerings every day,” said Thomas G. Powell, president of DuPont Protection Technologies. “As populations and economies grow, they need critical communications flow that is reliable. Kevlar AP provides a new twist on an essential product to create a higher performing solution — one that helps us make broadband cable more accessible to people around the world.”

Fiber-Line estimates that the fiber-optic cable industry is growing at more than 30% annually in such growth markets such as Russia, Latin America, and China.

“Fiber-Line and DuPont have worked closely together on these protective solutions since our company was born in 1987,” said Vince Pappas, Fiber-Line president and CEO. “We know DuPont Kevlar well and we’ve created a joint solution that brings a new offering to the cable industry — it combines the benefits of Kevlar and Kevlar AP with our Swellcoat technology to make products that our customers need.”