AFL has launched the WDM900 Lightwave test set, a rugged, portable and easy-to-use automatic measurement system that simplifies in-service testing of DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing)-based access networks.
Within just seconds of connecting to the network, users in the broadcast, electric utility, service and content providers and transport industries can discover which channels need attention and exactly what action is required.
The instrument assures solutions for cellular backhaul, central office, small cell/Wi-Fi, data centre, distributed antenna systems (DAS), fibre-optic network testing, FTTx, MDUs, Metro Ethernet, network infrastructure, network monitoring and support, underwater and subsea.
The WDM900 acquires the network signal, measures the characteristics of each DWDM channel present and determines which signals satisfy user-defined acceptance thresholds for channel power, wavelength deviation, optical signal-to-noise ratio and other indications of network and signal integrity.
The AFL Health Meter graphically summarises network performance via an easy to interpret colour-coded indicator for each channel. Simply touching a non-conforming channel launches the AFL Channel Detail display, which shows graphically and numerically how the measured attributes compare to the acceptance criteria.
The instrument offers many features designed to make the user more efficient. For example, conventional test equipment requires users to manually scale measurements to compensate for monitor port attenuation. The WDM900 eliminates this task with automatic monitor port compensation. It displays warning messages when channel input power or total input power exceed the allowable dynamic range, and reminds the user to employ the input attenuator accessories included with each instrument.
A comprehensive reporting application provides one-touch capture and reporting capabilities. Reports are easily managed using time stamps, report titles, keywords/keyword search and tagging, and are easily exported in .pdf and .csv formats via off-the-shelf USB memory sticks.
The WDM900 is engineered to thrive under the harsh conditions found in central offices, head ends, network nodes and outside plant. It’s highly integrated solid-state design features no moving parts for reduced service and repair costs and its internal wavelength reference and temperature-stabilised circuitry eliminate long warm-up periods and accuracy drift induced by sudden temperature and humidity changes.
The instrument’s optical path is hermetically sealed to resist the dust, dirt and contamination typically found in the field. The WDM900 is packaged in a proven rugged housing that withstands rigorous military-grade drop testing. Internal optical components are Telcordia GR-1221 rated.
The WDM900 features a high-contrast 16,5 cm colour display. It weighs just 2,35 kg and its shock absorbing case occupies 19 x 26 x 7 cm. A Li-ion battery will power it for over eight hours on a single charge.
For more information contact Comtest, +27 (0)11 608 8520, info@comtest.co.za, www.comtest.co.za
