Anritsu Company expanded the capabilities of its Network Master Flex MT1100A optical transport tester that the company says “address the challenges associated with emerging technologies being integrated into core and metro networks, as well as in data centers. With the new options, the MT1100A is the only field-portable multi-100G transport tester that can support native client payloads, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH and CPRI, into various ODU [optical demultiplexing unit] encapsulation, serving as a comprehensive tool to verify network performance during installation and maintenance.”
Anritsu describes the MT1100A as a “powerful, robust instrument for testing OTN [optical transport network] signals.” The instrument can test OTU1, OTU2, OTU1e, OTU2e, OTU1f and OTU2f. It also supports 10-GbE client payload using GFP [General Framing Procedure] mapping into ODU2 and ODU2 extended payload, Anritsu explains. “A multi-stage mapping option is also now available for the MT1100A to provide ODUflex support,” the company notes. “With this new option installed, the MT1100A divides capacity of ODU2 into eight, 1.25G ODUflex time slots for more-accurate testing.”
The company adds that because theMT1100A identifies problems at all levels in the OTN signal, it can solve OTN issues efficiently, reduce system downtime, and lower operating expenses for network operators. “It is a single-instrument solution to test a variety of current client signals over the data plane, and has a flexible platform that can be easily updated as technologies advance,” Anritsu says. “Its modular design also allows the MT1100A to support up to 400 Gbits/sec [100 Gbits/sec x 4] R&D, as well as test up to four independent 100-Gbit/sec ports simultaneously, to increase manufacturing efficiency for 100-Gbit/sec transport equipment.”
Anritsu also introduced adapters for the Network Master Flex MT1100A that it explains “can be used to evaluate CFP4 and QSFP28 optical modules. The adapters allow for complete Management Data Input/Output [MDIO] and I2C analysis for verification of the integrity of high-speed module interfaces,” Anritsu explains. “They can be used to troubleshoot faults by checking the 100G data communications to reduce hardware requirements and lower test costs.”