Test and Measurement: JDSU on testing NFV

JDSU has launched a virtualized test solution for software-defined networking environments and virtualized network functions, bringing the functionality of its TrueSpeed solution into the world of SDN.

Michael Bangert, product manager at JDSU, said that the solution focuses on testing how the network impacts the end user experience while using applications: in other words, what is the impact of the network on what the end user is trying to do? He added that as service providers seek to adopt network function virtualization in their networks, many of the same value principles also apply to virtualizing their testing approach.

“Why are people doing NFV? They want to be able to have more flexibility in their network, reduce capex, and be able to deploy services more quickly,” said Bangert. “You can take each of those, and you can apply all those same things to test functions: I want to be able to test more flexibly, I don’t want to have someone drive or fly someplace to test — that’s what they do today.”

Bangert said that JDSU’s TrueSpeed testing solution is already well-adopted within wireline and wireless network operators, and that the initial testing capabilities are focused on testing for latency aspects including the amount of latency added by the network, the change in latency over the course of the testing, and testing areas of the network where congestion is an issue. This can be particularly useful in backhaul networks for mobile operators, he added, where access is often purchased from a third party.

The TrueSpeed VFN virtual version is compatible with JDSU’s StrataSync enabled T-BERD/MTS handheld test equipment. JDSU said that adoption of the virtualized testing can drive a reduction of up to 40% in customer service costs for service providers.

Bangert provided additional insight in a blog post here. 

— Anritsu has added carrier aggregation testing to its MT822oT base station analyzer. The analyzer can test CA measurements for all active component carriers, Anritsu said, displaying the measurements simultaneously on the screen. It has automatic MIMO detection and remote over-the-air MIMO verification for all component carriers, and can be used for troubleshooting timing offsets between CCs as well as for cell ID detection, EVM and SS power.

— Keysight Technologies made its latest release of its Electromagnetic Professional software for 3D eletromagnetic simulation.

“With time-to-market cycles continuing to shrink, faster simulation speed has become essential,” said Marc Petersen, electromagnetic and electrothermal simulation software product manager at Keysight. He added that the new EMPro software helps speed up simulation in order to support more robust designs.

— Spirent Communications’ Tweakker business unit, which focuses on mobile connectivity, has partnered with Dutch mobile virtual network enabler Teleena. The partnership already has one of the largest cable operators in the Netherlands enabled on Tweakker’s cloud-based platform for mobile and Internet of Things connectivity for mobile device analytics and device management platforms that also allow its customers to provide mobile end-users with online guides for self-service care.

— In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a recent interview with Nick Carter and Nicola Logli of Cobham Wireless, formerly Aeroflex. They spoke on trends in hetnet testing, carrier aggregation and Cobham’s approach to network infrastructure testing.