Case Study: Solution for Regional Nodes

Regional cable network (DVB-C)

In each of the regional headends one or more VB220 IP-Probe (each with its ip-monitoring capacity of 180SPTS/MPTS) monitor the IP signal received from the backbone network in addition to monitoring the modulated QAM signals by the use of a VB260 QAM input module.
The VB260 QAM/RF input option card is an ideal solution for complete monitoring in DVBC or hybrid DVB-C/IP networks. One VB260 module is capable of demodulating a DVB-C multiplex for ETSI TR 101 290 fault detection and alarm generation in the full DVB-C frequency band (51 – 858 MHz). By running in sweep mode the VB260 module is further capable of measuring analogue signal levels, in effect offering the operator a basic frequency analyser function at the deployment location.

Regional/Metro IP-Network (IPTV)

In each of the regional node one or more VB220 IP-Probes monitor the IP signal received from the backbone network in order to be delivered to the access network.The Ethernet input engine of each VB220 IP-Probe analyses the IP parameters of the input signal in real time. By using the central playout as a reference site the VBC can be configured in such a fashion that only IP errors originating in the signal distribution network will trigger VideoBridge Controller alarms. The access network can be FTTH or xDSL, so the IP signal is delivered to the DSLAM or FTTH aggregator. The number of these units is generally so high that this is often not so cost-effective deploying a VB220 in every access node. As an alternative portable VB20-VB12 IP-Probes may be deployed to make it possible for a service engineer to check signals in depth the access nodes, and anywhere in the system.

Solution for Home Monitoring (IPTV)

A number of microVBs are located in end-users’ homes, and they provide 24/7 MDI measurement data from multicasts received by the end-customers.
Measurements are displayed in the graphical user interface of the centrally located VBC.
By comparing data from the microVB with measurements from the up-stream IP-Probes it is possible to determine whether possible impairments experienced by the end users are caused by errors in the distribution network or if signal problems are due to the endcustomer’s own home network.
The microVB™ is the smallest iptv analyzer in the world. Just pop a microVB™ into an envelope and mail to the subscriber directly. No setup knowledge is required because the microVB™ is literally plug and play.