ARGUS 42 » Quick Start Manual v1.8.
Quick Start Manual – Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
1. ARGUS 42 – Introduction 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
General Features ADSL2/2+ modem emulation (ATU-R) towards the DSLAM IP based testing functions* (e.g.
Interfaces of the ARGUS 42 Headset interface 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port Serial/USB interface for data exchange with PC Line port for ADSL, POTS or ISDN (depending on mode) Power supply page 5
Where to use the ARGUS - Overview Street Cabinet with DSLAM Distribution Point BSW ADSL & POTS service Central Office Distribution Point The ARGUS 42 can be used to test at multiple points of the telecom network. This slide provides an overview to demonstrate where to use the tester. The following two slides show in detail, in which sections of the network the ARGUS can be used for troubleshooting.
Fiber to the Curb Cooper to the Curb Where to use the ARGUS (CO & Street Cabinet) Central Office DSLAM POTS Optical Line Termination Backbone Street Cabinet MDF POTS & ADSL POTS Switch Feeder Cable PO T S & A DSL via f eeder cab S& T O P via L S AD b e r fi d e fe le Street Cabiner or Electronic Cabinet w/ MSAN er The ARGUS 42 can be used to test ADSL and POTS services in the copper based central office and in the street / electronic cabinet.
Where to use the ARGUS Home Cabinet Distrib.
Quick Test – POTS Voltage & ADSL Sync The steps outlined below demonstrate how to check the presence of the POTS voltage, ADSL data rate and attainable data rate. On the next slide, the Internet connectivity will be tested.
Quick Test – Internet Connectivity & Hotkeys pressing BACK to return to the main menu, and to use the hotkeys Hotkey Functionality 0 1 2 3 5 Main menu Hotkey help VPI/VCI scan IP ping test HTTP download test ADSL parameters pressing (3) starts the IP ping test press to confirm the PPP user name confirming the IP ping destination Internet connectivity 5 ping packets sent & received page 10
2. Testing ADSL Access Lines 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Profile Configuration – An Overview To perform an ADSL or IP ping test, a profile needs to be configured first. The profile configuration can be entered pressing MENU Configuration Profiles Profil 1. The submenus line and test parameters as well as the name of the profile can be entered now. The required parameters are described below.
Profile Configuration – Line Parameters A detailed description on how to edit the profiles is outlined on this page. To edit the first ADSL profile, press MENU and follow the steps on the left. ADSL mode: Annex A auto.
Profile Configuration – Test Parameters In a next step the parameters for the IP ping and the HTTP download test can be configured in the according sub menus of the DSL profile. IP ping targets: www.argus.info Server IP: IP addr.
Startup – Selection of the Desired Profile When starting up the ARGUS 42, the screen shown below appears. You have got three choices now: Select the type of access LINE Measure R/C profile selection Start an ADSL Test The middle soft key is switching its functionality, depending on the VDC metered on the line.
Startup – ADSL Initialization Subsequently the ADSL connection is built up and the different steps of the handshake process are shown on the screens. 1. ADSL Software is initializing 2. ARGUS 42 internal modem is ready 3. Handshake between ARGUS and DSLAM 4. All aprameters have been exchanged 5. The connection has been built up succesfully – the ARGUS 42 shows the data rate both in up- and downstream direction. Since these data rates are greater than a predefined threshold, OK is shown.
Observing the ADSL Parameters Following the return softkey on the left, one can start a NEW test, STOP the current test, or enter the MENU to start an an IP ping test or setting various parameters. The main menu entries will be detailed on the following slides. When pressing the pulse key, the different ADSL parameters are shown. stop the test & save results Typical values for the ADSL parameters are as follows: SNR margin >6 dB downstream att. ~10 dB/km upstream attenu. ~5 dB/km dwn/upstream att.
QLN – Quiet Line Noise Prior to the synchronization to the DSLAM, the ADSL chipset measures the noise on the line in the frequency range of the ADSL signal. The noise/tone graph is finally available when the synchronization was successful. The QLN gives a direct reading if the noise floor on the line and shows DSL disturbers. The according data is also stored and can be reviewed using WINplus of WINanalyse after having it uploaded to the PC.
QLN on an ADSL2+ Annex B Line bits/tone SNR/tone interference from AM radio QLN/tone Optional transmission range ADSL2+ Annex B upstream ADSL2+ Annex B downstream Pilot tones page 19
Long-term Analysis of ADSL Parameters The histogram feature of WINanalyse can be used to detect occasional errors.
IP Ping Testing After synchronization to the DSLAM an IP ping test can be performed. The according test needs to be selected from the single tests menu. The PPP user name previously saved – needs to be confirmed or changed and a target host can be selected. A PPP connection will be built up and the host will be pinged. On completion of the test, results are shown. The response time by the host is mostly less than 100ms.
HTTP Download Testing Having configured the test parameters for the HTTP download test (see “Profile Configuration – Test Parameters”), the test can be started. It needs to be selected from the single tests menu as outlined on the left. In case the PPP login has been performed before, this step will be skipped. On completion of the test, the average download speed, the size of the file which was downloaded and further information is shown.
Test Results Via the menu Test results, up to 20 tests stored on the ARGUS can be managed. The following options are available after selecting the desired test report: Display the results of the selected report Send the selected Test data to PC Delete the current report Send All tests to PC When pressing DATE in this menu, the date when the test report has been recorded will be shown (provided that the correct date and time have been set before).
3. Testing POTS Access Lines 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Testing POTS Access Lines Street Cabinet with DSLAM Central Office ADSL & POTS service Distribution Point BSW The ARGUS 42 can be used to place, receive or monitor POTS phone calls. It can be used in the central office, street cabinet, distribution point, BSW or in the customers premises. These tests are outlined on the following pages.
Placing a Call & Checking On/Off-Hook Voltages In order to check both the on and off-hook voltages of the POTS line, please conduct the following steps. Having started the ARGUS 42, the menu on the top left is shown. DC: -50V indicates that this is a POTS line. Pressing the soft key named POTS starts the according test. To check the different voltages, press the key now. The tester hooks off and measures the voltage. Both results along with its polarity will then be displayed.
Placing a Phone Call – Details To be able to make a POTS phone call the interface needs to be switched from ISDN BRI to POTS. This can be done by entering the access menu and selecting POTS interface and POTS terminal subsequently. To place a POTS phone call now, simply press the handset key and follow the menu as outlined. The telephone number can be entered directly or can be called up from the phone book by pressing MEM.
Monitoring an Incoming Phone Call on-hook transmission of CLIP ringing (140V) When operating in the POTS monitor mode, the conversation on the line can be observed. This example details an observation of an incoming call. In the beginning, the telephone is on-hook, -50V are present. In the next step, the calling number (01715860623) as well as the CLIP mode (FSK) are shown subsequent to the first ringing. Peak ringing voltages of 140V are may occur here.
Monitoring an Outgoing Phone Call on-hook (-50V) off-hook (-9V) This slide outlines an observation of an outgoing call. In the beginning, the loop is closed, the phone is on-hook and 50V are displayed. When the handset is picked up, loop current flows and the line voltage drops to -9V. Subsequently the DTMF tones dialed by the caller are put out. Thus one can examine numbers dialed by fax machines or analog least cost routers. The conversation can be listened to afterwards.
4. Testing Outside The Customer’s Premises 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Testing Outside The Customer’s Premises Street Cabinet with DSLAM Central Office ADSL & POTS service Distribution Point BSW When testing at the central office (CO), street cabinet, distribution point or BSW, different services such as ADSL, VDSL, SHDSL, ISDN BRI U, ISDN PRI or POTS might be available. In the following, different scenarios and the according values on the display of the ARGUS 42 will be explained.
No Active Data Services on the Line What can be tested? Tester connected to the wire pair: No POTS service on the line No active data services on the line which can be detected by the ARGUS 42 (0KHz) empty pair? ISDN BRI U layer 1 not present, might be down due to inactivity of the P-MP line, or NT1 is disconnected ADSL might be inactive (0KHz) or signal is below the input sensitivity Performing an R/C measurement to check the line 1.
Active POTS Service (On/Off-Hook) POTS is active and on-hook (50V) ADSL not connected or inactive (0KHz) What can be tested? POTS, by placing a phone call pressing POTS dial tone ADSL, by connecting to the DSLAM pressing ADSL Annex A, M or B ADSL Profile POTS is active and off-hook (call in progress) (10V) ADSL not connected or inactive (0KHz) What can be tested? POTS, by listening to the conversation pressing POTS Moni.
Active ADSL & POTS Services POTS is active and on-hook (50V) Data service is active (242KHz), possibly ADSL What can be tested? POTS, by placing a phone call pressing POTS dial tone ADSL, pressing ADSL Annex A / M, a connection to the DSLAM will be built up. The active data connection of the customer will be terminated.
Active ADSL & ISDN BRI U Services ISDN BRI U interface is active (95V) ADSL not connected or inactive (0KHz) What can be tested? ADSL, by connecting to the DSLAM pressing ADSL Profile ISDN BRI U interface, by pressing ISDN, the active connection will be terminated and the ARGUS synchronizes to the LT. ISDN BRI U interface is active (95V) Data service is active (242KHz), possibly ADSL What can be tested? Nothing, everything seems to be fine on this working line.
Practical Examples Example – ISDN PRI Service E1 / ISDN PRI HDB3 (Rx or Tx) on this wire pair (~1024KHz) No ADSL and POTS available do not test anything Possibly DC line voltage when E1 repeaters are used Example – ADSL 2+ Annex A (very short line, high data rate) The greater the data rate, the greater the output power, and the shorter the line, the bigger is the frequency of the ADSL signal metered.
The Capabilities of the HF Detection The high frequency (HF) detection of the ARGUS 42 gives a good indication of the data service currently being active on the line. This is done by measuring the mean frequency of the signal detected (frequencies >130 KHz). Although it is quite helpful, in some cases the signal cannot be picked up. This is when… 1. … the data rate is low or the frequency range of the signal is too narrow. 2.
5. Testing VoIP Services 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Main Features VoIP phone emulation w/ SIP support, including real acoustics MOS evaluation of phone calls according to the E-Model Support of codecs G.711 a-law/E-law, G.726, and iLBC Simulation parameters configurable (e.g. jitter buffer, codecs, DTMF transmission mode, etc.) Displays parameters of the connection, e.g. MOS value, jitter, packet loss, codec used, caller IDs, telephone numbers, etc.
6. T-R-G Measurement of R/C 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
T-R-G Measurement Selection of wire pair Tip-Ring-Ground measurements of the loop resistance and loop capacitance are available with the ARGUS 42. The results can be used to qualify the clean access line e.g. to detect loop imbalances, a defective insulation or short / open circuits. To be able to perform the measurement, the line needs to be empty (VAC & VDC = 0V). The middle soft key displays R/C in this case.
Calculation of the Loop Length Using the R/C measurement results, the loop length can be calculated. Knowing the specific capacitance / resistance of the cable the approximate length will be displayed. The measurement result in capacitance corresponds to the distance to the open circuit, whereas the resistance result corresponds to distance to the short.
7. Battery Servicing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Battery Servicing Pressing MENU Accu servicing, different battery servicing features can be set up. They help to increase the life time of the rechargable battery. It can manually be charged or discharged here. Alternatively, the batteries can also be charged during opertation, as one is used to with a cell phone.
8. Profile Configuration for Ethernet Testing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Profile Configuration for Ethernet Testing A description on how to edit a profile for testing on the Ethernet port is outlined on this page. To edit the profile, press MENU and follow the steps on the left. When using the IP mode: static IP address instead of DHCP client, the local IP, IP net mask, GW IP (gateway), and one DNS server need to be specified as well.
9. Updating the Firmware 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Acquiring the Latest Firmware Version The latest firmware binares for the ARGUS can be downloaded at: http://www.argus.info/en/service/download/. The website looks as shown below. Download the desired file in your language now.
Using the ARGUS Update Tool To perform the update now, select the Argus update tool from the Argus software folder in the start menu. The window as below appears.
Any questions? Please ask. Thank you for your interest! TelecomTest Solutions Melbourne, Australia Tel: 03 9023 0189 Fax: 03 9700 0583 E-mail: info@telecomtest.com.
