Nokia Announces Powerful Compact LoopMaster Loop Testing Solution

Nokia, a world leader in the supply of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) products and technologies, today announced the Nokia LoopMaster LT, a loop testing solution that provides remote testing capabilities of DSLAM equipment. The newly launched system also offers carriers the ability to remotely diagnose potential problems, without having to travel to the site.

Nokia expands its LoopMaster portfolio with a new expansion card featuring a test head including a loop access card or Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) card. The Nokia LoopMaster LT packs powerful testing capabilities into a single compact 1RU high unit. This compact solution is ideal for DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer) collocations that provide metallic loop access or digital loop carrier (DLC) applications where POTS or wideband testing is needed.

“The LoopMaster LT offers the same powerful integrated test head as the LoopMaster CO system, providing comprehensive test capabilities to enable full characterization of the loop prior to service turn-up and the ability to remotely diagnose problems encountered on in-service circuits,” said Marty Roberson, General Manager of the LoopMaster Product Line, Nokia Broadband Systems. “The LoopMaster LT is perfect for situations where loop access is obtained through a DSLAM or other access equipment and only testing capabilities are needed.”

Tests range from standard meter tests to robust spectral analysis. Two test ports come with the base unit. The optional loop access card provides up to 24 additional ports for connection to the DSLAM or DLC. The TDR card enables pinpoint accuracy for quickly identifying and resolving problems encountered while turning up a DSL circuit.

“With Nokia’s complete line of broadband DSL solutions, carriers can accelerate their deployment of integrated broadband networks that are flexible (multi-service), scalable and support economical rapid deployment,” said John Ferrari, Senior Director, Worldwide Marketing, Nokia Broadband Systems. “The latest edition of the LoopMaster LT to Nokia’s end-to-end DSL solution reinforces its position as a leader in broadband.”

Multimeter tests measure AC and DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance. Cable impairments such as load coils and bridged taps are identified quickly. Test data is analyzed to determine loop length, cable balance, and noise floor (metallic noise). Results include both a simple pass/fail indication and detailed measurements.

Nokia LoopMaster LT also incorporates spectral analysis with easy-to-read graphical display of the complete frequency spectrum from voice band all the way to 2 MHz. Reference templates allow quick comparison of data and interpretation of results.

Analysis, measurement, provisioning, and much more are presented in an easy-to-navigate, easy-to-use Web page format. An integrated Web server delivers an intuitive, graphical interface that can be accessed from any location using a standard Web browser — no proprietary software is needed.

Nokia’s complete DSL solution is powered by the Nokia D50 ATM-DSLAM. Other solution components include the Remote Access Module (RAM), Network Management System (NMS), Element Management System (EMS), Subscriber Management (SMS 1800), Customer Care and Billing (CCB), wireline and wireless CPE, VoDSL and broadband wireless routers.

Nokia's Broadband solution provides a complete set of tools for operators and carriers to bring broadband services quickly and at a reasonable cost to enterprises and residential users alike. With Nokia Broadband DSL, individual end-users can enjoy fast access to the Internet, while business customers can experience remote access to the office and secure home working. Nokia LoopMaster, formerly DiscoveryCom, designs, manufactures, and distributes communications products that enable service providers to rapidly install and maintain broadband DSL services.

About Nokia
Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, broadband, and IP networks and related services, as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 60,000 people.

Further information:

Arja Suominen
Vice President, Communications
Nokia Networks
Tel: (Int.) + 358 9 5113 193
Fax: (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199

Kelly Reese
Nokia Broadband Systems
Tel: (Int.) +1 707 793 7044
Fax: (Int.) +1 707 773 2612
kelly.reese@nokia.com