Spirent Communications today unveiled the Spirent Tech-X Flex, a handheld network and service quality tester to identify and troubleshoot IP Video services within the consumer’s home. The product tests service quality over Multimedia over Coax (MoCa networks), as well as Ethernet and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN).

While traditional testing devices only give technician access to the core network, the Tech-X Flex allows for in-home testing of all three networks in a single unit. With both dual MoCA and dual Ethernet interfaces, the device avoids issues with proprietary signaling between the set-top box and the video server. The handheld also lets techs leave their laptops in the truck as it integrates with back office systems. Sean Yarborough, director of field test services for Spirent, said that as telcos are realizing they can no longer relegate responsibility of the in-home domain to the customer, a testing device like the Tech-X Flex can reduce expenditures associated with replacing equipment – especially as more telcos migrate to MoCa.

“From a technology perspective, there’s a lot of service providers and therefore customers that need a MoCa test solution,” Yarborough said. “They tested nothing all, which is why they’ve had these issues with replacing set-top boxes and gateways.”

Spirent also today enhanced its Landslide product line, a services-centric test system for next generation network testing of any service over any network on any device. Designed around consumers’ desire for seamless mobility over converged networks, the platform tests applications over any access and any core network while simulating mobility and protocol interaction prior to deployment. A new IPSec accelerator card also supports increased throughput of encrypted data. The upgraded solution supports the latest Release 1 v.1.2 of the WiMAX Forum specifications, and initial LTE support for MME and end-to-end testing.