LAS VEGAS--JDSU this week at NXTComm08 launched a test and service assurance platform focused on helping service providers manage the performance of Ethernet networks delivering wireless backhaul services.

The new NetComplete system integrates support for testing today’s TDM environments to Ethernet/IP backhaul in a single package, ensuring that backhaul networks meet the SLA requirements required to deliver quality wireless service, said Andrew Sachs, Director of Strategy for Service Assurance within CommTest/T&M division at JDSU.

"The migration toward 4G wireless services and the high utilization of 3G is enabling a tremendous amount of bandwidth via over-the-air interfaces," Sachs said, adding that increasing demand for wireless data is putting a crunch on carrier networks. "It's not the over-the-air interface that's the problem. It's the cost effective backhaul from the towers."

The challenge for mobile operators, backhaul service providers – and even test vendors – is that “up to now, Ethernet has not been a tight SLA service,” Sachs said. “It was a best-effort, cheap high-speed alternative.”

But since dropped backhaul packets can greatly affect call quality, penalties today are severe for back-haul providers that can’t guarantee that every last frame will be delivered, Sachs said.

JDSU’s Ethernet backhaul test solution consists of NetComplete, which includes OSS software, the QT-600 Ethernet probe, and CENTEST 650, as well as other leading JDSU Ethernet test portables such as the HST-3000 triple-play services handheld tester. It is interoperable with solutions such as Accedian’s EtherNID and MetroNID for demarc packet assurance and advanced performance testing.