Sunrise Telecom Intros New Version of CM2000 Cable Modem Network Analyzer

Network test and measurement solutions provider Sunrise Telecom (News - Alert) has introduced the next generation of its CM2000 cable modem network analyzer.


Just like the previous version, the new CM2000 combines customizable verification and troubleshooting capabilities with pre-defined automated test suites -- but it adds new features and functionality to help cable technicians complete installations and repairs faster, and with greater ease, while at the same time significantly increasing quality of service (QoS).

The new CM2000 sports simple network management protocol (SNMP) and Telnet testing, allowing cable technicians to query network devices and make configuration changes directly from the field. It also includes an FTP client that lets technicians move large files between the CM2000 and a central server without a computer, simplifying and speeding the sharing of information. The tool also includes new options for a CAD viewer and signature capture.

Also a significant improvement, the CM2000 now includes an Internet Explorer Web browser to make it even easier for field technicians to carry out diagnostics using Web-based tools and resources. Previously you could only use IE via a connected laptop, but now you can access it via the device’s full VGA color touch screen, meaning the technician doesn’t have to lug around a laptop anymore. The device also includes a WiFi (News - Alert) adapter allowing access to management and back office systems, and provides a tool for troubleshooting in-home wireless networks.

With these new features and capabilities, the CM2000 -- winner of a 2007 Product of the Year award from Internet Telephony magazine -- becomes an even more comprehensive test and measurement tool, providing the flexibility, tools and performance field technicians need in order to install, service and verify complex triple play networks.

“Turning up subscribers and diagnosing their voice, data, and video issues quickly is critical in today’s competitive broadband environment,” said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst, Infonetics Research (News - Alert), in a press release. “The CM2000 makes every truck roll more efficient and less costly, because field technicians can quickly diagnose and correct local issues the first time around.”

With tools like this coming onto the market, a technician might not even need anyone in the central office anymore!

“The light weight, portable, highly integrated CM2000 significantly reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for each technician to carry an external PC into the field,” said Bahaa Moukadam (News - Alert), Sunrise Telecom’s vice president of marketing. “This all-in-one unit speeds installations and reduces repair time while increasing the quality of service.”

Moukadam added that the CM2000’s unparalleled flexibility, along with its advanced test suites and easy-to-use interface, make it an indispensable verification and troubleshooting tool.

In March Sunrise Telecom introduced realGATE, a new management system for the CM1000, CM2000 and the CM2000E test sets. The Web-based system gives technicians and operators a field testing solution that feeds into a central data repository, so network issues can be discovered and resolved faster. By having all current and historical information at their fingertips, technicians can isolate problems more quickly and costly truck rolls can be reduced.

Recent research from Global Industry Analysts shows that demand for LAN/WAN test equipment has been increasing in recent years as new communication technologies, including voice over Internet protocol, ten gigabit Ethernet, virtual private network, and passive optical network, are coming to the fore. In fact the firm predicts that the global market for LAN/WAN test equipment will reach $1.25 billion by 2015.

This demand is being influenced by the initiation of 40 Gigabit Ethernet deployments, wireless networks, and triple play services, including video, voice and data. Development of FTTH and enhancing bandwidth needs are further expected to support the growth of network test equipment market in the upcoming years.

The Asia-pacific region is forecast to be the fastest growing market for LAN/WAN test equipment, according to the firm. This is because leading tier-one market players are now eyeing the Asian markets – and some are already opening new branches, expanding infrastructure and increasing their marketing efforts in this region. Increasing deployment of wireless networks, especially by large enterprises, is also likely to enhance demand for performance analyzers and stress testers in the forthcoming years, the firm finds.