T&M: JDSU’s Validator handheld tester goes pro
JDSU has revealed the ValidatorPro and ValidatorPro-NT test instruments, the first single-solution, handheld testers that allow enterprise network installers to speed-certify Ethernet cabling, perform optical power measurements and verify connectivity of Wi-Fi networks.
Both new ValidatorPro offerings perform Ethernet-speed certification and include an optical power meter, and ValidatorPro-NT adds PoE testing and wireless 802.11b/g/n PoE testing features.
ValidatorPro supports comprehensive test capability in increasingly complex networks that now support voice, data and video applications over copper, fiber or wireless LANs. It reduces associated test and measurement costs because it enables installers and technicians to test copper cabling to desktops, check fiber installations in network rooms and analyze wireless networks for mobile users.
“JDSU designed the Validator to address the required installation testing and speed certification needs for today’s LAN Ethernet networks,” said Jim Nerschook, vice president and general manager in JDSU’s Communications Test and Measurement business segment. “Using the JDSU ValidatorPro, installers can be assured cable runs support Gigabit Ethernet over copper and can also test fiber cabling, meeting the comprehensive challenge of cable testing in enterprise and home networks.”
Building upon the existing Validator and Validator-NT, ValidatorPro offers faster processing speed, more memory and increased functionality to further optimize the installation process. The new testers speed-certify the data-carrying capabilities of copper Ethernet network cables up to 1 Gbps by testing for noise in the network, detect faults in the cabling and ensure that cables are able to support the speed capabilities of active equipment.
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Zhone tackles mobile backhaul
Zhone Technologies has introduced its ETHX 3100 series with Pseudowire Emulation Edge-to-Edge (PWE3), enabling operators to migrate TDM applications onto a converged packet network for simpler network management and immediate opex savings.
The 3100 series Ethernet Access Devices (EADs) provide enhanced virtual LAN support with QoS for the most latency-sensitive voice and video services, making it ideal for 3G/4G mobile backhaul and T1/E1 leased line applications. Designed for simplified deployment at the user site, the 3100 series with PWE3 preserves existing PBX and TDM equipment investments and is cost-optimized to provide operators fast return on investment, the company said.

MEF 18-certified and based on the latest IEEE 802.3ah EFM standard for SHDSL, the 3100 series enables up to 48 Mbps over four copper pairs and supports IP, MPLS and MEF encapsulation.
“Our 3100 series gives operators a very quick win by eliminating the cost of high-end T1 or E1 lines without sacrificing quality,” said Steven Glapa, vice president of product marketing and management for Zhone. “In the U.S. alone, out of a quarter-million existing cell towers, more than 200,000 are still copper fed, making the opportunity even more immediate for operators as the rapid rise in cellular traffic demands higher-bandwidth backhaul.”
Zhone has also debuted the ETHX-3140, a four-port EAD without pseudowire emulation for pure IP environments.
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Eraser debuts new stripper
Designed for portability and weighing only 2 pounds, Eraser’s Model 824 portable coaxial cable stripper is battery-operated and can be used to strip coaxial cables, including RGU, semi-rigid, plenum, heliax and more.
The 824 can also process semi-rigid cable up to .141 inches OD (3.5mm). The standard battery pack provides approximately 200 strips per charge.
The unit also comes with a carrying case, charger and adapter cord.
The Eraser Co. – which just celebrated its 98th anniversary – manufactures wire, cable and tubing cutters; wire and cable strippers; wire twisters; wire brush wheels; dereelers; infrared heating equipment; measuring tools; and FybRglass erasers.
Earlier this year, Eraser introduced its Model WC302 automatic wire and tubing cutter, which accurately cuts wire, tubing, sleevings and more to the programmed length and number of pieces. Nine variable feed rates allow the operator to choose the correct rate for a given material to optimize production rate, repeatability and accuracy of cut length.