|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
General General The Teltone TSP Edge Telecom Simulation Platform is a powerful, modular telecom testing solution. Its users include telecom equipment manufacturers, application developers, service providers, system integrators, telecom testing labs and training facilities. The Edge is ideal for a wide range of telecom testing requirements including feature and performance testing, automated production testing, product demos and training. When compared to other competitive solutions, TSP Edge stands out with its high-end features and affordable price point. What are the major components of the TSP Edge? The TSP Edge consists of the following:
What telecom interfaces are supported by the TSP Edge? The TSP Edge supports industry-standard digital and analog telecom interfaces via three plug-in hardware modules which can be mixed and matched as required. Detailed module information is shown below:
[1] Simulates Network or Terminal Equipment (TE) end. TE is often referred to as CPE
(Customer Is TSP Edge documentation available for review? Yes. The TSP Edge User Manual is available for free download from the Teltone web site. Is it possible to evaluate the TSP Edge before purchase? Yes. Teltone offers a specially packaged TSP Edge Evaluation Unit for a nominal fee. The following items are included:
A non-refundable $500 evaluation fee is charged for a 30 day evaluation commencing when the unit arrives at the customer’s facility. (The fee is credited back if a TSP Edge is purchased and the evaluation unit returned to Teltone.) Contact Sales & Customer Service for more information or other special requirements. What is the standard TSP Edge warranty? The TSP Edge hardware is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year. No-charge software updates are included for a period of 90 days. Does Teltone offer support plans for the TSP Edge? Yes. Extended support plans are available that include expedited hardware repair and software upgrades. Contact Teltone Sales for more information. Does the TSP Edge comply with the new RoHS environmental requirements? Not at this time. (RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances for Electrical and Electronic Equipment [EEE], currently in effect in Europe and forthcoming in China and other countries.) What do the TSP Edge and components cost? For cost and purchase info, please click the Buy Online button on any TSP Edge web page. This takes you to our e-commerce site where available components are shown. What is the TSP-YCABLE and do I need it? This kit of 4 “Y” cables is an accessory for the 8 Channel POTS FXS and FXO hardware modules. The 4 connectors of these two modules are wired as RJ-14, supporting two analog lines each. Each “Y” cable converts a single 2-line RJ-14 into two single-line RJ-11 jacks. The kit is NOT needed if your equipment is wired for RJ-14, or if you only need to access 4 of the 8 channels with your single-line RJ-11 equipment. What is the telecom interface capacity of a single TSP Edge unit? Each Edge unit supports up to two T1 or E1 digital interfaces (one Dual T1/E1 module) for up to 56 DS0 channels, or up to 24 FXS or FXO analog interfaces (up to three FXS or FXO modules). For mix-and-match digital and analog interface configuration, see details provided on the TSP Configuration page. Is it possible to put more than one Dual T1/E1 plug-in module in the TSP Edge? No. The TSP Edge supports one Dual T1/E1 module per Edge unit. See above question. What is the difference between POTS FXS and FXO and how do I determine which I need to test my product? The FXS (Foreign eXchange Station) analog interface simulates the Network end, commonly referred to as the telephone central office. If your equipment under test is designed for connection to a telephone line, this interface is required in the TSP Edge. The FXO (Foreign eXchange Office) analog interface simulates the CPE end, commonly referred to as Customer Premise Equipment (telephone sets, analog modems, etc.). If your equipment under test provides a telephone line type of interface, such as analog lines from a PBX, the FXO interface is required in the TSP Edge. Can I put both POTS FXS and FXO interface modules in the same TSP Edge? Yes. Both modules types can be used in a single unit. Details are provided on the TSP Configuration page. Is there a way to increase the channel capacity of the TSP Edge for bulk call testing? The TSP Edge enables a single PC to control multiple networked Edge units, creating a high capacity bulk call test system. Detailed instructions can be found in Application Note AN102, available on our web site. What line coding types are supported by the digital T1/E1 interface? AMI (Alternate Mark Inversion), B8ZS (T1 mode), and HDB3 (E1 mode) are supported. What framing formats are supported by the digital T1/E1 interface? D4 or ESF in T1 mode, and FAS or CAS in E1 mode are supported. Does the digital T1/E1 interface support internal and external clock? Yes. The clock parameter can be set based on the clock requirement of the Equipment Under Test. What signaling protocols are supported by the digital T1/E1 interface? The following protocols are supported:
Can the TSP Edge operate as the CPE/TE as well as the Network side of a digital T1/E1 circuit? Yes. These capabilities are user-configurable. Can I set one port of the Dual T1/E1 module as CPE/TE and the other as Network? Yes, providing the module is configured to operate in T1/E1 mode. However, in ISDN PRI mode, both ports must be set for the same simulation. What ISDN standards and switch types are supported in the PRI mode? For T1 PRI, the Edge supports North American National ISDN 2 (NI-2), Lucent 4/5ESS, and Nortel DMS-100/250. For E1 PRI, Euro-ISDN only with no switch variances is supported. Does the TSP Edge support ISDN BRI as well as PRI? The Edge does not support ISDN BRI (Basic Rate Interface). The Edge provides PRI support in T1 (North American) or E1 (Euro) mode, software-selectable by user. Does the TSP Edge support Caller ID? Caller ID in ISDN PRI mode is supported. Analog Caller ID delivery is not supported with the POTS FXS interface. Does the TSP Edge support DNIS and ANI information? DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) and ANI (Automatic Number Identification) are both supported. This information can be included in the “transmit digits” field of the channel configuration screen. (Example: DNIS*ANI # or ANI*DNIS#.) Does the TSP Edge support ground start operation? Ground start operation is supported with the digital T1/E1 interface in both FXS and FXO modes. The analog POTS interfaces do not support Ground Start, though loop start operation is fully supported. Does the TSP Edge support GR-303? The Edge does not support GR-303 (a specification for a specialized T1 circuit used for a digital loop carrier system [DLC]). Does the TSP Edge support MF R1/R2 signaling? The Edge supports DTMF signaling only. Does the TSP Edge support a data T1? The Edge does not support a data T1 (also known as point-to-point T1 or T1 data pipe at 1.544Mbps). Does the TSP Edge support pulse dialing during call setup? No. The Edge supports the ubiquitous DTMF dialing format only. Can the TSP Edge send and detect DTMF digits as part of end-to-end signaling? Yes. The Edge can send (encode) DTMF digits from a file or as a string in scripting. It can also detect (decode) DTMF digits when scripting is used. Can I configure the TSP for call termination and call generation at the same time? Yes. This is done by simultaneously running multiple control sets with the available channels. What call types are supported by the TSP Edge? The Edge supports three call types:
What is the TSP Edge call rate or call generation capability? It depends on the configuration of the test system. For example, a single Edge unit configured with two T1 digital interfaces running wink start protocol can generate over 48,000 Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA). Refer to Application Note 109 for a TSP Call Rate Calculator. Does the TSP Edge provide audio message playback? Yes. The Edge supports playback of audio files in 8-bit 8 kHz mu-law or a-law encoded wave format. What are the TSP Edge audio file storage and playback limits? The TSP Edge’s internal memory can store audio files less than 8 seconds in length for a total combined length of up to 24 seconds. Longer audio files are stored on the controlling PC and are automatically streamed to the Edge over the network connection during playback. What is TAI and what is it used for? The Test Automation Interface function allows users to control the Edge by an external test automation program linked to the TSP configuration software. TAI provides a programming interface to the two most common test automation programs, TCL and Labview. It can also interface with any application that supports DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) or TCP. Sample programs that demonstrate the TAI functions are included with the TSP configuration software. What is the Advanced Test Scripting software module? The optional ATS scripting software module allows the users to create a custom interactive test sequences ideally suited for testing of IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and Notification systems. With scripting, the Edge supports the following features:
How many test scripts can be run concurrently? Each channel can run one script at a time, and each control set can contain up to two scripts. As many as ten different scripts can be run at the same time. Note that when the same script is assigned to multiple control sets, it is considered a single script. What event logging is provided by the TSP Edge? An event log is automatically created for logging of all channel activities, telephony events, and alarms. The built-in event viewer can display the log in either the Events view or the Calls views, which are shown in the two screenshots below: 
Events View What are the log file format and size limit? The log file is in ASCII text format containing comma-delimited numeric event information. Its size is limited only by the hard drive space of the controlling PC. When a very large log file is opened by the event viewer, only the most recent 1 MB of data is loaded and displayed. Other common applications can be used to open log files of larger sizes. What analysis tools are provided in the TSP Edge? The Edge provides the following tools enabling users to monitor and analyze their testing results:
How does the controlling PC communicate with the TSP Edge? Both a serial port and a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port are provided for connection to a PC running TSP configuration software. The serial connection is primarily used to change the default IP and subnet mask entries, although it can be used to control most Edge operations as well. For ISDN PRI operation as well as wave file download and streaming, the Ethernet connection is required due to increased bandwidth requirements. Can the TSP Edge operate without being connected to a PC? No. The Edge requires a connected PC to start a pre-configured Control Set. After the Control Set is running, the Edge will continue to run even though the PC is disconnected. However, event logging is only possible while the controlling PC remains connected. Can I do call transfer, call forward, and conference calling with the TSP Edge? Call transfer in analog POTS mode is supported using the hook-switch flash function if enabled on the template. Call Forward and Conference calling are not supported. The TLS-5 Telephone Line Simulator Does the TSP Edge have line impairment testing capability? No. The Edge is designed to simulate standard analog line conditions without impairments such as echo, delays, etc. Teltone’s TLE (Telephone Line Emulator) is designed for testing analog line devices that require impairment and other specialized testing, such as Caller ID, international network standards, etc. Does the TSP Edge have speech recognition capability? No. However, equipped with the optional ATS (Advanced Test Scripting) software module, the Edge is capable of voice energy and silence detection, which is frequently used for IVR performance testing. Does the TSP Edge provide VoIP testing capabilities? No. The Edge does not directly support for VoIP testing. However, the Edge is commonly used for testing the TDM (Time Division Multiplex, referring to traditional telecom) side of a VoIP gateway. Does the TSP Edge have any voice quality measurement capabilities such as MOS, PESQ, PAMS, R factor, etc? No. This type of measurement is typically done using third party voice quality analysis software. Can I perform stress or load testing on my IVR system with the TSP Edge? Yes. This is a common test application for the Edge utilizing the available scripting feature (requires optional Scripting software module). A detailed IVR testing example is provided in the Scripting Guide included in the TSP Edge software CD, and also available for web download. Can the TSP Edge be used to test several layers down in an IVR menu system? This can be done with the use of the scripting feature. See the above question for more information. Can I monitor the audio from my IVR while it is under load test? Yes. This is done by creating a monitor channel with an analog phone connected to an analog channel running a switch-emulation control set. Can I use the TSP Edge to test my IVR front end to simulate patients requesting their test results? This is one of many specific IVR testing scenarios made possible with the available scripting feature. Can I test my outbound notification system with the TSP Edge? The Edge is ideally suited for this type of performance testing. For simple call handling scenarios, the user sets up the tests using a standard call termination control set. For more complex testing scenarios, scripting can be used to emulate highly realistic call handling by the public at large (no answer, answer with or without acknowledgement, etc.). Can the TSP Edge be used for production testing requirements? A cost-effective automated production test system can be implemented with the Edge. A detailed production testing example is provided in the Scripting Guide, included in the TSP Edge software CD and available for download. Can the TSP Edge programmed to randomly answer calls with various real live conditions such as Busy, Fast Busy, Ring, Auto Answer, or Dead Line? Yes. This can be done with the available scripting feature. Can I use the TSP Edge to test modems? Yes, up to 12 channel pairs with an analog loop start modem connected on each end, or 8 channels when going through a T1 to the far end of the circuit. Can the TSP Edge be used for testing of VoIP systems, such as a media gateway? Yes. The Edge can be connected to the TDM (telecom) side of a media gateway to generate or terminate calls to and from the IP (SIP/H.323) side of the gateway. Can I test my ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) designed for IP Telephony (VoIP) applications? Yes. The Edge can be used to test the analog side of the ATA for call origination and termination operations. Are Labview or TCL samples provided with the TSP Edge for test automation applications? Yes. Sample files (tsp.vi & tsp.tcl) and a readme are included in the two TAI folders within the Telecom Simulation Platform folder. What CTI (telephony) cards does the TSP Edge interface with? The Edge has been tested to work with most common telephony cards with interfaces conforming to POTS, T1, E1 and ISDN PRI standards. These include cards from Intel/Dialogic, NMS, Brooktrout, Aculab, and many others. To verify compatibility with a specific card, please contact Teltone Support. Does Teltone have TSP Edge setup information to interface with Intel/Dialogic and NMS T1 cards? Yes, two Application Notes (AN106 & AN107) are available on our web site. View and/or download the notes here. Does Teltone have TSP Edge setup information to interface with an Aculab CTI Prosody PCI card? Yes. The interface information is currently only available through technical support. Email Teltone Support for more information. Can the TSP Edge be configured for channel bank operation? Yes. The Edge provides a user selectable Channel Bank configuration as part of its End-to-End Control Set. Can the TSP Edge interface to a Rhino channel bank? Yes. The Edge can interface with most common channel banks, including Rhino. Is it possible for multiple test personnel to access the TSP Edge, run their tests and view the results without interfering with the other testing? Yes. This is done by using Microsoft NetMeeting and remote desktop sharing. Can I notify (email, pager, voice message) other test staffs based on specific alarms during the testing? This capability is not directly supported with the TSP Edge software. Third party applications can be used to open and search the log for a specific ASCII text string to take the appropriate actions, or can be used to capture log file data in real time through the built-in Test Automation Interface (TAI). Can I use the TSP Edge to load and stress test my speech server application? Yes. With its scripting feature the Edge can generate heavy call loads using multiple channels simultaneous to the speech server. Can I use the TSP Edge to test my PBX? Yes. The Edge can generate calls to or terminate calls from a PBX on either the network side or the station side using its analog POTS and digital T1/E1/PRI interfaces. Can the TSP Edge be used to routinely check my IVR, PBX, or switching system to determine service availability? Yes. The Edge is well-suited for this type of quality of service testing application. With the available scripting feature, the Edge can periodically call the Equipment Under Test (EUT), log on if necessary, detect proper responses such as tones or voice, log off and disconnect from the EUT. Can I use the TSP Edge to check availability of my 800# and overseas toll free lines used by my conferencing service? Yes. Depending on the complexity and sophistication of the tests required, the available scripting feature may be required. Can I use the TSP Edge in a classroom or training environment so students can make test calls? Yes. The Edge is ideally suited for training applications. Each Edge can provide up to 24 analog POTS lines or up to 8 analog POTS lines along with one T1 line. Can I test my Media gateway with your test equipment? Yes, on the TDM side to generate or terminate calls. I want to use my PBX to call into my test IVR system directly without needing more lines from the CO. How would I go about doing this with analog lines inputs and a T1 to the IVR system? The TSP Edge can provide several interfaces and save you the monthly recurring cost of getting lines from a Telco. Also, unlike the Telco, the circuit characteristics can be changed easily as needed in the TSP Edge. I'd like to use the TSP to perform a specific test sequence of events to my device under test which has FXS connections. I need to be able to send DTMF and decode DTMF during the tests. How would I do this? Develop a script for this testing which can generate and decode DTMF digits. In the TSP Samples included on the CDROM with the TSP Edge software, samples ATSampl16 (T1PRI originate play DTMF wav) & ATSampl17 (T1PRI Terminate, Play wav based on DTMF received) are already setup to call and send DTMF and in response look for a DTMF digit with the second script. These examples use ISDN T1PRI. I want to test my polling system of 1 central location and 10 remotes. The remotes are connected via a radio link. How would I go about doing this? The TSP Edge can provide the PSTN circuits required for this testing. Place a TSP Edge at the central location and another at one or more of the remotes. The central TSP generates a call when the poll is started and the far end TSP connects to the central unit and DTMF digits are sent both directions for path verification. How would I simulate ISDN T1 PRI to test my equipment? Select T1PRI operation during configuration of the “units” screen card slot 4. Note ISDN PRI operation requires the use of the Ethernet connection. Can I use the TSP Edge with scripting to set up my production environment testing using analog & PRI? What are the limitations if any? Yes. Scripts can be setup to perform the production testing. Limitations would depend on what your testing requirements are. Teltone uses the TSP Edge with scripting to control some of the automatic circuit board test fixtures used in our production facility. How would I test my equipment to see that it responds correctly to the “Busy” and no answer condition on the analog line? Using standard operations connect your equipment and busy the line with a call and then use another channel to call the same line. You can script these conditions so when the call starts from your equipment, the signaling will indicate that the line is already off-hook indicating in use – busy. I need to test an IVR, several layers down in the program to get information. How do I do this? A script would need to be developed to interact with your IVR and provide response data to a voice prompt from the IVR. How would I test end to end calling between two computers with modems with the TSP Edge? Use a dialed control set from the TSP and connect the modem lines from each PC to the FXS ports. Any port can dial any other port in a dialed control set. Can the TSP Edge be used to provide WAN circuits for my Cisco training lab? Yes, the TSP Edge can provide several different interfaces for this purpose. Is it possible to setup the TSP Edge for answering calls in a random fashion with various conditions represented ( Dead Line, Busy, Fast Busy, Ring, Auto Answer, etc.)? Yes, this is done by using scripting to provide different options for call terminations. I need to initiate a call on a phone and have that go to an E1 to my device under test. Can the TSP Edge do this? Yes, this can be done using either switch emulation or a dialed control set. Is it possible to share the TSP Edge between 5 testers who will run their own test applications using dedicated lines for each from a common TSP Edge? Yes. Use MS net meeting and remote desktop sharing between the testers so the TSP application can be shared. Only one person at a time will be in control of the TSP Edge, but all can access it and take control. I need to test my IVR front end to simulate patients calling with test results requests. Can I use the TSP Edge for this application? Yes. This would require developing a script to interact with your IVR. You can script this yourself, or if you prefer, Teltone can develop the script for you after we have been provided with details on how your system responds to calls. Does Teltone provide assistance in creating test scripts? Teltone provides several resources to help customers create test scripts, including a comprehensive Scripting Guide and a library of sample scripts. Teltone also offers scripting services that can be adapted to specific customer requirements. Click here for more information.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
