The MSF promotes the testing of interoperability based on open standards. Its latest GMI event was the fourth in a series of biannual events designed to test the first ‘real network’ multi-vendor trial of innovative new services deployed over a con-verged IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) infrastructure. Five major Service Providers were involved, as well as independent labs in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The objective: test standards compliance in network scenarios of interest to service providers today. The daunting task: execute and analyze 38 test cases designed to rigorously test the capability and robust-ness of IPTV solutions. Review some of the learning from those tests right here.

B&M Telecom, Inc. has recently completed their contract for the splicing and testing of the fiber optic network that will run the SmartGrid system in Boulder, Colorado. Their work will allow the real-time monitoring of the usage and performance of the SmartGrid built by Xcel Energy. OSP® magazine has been given a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of bringing such an extensive project to fruition.

AECON Infrastructure of Ontario, Canada, faced an underground situation recently when it was selected by Bell Canada to pull new fiber optic cable through several existing conduits in various metropolitan areas throughout Ontario. The entire project covered some 30,000 meters (about 90,000 feet) of conduit. There appeared to be a lot of underground challenges until AECON found the right solution for this application.

How many times have we engineered, installed, or repaired OSP facilities for a customer and not fully understood the inner workings of what the electrons and photons in the cables are doing with our voice or data that it represents? A look inside OSP circuits reveals a 61-year-old mathematical theory of information that can teach us how to understand the efficiency of our communications infrastructure.

Recently, Bournemouth, United Kingdom, has become the first of 15 towns and city-wide fiber networks that have bragging rights to say their homes have two fiber connections, fed via the sewer system. (How ‘bout that for dinner table conversation?)

In order to make the most of the current realities, leaders must adapt to the changing marketplace and engage the capacity of their people to achieve business results. It all starts with a plan; better yet, a Dynamic Business Growth Plan.

Among technicians and manufacturers there is confusion regarding the impact of CAT6a, ISO Class Ea, and ISO Class Fa standards on testing equipment. This article aims to shed light on the current state of testers and where we go from here, including where the new standards will take the testing industry.

Following these 10 rules of engagement will help to increase your closing rate and win the war for customers when your competitors are using ineffective strategies.

Are You a Digital Collaborator? Or an Ambivalent Networker? A Roving Node? A Mobile Newbie? Or are you a Desktop Veteran? Read about how wireless connectivity draws many American users more deeply into digital life, and the impact this technology has on our lives.