As more customers turn to Ethernet, service providers are faced with new opportunities and threats. Ethernet service is becoming a commodity. As more services providers offer the same service, prices continue to decline. But, there are opportunities, as well. By offering differentiated services, providers can extract additional revenues. And, keeping customers is much easier if you provide excellent service when things go wrong.
The MetroScope Service Provider Assistant test set from Fluke Networks can help you in this evolving landscape, with advanced features to help you offer differentiated services and increase customer satisfaction, all while reducing both Capex and Opex costs.
ProVision™ Test Suite - Designed to be Compatible with SLA’s and MEF Specifications
Service Providers have typically used BERT or RFC 2544 tests to characterize Ethernet circuit performance. Given that both approaches were developed before the advent of Ethernet services it’s no surprise that neither provide a complete solution for testing and troubleshooting these services.
Fluke Networks developed the ProVision™ test suite by taking the best of both test approaches, adopting them to MEF specifications and typical SLA’s and adding customer requested features. The result is one test that characterizes even the most complex of circuits but displays the results on a single display. ProVision measures all four parameters (throughput, loss, delay, and jitter) in parallel for faster, more accurate test results. Document performance with detailed reports at the touch of a button, or use trending graphs of performance up to 24 hours to troubleshoot difficult problems.
Offer differentiated services
Ethernet provides the flexibility to offer package services and maximize revenues. With the MetroScope test set, you can define custom tests to match your service offerings. High-accuracy jitter measurements let you offer SLAs for VoIP and IPTV. If you are moving into advanced services such as DNS or email, the MetroScope test set can provide tests to demonstrate SLA compliance for response time for these applications and many more. It can even generate custom reports with your logo as proof of your services to your customer.
Increase customer satisfaction
Taking too long to resolve customer issues not only wastes time and money, it can result in the loss of clients and future revenues. The new MetroScope test set takes advantage of more than a decade of Fluke Networks IP expertise to put unmatched troubleshooting power behind a deceptively simple user interface. Advanced capabilities such as VLAN discovery and monitoring can be accessed with just a screen touch. Use SNMP to query switches and routers, find overloaded ports and pinpoint offending devices. The full video graphics array (VGA) display shows you details which most handheld test sets cannot.
Keep costs down
Fluke Networks MetroScope test set’s advanced design helps you save money when you buy it and when you use it. A unique, low cost, gigabit LinkReflector remote tester included with the MetroScope Service Provider Assistant kit lets you perform complete SLA testing without purchasing a second unit. Test as many as seven links for the cost of testing one using alternative solutions. The MetroScope test set is designed with web-based remote control. A technician at the customer site can consult with remote experts within your organization to resolve complex problems. Not only does that save time and money, it means the technician learns more, and, most importantly, the customer’s problem is solved that much faster.