DSL Forum Raises Bar On Performance Testing

As service providers continually look for ways to improve quality of service, the ability to see deeper into the consumer's home network and quickly identify problems is imperative.
To help service providers achieve this, the DSL Forum has approved Technical Report 143 (TR-143) "Network Service Provider Initiated Throughout Performance Testing".
Developed by the Forum's BroadbandHome Technical Working Group, TR-143 defines Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) throughout performance test mechanisms using the framework established in the Forum's existing CPE WAN Management Protocol (CWMP), TR-069.
By placing an agent into the home gateway router, TR-143 allows service providers to gather more extensive data, troubleshoot remotely and test continuity, performance and response times - all of which are critical in providing quality next generation services, such as IPTV.
This TR will also help operators and provides to save both time and money. As faults are identified and resolved remotely, the need for technicians to visit a customer's home is negated, helping to reduce truck rolls. In addition, monitoring performance and continuity data enables issues to be detected before problems, decreasing the number of calls made to the service providers' call centres.
George Dobrowski, President and Chairman of the DSL Forum, said: "TR-143 is key to filling the gap in the home networking industry - sophisticated remote testing and troubleshooting. Using this TR, service providers will improve the overall level of service they offer by identifying and resolving problems even before the customer is aware there is a problem.
"By managing the home network remotely and having the ability to capture more robust data, service providers will better meet the quality of experience expectations of their consumers."
For further information on TR-143 and other Technical Reports, please visit: www.dslforum.org
(KMcA/JM)