Versatile In-Network Performance Management
The Brix 3000 Verifier is an in-network service assurance device that measures the real-time performance of data transport, wireless backhaul, metro Ethernet, voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP), mobile and video services. The superior performance of the Brix 3000 makes it ideally suited for deployment in a wide variety of service provider and enterprise locations, including metro hubs, regional head-ends, points of presence (PoPs), mobile switching centers and data centers.
Critical Component of End-to-End Service Testing
The Brix 3000 represents a critical component of EXFO Service Assurance’s end-to-end service testing approach. It delivers both the all-important end-user experience (key performance and key quality indicators) along with the visibility and the detail network administrators need to easily troubleshoot performance problems and identify their root causes.
The Brix 3000 provides core-to-core, edge-to-core and edge-to-end-user testing. By deploying the Brix 3000 Verifier at key locations in the network core and edge, by leveraging industry standards and testing with the Brix 100M Verifiers deployed at customer premise locations, NOC personnel can effectively segment the network to gain the needed visibility into the enterprise, access, core and backhaul networks.
Patented Timing Accuracy for Real-Time Services
In addition to industry-leading active test scalability, the Brix 3000 features exceptionally accurate timing capabilities to support the sub-millisecond precision required for today’s performance-sensitive services. All time measurements take advantage of the Brix 3000 Verifier’s patented hardware packet timestamp engine, eliminating the variations caused by user or kernel-level software-based timing schemes. This combination provides the most accurate one-way measurements in the industry for IP services.
An optional GPS timing module or the use of industry standard CDMA or GPS time servers provide accurate, worldwide synchronization of Brix 3000 timestamps to microsecond precision for GPS and sub-100 microsecond precision with CDMA. This allows service providers to identify low latency intra-metro or regional issues and enforce extremely stringent servicelevel agreements (SLAs).
Carrier-Class Design for In-Network Deployment
The Brix 3000 Verifier is designed from the ground up as carrier-class equipment, offering features such as AC or redundant DC power options. Additionally, the Brix 3000 is network equipment building system (NEBS) level 3-compliant, meaning the platform has passed a series of independent and stringent environmental, safety, emissions, serviceability, reliability and quality tests, and is certified for deployment in carrier central offices.
To support the manageability needs of in-network locations, the Brix 3000 supports a complete command line interface, which is accessible over the network via SSH or telnet, or through the on-board serial console port. In addition, all Brix Verifiers are remotely managed through the Web-based user interface provided by the central site BrixWorx operational support system (OSS). Encrypted and secure administrative communication between the Verifier and server can also be off-loaded from the production network onto a management network through the dedicated 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet management ports.
Operational Simplicity
The Brix 3000 Verifier delivers the reliability and management features required of carrier environments, combined with the ease of complete “lights-out” operation. To install, simply plug in Ethernet cables for connectivity and connect the power source—the Verifier completes the rest. Upon power up the Brix 3000 performs system integrity checks, automatically discovers its BrixWorx server and then downloads all system configuration, test modules and test schedules over a secure, encrypted connection from the server.
Network-to-Application Layer Performance Management
The Brix 3000 Verifier supports the full suite of more than 100 active tests provided by the Brix System. These tests support a wide array of IP services, including VoIP, video, VPN, wireless and Web-based applications, plus network and infrastructure performance tests. The Brix 3000 calculates a deep set of performance statistics (such as one-way packet latency and jitter) by measuring application-specific transactions. The pro-active tests precisely simulate user-level transactions.