News Details

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2001--

Compact Unit Allows Field Technicians to Perform Advanced

Line Testing at Lower Cost

Supercomm 2001 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced its latest digital subscriber line (DSL) handheld tester for use by field installation and maintenance technicians to test and qualify copper phone lines for DSL and other high-speed data transmission services. The Agilent N1736A is the first in the industry to provide the advanced spectral testing capabilities required for DSL service qualification in a low-cost handheld.

The handheld provides a wide variety of advanced transmission impairment measurement (TIMS) functions for testing and qualifying copper phone lines for DSL and other high-speed data transmission services. The tester delivers many of the advanced line testing functions of dedicated TIMS test sets at a fraction of the cost, and can also be used for troubleshooting line-related voice service problems.

The compact N1736A handheld tester allows field personnel to perform physical qualification of copper pair subscriber loops to ensure support for DSL services. This includes measurement of line characteristics (attenuation, cross talk, noise, return loss), automatic computation of length and loop resistance measurements, and automatic calculation of expected upstream and downstream data throughput rates.

Line testing can be performed at both base band and higher DSL frequencies, allowing the handheld to be used for both voice and data troubleshooting. Automatic quality of service (QoS) tests can be processed, and test results stored and recalled on the handheld.

The tester can be used to passively monitor in-service lines to perform measurements against live traffic, or to assist in troubleshooting intermittent line problems. The handheld also supports spectrum analysis to isolate and identify possible sources of noise that may degrade line performance.

Tests can be pre-programmed and results thresholds can be set to provide technicians with simplified pass/fail results. The N1736A includes a high-resolution LCD screen for displaying results and "one-touch" programmable function keys.

Agilent now offers a complete range of solutions for handheld line/TIMS testing -- from entry-level, handheld line verifiers priced at less than $3,000, to multi-technology, modular tablet test sets. Service providers can match product test capabilities to the specific requirements and assignments of field technicians within their organizations. The entire Agilent family of TIMS products will be shown at booth No. 4432 at Supercomm 2001.

Additional product information and specifications, as well as information on Agilent's complete line of handheld field test equipment, are available at www.agilent.com/comms/aurora.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Agilent N1736A starts at $6,240. Further information is available by calling 800/452-4844.

Agilent in Communications

Agilent Technologies is a leading provider of components, test, measurement, monitoring and management solutions for the communications industry. Agilent enables designers, manufacturers and service providers to accelerate the delivery of next-generation devices, networks and services. Agilent's broad set of solutions and services includes optical, wireless, Internet and broadband technologies that span the entire communications lifecycle.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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