Cable network test and management solutions major Acterna today announced the introduction of the Acterna Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM), offering the cable modem installer a comprehensive cable services and DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS measurement package in a single meter.

The DSAM enables cable installers, regardless of skill and experience levels, to increase the speed and efficiency at which they deploy high-speed data services, a company release says.

Using exclusive digital signal processing and integrated DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS chipset technology, the meter communicates with the network's cable modem termination system (CMTS) to exercise a cable modem installation from the subscriber's location. The Acterna DSAM uses the DOCSIS protocol and modulation formats to perform tests in-band and in-service, without the need for a separate test carrier.

The Acterna DSAM also provides a suite of analog and digital tests such as signal level, miniscan, upstream ingress spectrum view and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) quality parameters (MER/EVM and pre/post FEC BER). And with the one-button combo autotest feature, even a novice installer can perform all tests in the same way, in the shortest amount of time. The completely new enclosure weighs less than 1.4 kg, but is designed to take the rough handling and environmental elements expected from a field instrument.

"Acterna's new Digital Service Activation Meter provides cable operators with the tool they need to efficiently meet subscriber demand for high-speed data services," said Dave Holly, general manager, Cable Networks Division. "With the unique 'autotest' function, the difficulties associated with successful installs are eliminated, helping cable operators increase deployment rates and assure market leadership."