Communication test equipment specialist Trilithic added to its product portfolio last week by launching the MetroNet 5000 Series Ethernet and IP Test Set, a lightweight handheld device aimed at providing comprehensive test and monitoring at the network core, edge, NOC (News - Alert) and data center.

Trilithic says that the field-ready device was born from the need to improve network troubleshooting and maintenance on Metro Ethernet Networks, which have become much more pervasive in the last few years. Each communication test equipment device comes with a myriad of built-in tests for complete Ethernet, IP, VoIP and LAN testing and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including new constructions, customer turn-ups and corrective maintenance.

The MetroNet 5000 series is comprised of four different devices, each of which offers the same software functions but different port configurations.

One differentiating factor for the MetroNet 5000 devices are their compatibility with 10GbE, the next-generation of Metro Ethernet technology. The handhelds provide dual 10 GbE ports for in-line testing, "opening up a whole new suite of testing scenarios that provide faster problem resolution," says Trilithic.

Other industry-leading features include its powerful packet and frame filtering technology – enabling users to focus on a specific type of traffic that is transmitted, looped back, received or measured – and its port traffic flooding technology, which allows technicians to stress test network equipment like routers and switches, as well as simulate distributed denial of service attacks and other intrusions.

Trilithic also boasts the device's ability to capture and analyze line-rate packet and frame data based on uniquely settable filters. This feature enables cable, telecom and wireless service provider technicians to fix problems faster by only capturing and testing specific forms of traffic.

In addition to its testing features, the MetroNet 5000 series is equipped with strong report -generation and graphing capabilities that are often found only in higher-priced models.

"The ability to generate reports in histogram, bar, pie and line graph formats and easily convert them to PDF files enables service providers to deliver detailed reporting to customers and management," says Trilithic.

Perhaps best of all, MetroNet 5000 series devices are rugged but only weigh around three pounds, making them ideal for on-site network technicians. Click here for more information on the new communication test equipment devices.