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The Challenge:

To develop an acceptance tester for DSL modem/routers that requires minimal operator assistance and reduces both test time and number of operators required.

The Solution:

Ball Systems developed a test station capable of simultaneously asynchronously testing up to eight DSL modem/routers – testing full port functionality (WAN, Ethernet, DSL, HPNA, WiFi) and ensuring no visual defects and proper LED illumination.

The system utilized interconnected PCs and the BallTest™ software platform using NI’s LabVIEW with XML scripted test sequences and an SQL database.

Features:

• Server rack with DSLAM and Telebyte devices in order to simulate DSL data and line length, respectively. Server rack also houses a Windows Server and a Linux Server.
  • DSLAM and Telebyte are used for a file transfer to validate the functionality of the DSL ports.
  • Linux Server acts as the FTP server for this.
• 8 test stations each with the following features:
  • One tester PC and one FTP PC.
  • Isolation chamber.
  • Barcode scanner.
  • Quick-connect fixture inside the isolation chamber.
  • NetGear wireless adapter.
• Tester software is written entirely with LabVIEW and uses the BallTest™ platform with XML scripted test sequences.
• Selenium Web Automation add-on for LabVIEW to obtain modem information and to navigate through the modem’s support console.
• Tester PCs are connected to FTP PCs; a file transfer from the FTP machine to the tester machine and resulting throughput are used to verify WAN, Ethernet, and HPNA port functionality.
• Software dynamically creates a wireless profile for each modem being tested, and will attempt a connection to this newly created profile in order to validate the WiFi port of the modem.
• All testing data and results are stored in a SQL database on the Windows Server.
• Windows Server is accessible remotely, and is used to remotely access tester PCs with VNC for remote testing and debugging.
• User interface allows operator to enter visual inspection information and also to track test results and progress.

Benefits:

• Quick connect fixture allows an operator to hook up a DSL modem immediately, saving test time and potential confusion from having to hook up wires individually.
• Bar code scanner and SQL database allow operator to immediately see if a model has a valid serial number, is in warranty and how many times the unit has been tested previously.
• Isolation chamber improves testing consistency in a hostile environment where several other modem testers and wireless networks exist.
• SQL database allows customer to track test results, debug possible issues with the test setup, and also to tweak throughput limits.
• BallTest™ and XML test scripting allows customer to easily tweak throughput limits, timeout values, reorder test steps, add new test steps or modify existing test steps.
• Selenium Web Browser Automation toolkit for LabVIEW retrieves data such as hardware revision and firmware version automatically, eliminating the need for an operator to find this data manually.
• Remote access to Windows/Linux Server and the Tester PCs allow customer to easily debug issues when notified by operators.
• User interface is easy to use and has been tailored to the personnel using the software.

Hardware:

Ball Systems maintains an expansive array of in-house equipment and immediately available platforms; reducing development time to meet critical customer deadlines. Specific components leveraged in developing the solution above included:

• Calix DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer)
• Telebyte model 458-3SLB 3-slot chassis
• 2 Dell Power Edge R210 II servers (one Windows server, one Linux server)
• 8 Dell Optiplex 9020 PCs (Test PCs)
• 8 HP Compaq dc5800 PCs (FTP PCs)