SENCORE: Web-Based Network Monitoring with the VB330

Earlier this year, SENCORE announced their new Web-based probe for monitoring and troubleshooting 10GbE IP networks in large cable, IPTV and satellite broadcast chains. The SENCORE VB330 probe assures that the end customer is receiving the intended optimal viewing experience through its performance monitoring and on-demand troubleshooting credentials.

Web-based network monitoring has become an integral component in today's broadcasting and delivery markets. In days long gone, "hardware probes were the primary means of collecting frame data," explains Ron Jenkins in his article "Why Web-based Network Monitoring?" published in the International Journal of Network Management. But with the advancements in network technology and the increased use of IP technology, web-based monitoring represents "the same functionality at a substantially reduced cost," says Jenkins. Web-based network monitoring also offers valuable convenience without geographic restrictions and a single point for updates or changes.

SENCORE's VB330 Probe "is the flagship in SENCORE's VideoBRIDGE product line," says the company's website. (The award-winning VideoBRIDGE Networking Monitoring line offers advanced video analysis, measurement and monitoring tools for broadcast, cable and satellite operators throughout the world.) The probe also fulfills the new requirements for high-capacity traffic monitoring of OTT (Over-The-Top) or broadcast video.

This web-based network probe collects, analyzes and provides immediate status information about the network through a combination of active and passive tests. Up to two 10GB Ethernet inputs can be utilized by the probe; and just one 10GB interface can monitor thousands of IP streams (multicasts or unicasts) in central head-ends and network back-bone architectures. (In comparison, traditional video broadcasting contains only 150-500 TV channels, according to the Advanced Television website.) Core IP network node locations, ISP demarcation points and head-end outputs are all monitored through SENCORE's new probe. These locations represent the main content aggregation points in the network and as such, are critical to be continuously monitored for the availability of video content to ensure that all content delivery continues without errors, interruptions or outages. If any files are missing or network delays exist (making it impossible to download the files rapidly enough), the VB probe will alarm and report the current problem for proactive correction.



IP 10G Core Monitoring Blade: VB330


Measuring, monitoring and proactively correcting network-wide IP signals is all done through a patented, easy-to-use visual interface. Remote access can be obtained through HTTP (using a standard Web browser), TELNET (a network protocol) or through a VideoBRIDGE controller system. The VB330 probe offers maximum benefit when used in tandem with other blades and probes that make up a complete VideoBRIDGE monitoring system.

Jeff Briden, Vice President of product management and customer satisfaction at SENCORE, explained the significance of their new probe saying, "Since many large networks are unmonitored, transmission issues can be very hard to find and troubleshoot. The VB330 provides an ideal solution by enabling operators to identify the root cause of IP delivery issues and pinpoint the failure quickly and easily, before it affects customer service." He went on to add, "The VB330 should be standard equipment in any 10GbE network as a tool for reducing operational costs and enabling efficient, high-quality video delivery to improve the end-customer's viewing experience."



SENCORE interface


And for cable, IPTV and satellite broadcasters, delivering OTT and video content without interruption means preserving a happy market share. According to IDC's Online Customer Behavior Study in 2008, the smooth play of video was the most important element for online video consumers.

This standard 19 1RU rack-mount unit, with dual power supplies, is an indispensible tool for quickly identifying issues throughout the network and real-time monitoring of 10GB media ports. The VB330 offers a ton of features too, including: built-in USB to RS232 converter; 1x 10/100/1000T Ethernet management port; blade-based hardware for use with rack mount chassis; IGMPv2 and IGMPv3 SSM support; v802.1Q VLAN tagging support and detection; thumbnail decoding of MPEG2 and MPEG4 streams, SD and HD; configurable alarm handling including severity level definitions; time loss distance measurements (RFC3357); MediaWindow visualization technology; advanced real-time IP protocol breakdown and analysis with individual bandwidth and frame size displaying; built-in web-based management with access control; SNMP multi-destination trapping and remote software and license upgrade capability. To learn more about the features and specs of the VB330, go to: www.sencore.com/product/ip-10g-core-monitoring-blade.

SENCORE, a portfolio company of The Riverside Company, is an engineering leader in the development of high-quality signal transmission solutions for the broadcast, cable, satellite, IPTV and professional audio/video markets. Their solutions deliver on their strength of "Where Content Meets Technology" and include video delivery products, system monitoring and analysis solutions, test and measurement equipment, and supporting system interoperability, all backed by best-in-class customer support.

For more information about SENCORE's VB330 Probe, or their other products, go to www.sencore.com.

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