On automated test system for asymmetric digital subscriber line equipment

The requirement for an automated test system has immensely increased due to the realization that manual testing is associated with additional resources and staffing constraints. In order to achieve a competitive edge, reduced development cost, timely product delivery, and product quality are mandatory in today's organization. Manual testing requires skilled operators that increase cost, time, and product delivery. The low cost computer-based automated system helps to get an edge by fulfilling these organizational demands. In this paper, an automated testing system has been developed to support functional testing of all phases of Nortel Networks 1-Meg modem system as its system under test (SUT). The modem is an inherently complex asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) product and its testing is far more complex than just verification of process faults. The complexity of ADSL system renders automated test system an important and imperative part of ADSL testing. The subject paper demonstrates the indispensable need of automated test system for ADSL testing and its relative advantages in providing some benefit for the organization.