Agilent Technologies auroraSonata User manual

427869
Issue 2 - 07/00
auroraSonata
Hand Held ISDN Tester
User Guide
aurora
Sonata
Cover.P65 25/07/00, 09:551
AdvancedTestEquipmentRentals
www.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC(2832)
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auroraSonata Hand Held ISDN Tester—User Guide
427869

Issue 2 - 07/00 i
Copyright Notice
The information contained in this document is the property
of Trend Communications Ltd. and is supplied without
liability for errors and omissions.
No part of this document may be reproduced or used except
as authorised by contract or other written permission from
Trend Communications Ltd. The copyright and all
restrictions on reproduction and use apply to all media in
which this information may be placed.
Trend Communications Ltd. pursues a policy of continual
product improvement and reserves the right to alter without
notice the specification, design, price or conditions of
supply of any product or service.
The Trend aurora name is a registered trademark of Trend
Communications Ltd.
Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
© Trend Communications Ltd. 2000
All rights reserved
Publication ref: 427869
Issue 2 - 07/00

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Issue 2 - 07/00 iii
Contents
Contents
Welcome to auroraSonata ..................................................... 1-2
Section 1 - About the User Guide............................... 1-2
Intended readers .................................................... 1-3
auroraExpert for Windows .......................................... 1-6
Section 2 - Introducing auroraSonata ............................. 1-7
How you can use your auroraSonata .......................... 1-7
Supplied with auroraSonata ......................................... 1-8
How auroraSonata fits together .................................. 1-8
Safety advice ........................................................... 1-9
Looking after auroraSonata .......................................... 1-9
A look at auroraSonata ................................................ 1-10
Getting Started ......................................... 2-2
Chapter summary ................................................... 2-2
Section 1 - Preparing To Use auroraSonata ..................... 2-3
Connecting auroraSonata ........................................... 2-3
Switching auroraSonata on and off .............................. 2-7
Changing the appearance of the screen .................. 2-8
Choosing hand-held or hands-free operation ........... 2-9
Section 2 - Using the menus and windows ............... 2-12
The top level menu ................................................. 2-12
Moving through the items in a menu ...................... 2-13
Selecting a menu item ............................................. 2-14
Using the function keys ........................................... 2-14
Exiting from a menu or option window ................... 2-15
Switching between windows .................................. 2-15
Section 3 - Basic Operations ....................................... 2-16
Getting on-screen Help ........................................... 2-16
Adjusting the volume .............................................. 2-17
Selecting an interface .............................................. 2-18
Choosing the operating mode ................................ 2-19
Entering alphanumeric information .......................... 2-19
First Steps in Testing ................................. 3-2
Section 1 - Setting Up auroraSonata ............................... 3-3
To begin setting up auroraSonata ................................ 3-3
Setting up auroraSonata for ISDN operation................. 3-4
Changing the basic operation ................................. 3-28
Configuring the serial port/protocol output ............. 3-32
Checking the current setup of auroraSonata ................ 3-37
Selecting the default settings ................................... 3-38

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Section 2 - Connecting a Basic Call ............................ 3-43
The purpose of connecting calls .............................. 3-43
Before you start ...................................................... 3-44
Making an outgoing call—summary ........................ 3-46
Making an outgoing call—details ............................. 3-47
Receiving an incoming call ....................................... 3-53
When a call is connected ........................................ 3-56
Clearing an ISDN call ............................................... 3-61
If calls are not possible ............................................ 3-63
Testing in Simulation Mode ....................... 4-2
Connecting to the ISDN .......................................... 4-3
Section 1 - Introduction.............................................. 4-4
Simulation on a Basic Rate link ................................. 4-4
Simulation on a Primary Rate link .............................. 4-7
Using an external source for the network clock ........ 4-8
Testing ISDN links .................................................... 4-8
Introducing the ISDN Test Suite ............................... 4-9
Section 2 - Physical & Line Quality Checks ................. 4-15
Checking the line voltage ....................................... 4-15
Checking Layer 1 .................................................... 4-16
Checking the status of Layers 2 and 3 ...................... 4-21
Checking the protocol activity ................................. 4-22
Detecting NEBE/FEBE (2B1Q) .................................. 4-22
Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) ..................................... 4-23
BERT on the D channel .......................................... 4-36
Section 3 - Channel Testing ....................................... 4-38
Checking channels from the Test Suite ..................... 4-38
Section 4 - Testing Service Availability ......................... 4-44
Bearer services and teleservices ............................... 4-44
Testing services from the ISDN Test Suite .................. 4-46
Checking TEI availability for X.25 .............................. 4-51
Section 5 - Supplementary Services ............................ 4-54
Services supported by auroraSonata ............................ 4-54
Call Forwarding ...................................................... 4-55
Call Deflection ......................................................... 4-58
Testing services during call setup ............................. 4-59
Testing services with a connected call ...................... 4-68
Testing MCID during disconnection ......................... 4-75
Advice of Charge .................................................... 4-76
ISDN sub-addressing ............................................... 4-78
Testing services from the ISDN Test Suite .................. 4-79
Testing services using the Keypad ............................ 4-82

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Contents
Monitoring the Line .................................. 5-2
Connecting auroraSonata ........................................... 5-2
Setting up auroraSonata for monitoring ....................... 5-3
Choosing the monitor output destination ................ 5-5
Setting the Idle Code ............................................... 5-6
Setting up a monitor session ................................... 5-7
During protocol monitoring .................................... 5-11
Ending a monitor session ........................................ 5-11
Changing settings while in Monitor mode ................ 5-12
Reviewing a stored monitor session ......................... 5-13
Advanced Features & System Maintenance 6-2
Section 1 - Advanced Testing Features ....................... 6-2
Speed dialling .......................................................... 6-3
Call screening ......................................................... 6-6
Creating a custom one-button test .......................... 6-11
Using self calls ......................................................... 6-12
Section 2 - Testing in Unattended Mode .................... 6-14
Beginning unattended operation ............................ 6-15
Enabling/disabling automatic call back ..................... 6-15
Understanding the channel activity display .............. 6-16
Displaying call information for a channel .................. 6-16
Clearing a connection ............................................. 6-16
Going back to normal operation ............................. 6-16
Section 3 - System Maintenance ................................ 6-17
Installing new software ........................................... 6-17
Copying system settings between units ................... 6-19
Capturing & Analysing Protocol Information 7-2
About the protocol decode ..................................... 7-2
Section 1 - Decoding in Real Time ............................. 7-3
Viewing the simple real-time decode ........................ 7-3
Sending the decode to the serial port ...................... 7-6
Section 2 - Capturing To Memory ............................... 7-7
Capturing the decode for a test call ......................... 7-7
Saving the decode for a monitor session .................. 7-12
Saving the contents of the real time buffer ............... 7-12
Section 3 - Analysing the Decode Display .................. 7-14
The simple decode .................................................. 7-14
Extended Decode ................................................... 7-15
The detailed decode ............................................... 7-19
Power Sources ........................................... 8-2
Using external (mains) power .................................. 8-2
Using battery power ............................................... 8-3

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Technical & Purchasing Notes .................... 9-2
Section 1 - Technical Information ............................... 9-2
auroraSonata specifications ......................................... 9-2
Interface specifications ............................................ 9-5
Regulations and approvals ...................................... 9-7
BERT ....................................................................... 9-8
Product safety ........................................................ 9-8
Quality and reliability ............................................... 9-8
Section 2 - Notes for Purchasers ................................. 9-9
Customising your auroraSonata .................................. 9-9
Optional accessories ............................................... 9-11
auroraExpert for Windows (Protocol analysis) .............. 9-11
auroraSonata Menus ..................................... A1
Disconnection & Clearing Cause Codes ...... A2
Introduction to ISDN ................................. A3
Glossary & Abbreviations ........................... A4
Index
Help Desk Numbers

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Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 1
Chapter 1
Welcome to auroraSonata
Contents
Section 1—About the User Guide ............. 1-2
Section 2—Introducing auroraSonata ............ 1-7

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Welcome to auroraSonata
Welcome to aurora
Sonata
, a hand held tester which allows you to
install, configure, troubleshoot and maintain equipment and
lines on the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Tip
If you are a new user, read through Chapters 1 and 2 of this
Guide for the basic information you need to get started. When
you are more familiar with aurora
Sonata
, you can use the index
to find specific information in the Guide.
If you buy more options or accessories for your aurora
Sonata
, you
may want to put Chapters 1 and 2 and Appendices 3 and 4 in
a separate binder. You can obtain a new binder free of charge
from Agilent Technologies.
About the User
Guide
This User Guide will help you learn to use aurora
Sonata
, and can
be used for reference when you are more experienced. Useful
features include:
• chapter summaries and a comprehensive index
• technical and safety notes
• an introduction to the ISDN
• a glossary of technical terms and abbreviations
Note
The text and illustrations in this Guide describe a typical
aurora
Sonata
. They may not always match your specific
configuration and may include features or protocols that you
did not purchase.

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Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 1
Intended readers
This Guide is intended for all users of aurora
Sonata
—normally
first- and second-line installation and maintenance personnel
in telephone companies and corporate end users. Some
telecommunications experience is assumed, but the Guide
includes some background information on the ISDN.
How the Guide is organised
The first two chapters of the Guide provide introductory
information for new users. Later chapters provide detailed
operating instructions for more experienced users, and the
appendices give background information.
Chapter structure
Chapt. 1 Introduces aurora
Sonata
and the User Guide.
Chapt. 2 Basic instructions to get you started.
Chapt. 3 How to set up aurora
Sonata
and connect and clear a basic call.
Chapt. 4 How to test an ISDN link by using aurora
Sonata
to simulate
ISDN equipment or the network itself.
Chapt. 5 How to use aurora
Sonata
to monitor protocol information or
listen to audio traffic on the line.
Chapt. 6 Advanced features such as call screening, and how to
download software and system settings.
Chapt. 7 How to produce and analyse protocol decodes.
Chapt. 8 The power sources for aurora
Sonata
and how to maintain them.
Chapt. 9 The technical specification of aurora
Sonata
, along with
information to assist equipment purchasers.
Appx. 1 Diagrams to help you navigate through the menu structure.
Appx. 2 The codes which show why a call has failed, been
disconnected or cleared.

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Appx. 3 Background information on the ISDN.
Appx. 4 A glossary of technical terms in the User Guide.
Index Helps you find specific information.
Conventions in the Guide
The User Guide uses a number of special symbols, typefaces
and terms to show specific information.
Special typefaces
The names of keys are displayed in bold, italic typeface—for
example: ‘Press ENTER’. Menu options are shown in a
different typeface—for example: ‘Choose Setup’.
Tips, notes and warnings
Tip Indicates useful information—for example, a
short cut for the task you are performing.
Note Important information which you should keep in
mind when performing the task being described.
Warning A safety warning or cautionary note. If you
ignore the warning, you may endanger your own
safety or damage your aurora
Sonata
.
Protocol symbols
Information specific to one protocol is marked with a symbol:
For example, this information is only relevant to
the ETSI protocol.

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Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 1
Information that does not apply to a particular protocol is
indicated by the protocol symbol with a line through it:
For example, this information does not apply to
the 1TR6 protocol.
All example screens in the Guide relate to the ETSI protocol
unless otherwise indicated.
Information specific to Basic/Primary Rate
Information which only applies to Basic Rate (BRI) or Primary
Rate (PRI) testing is marked as follows:
All example screens in the Guide relate to BRI testing. Where
the feature being described operates differently for Basic and
Primary Rate, the Primary Rate screen is also included.
Special terms
Press Press the indicated key once.
Choose / Select Highlight a menu option and press
ENTER to select it.
Exit Leave the current menu or option list.
Press + n Press and hold Shift ( ) while
pressing the specified key (n), then
release both keys.
Highlight Use the arrow keys to move the cursor
bar over an option.

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aurora
Expert
for Windows
aurora
Expert
for Windows is a protocol analysis package which is
mentioned occasionally in the Guide. For a brief outline of
this product see Chapter 9 section 2, or for more details
consult your Agilent Technologies representative.
If you already use the package, you will find instructions in the
aurora
Expert
for Windows Reference Guide and on-line Help.

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Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 2
Introducing
auroraSonata
aurora
Sonata
allows you to test ISDN links on a range of
different interfaces depending on which interface modules are
fitted.
aurora
Sonata
may be fitted with S and/or U interface modules for
testing Basic Rate links and a Primary Rate (PRI) module (E1
transmission).
How you can use your aurora
Sonata
Depending on the type of test you perform, you can check one
or more of the following:
• ISDN equipment and lines
• the route through the network via ISDN switches
• the operation of the call control protocols
• ISDN fixed links, which do not use protocol support
• the integrity of a call and the quality of service
• the availability and operation of ISDN services
The basic methods for testing
There are two main ways in which you can use aurora
Sonata
—
these are known as the operating modes. They are:
• Simulation mode—you use the unit to simulate the
operation of Terminal Equipment (TE), a Network
Termination (NT) or a Line Termination (LT).
aurora
Sonata
can generate or receive the network clock
and act as the protocol ‘master’ (network side), or
‘slave’ (user side).
• Monitor mode—aurora
Sonata
monitors user traffic and
protocol information on the line in real time.

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Supplied with aurora
Sonata
aurora
Sonata
is supplied in a carrying case along with:
• a mains adaptor/battery charger
• cables for the fitted interfaces
• any optional cables or accessories your
organisation has purchased
• this User Guide
The packing list supplied with aurora
Sonata
gives details of
exactly what you should have received.
Tip
Keep your User Guide in the carrying case with aurora
Sonata
, so
that you can consult it whenever you need to.
How aurora
Sonata
fits together
The tester consists of a main unit, onto which are fitted one or
more optional interface modules. Each module is used to test a
particular telecommunications interface. For details, see About
the optional interfaces later in this chapter.
Your aurora
Sonata
is fitted with the combination of interface
modules that you or your organisation have chosen. If you
need details about other interfaces, see Chapter 9 section 2.
Warning: Interface modules
Do not attempt to remove an interface module from the tester
unless you have been specifically authorised to do so by
Agilent Technologies or your local representative.

Issue 2 - 07/00 1-9
Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 2
Safety advice
When using aurora
Sonata
, always take basic safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons.
These include the following:
• Avoid using the tester during an electrical storm—
there is a remote risk of electric shock by lightning.
• Use only the batteries supplied for the unit. These
are described in Chapter 8 and in the power source
specifications in Chapter 9 section 1.
• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire—they may
explode.
• Disconnect all interface cables before removing the
battery cover.
• Never remove the rear of the case while aurora
Sonata
is
switched on or connected to the network.
You must also observe all safety warnings related to the power
supply. These are set out in Chapter 8.
Looking after aurora
Sonata
Although light and portable, aurora
Sonata
is very robust and has
been designed to operate in a typical outdoors working
environment. For example, it can survive a fall onto concrete
from a height of up to two metres.
To ensure reliable operation, avoid:
• very high or low temperatures—aurora
Sonata
is
designed to operate between -15°C and +55°C,
although you should only charge the battery between
+10°C and +30°C. You can store the unit safely
between -25°C and +70°C.
• very wet conditions—aurora
Sonata
is weather-resistant
but not waterproof. You can use it in light rain when
held vertically, but you should never immerse the
unit in water.

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To avoid damage, we recommend that you keep aurora
Sonata
in
its carrying case when you are not using it.
Warning: Cleaning aurora
Sonata
Do not use solvents, strong detergents or abrasive materials to
clean aurora
Sonata
. Use only cleaning agents approved for use on
ABS and polycarbonate plastics.
A look at aurora
Sonata
The main features of aurora
Sonata
are identified below.
Summary of the main features
External power supply/ The connector used to supply power from an
Battery charger external source.
Belt hook You use this to carry aurora
Sonata
or hang it up
for hands-free operation. It can be easily
removed and replaced.
Telephone receiver Used for listening to speech calls during
simulation or monitoring on the line.
Water-resistant covers These protect the serial port and external
power supply/battery charger connectors.

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Welcome to auroraSonata - Section 2
Serial port connector The connector for aurora
Sonata
’s RS232 serial
port, which links to a terminal, printer, PC or
VDU for output of protocol decodes and test
results. For example, you can send decodes for
analysis by aurora
Expert
for Windows.
LEDs Six Light Emitting Diodes, giving instant
information on line status, frame errors and
battery condition.
Battery pack cover Covers the battery fittings and the bolt which
holds the belt hook in place.
Keypad Alphanumeric keypad including digits 0-9, *
and # keys, function keys and Shift functions.
Interface connectors Connectors for the interfaces fitted on your
aurora
Sonata
.
Microphone Used for making speech calls on the ISDN.
LCD An 8 x 22 character Liquid Crystal Display
which shows all aurora
Sonata
’s menus, windows,
test results and status information.
Hands-free loudspeaker When selected, this allows you to hear activity
on the line while leaving your hands free to
perform other tasks.
The keypad
On/Off key Press and hold for 1-2 seconds to
switch aurora
Sonata
on or off.
Function keys These activate particular
functions, depending on the task
you are currently performing, as
displayed on the LCD.

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Number keys Used for entering numeric
information. Some number keys
also combine with Shift ( )
to perform other tasks, as
described later in this section.
* (Asterisk) Provided for compatibility with
standard telephone handsets.
Used for DTMF tones and with
the Keypad facility.
# (Hash) Provided for compatibility with
standard telephone handsets.
Used for DTMF tones and with
the Keypad facility.
Arrow keys You use these keys to move the
cursor. To move one step, press
and release an arrow. To move
several steps in the same
direction, hold down the arrow.
Enter Press this key to choose a
highlighted menu item or setting,
or to start an operation.
Esc Use this key to exit from menus
and windows.
Shift You can combine with other
keys to perform specific tasks.
For details, see Using the Shift
key below.
Channel You use this key to switch
between B and D channels. See
Selecting a channel for testing in
Chapter 3 section 2.