XTran Product Family
Features & Benefits
- Network resilience via redundancy in network and hardware (modular hot swap)
- Network convergence to meet IT/OT requirements supporting IP/Ethernet and legacy interfaces
- Environmentally hardened (IEEE 1613, IEC 61850-3, EN50121-4) with extended temperature range
- Network Management System orchestration with TXCare, an intuitive and powerful platform for ensuring the integrity of your network
- Network slicing prioritizes data traffic and allocates bandwidth to maintain a predefined quality of service for all services
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Service Packs
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XTran Care
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Project Realization Services
Project Service Packs
OTN Systems has defined three different project service packs in order to provide maximum peace of mind before XTran solutions are shipped on-site.
Basic Project Services
In this service pack the design, documentation and test phase covers all XTran nodes, modules, fibre connections and the software and firmware versions. It does not cover the actual programming of services. This may be a good solution for customers who already have an XTran in place and want to extend the network.
During the Basic FAT, all the equipment is assembled, including all the interface modules and WAN cards. The correct working of all individual items is tested and validated.
Standard Project Services
The design work will include MPLS-TP tunnels, pseudo wires, protection schemes and individual services with QoS. During this phase, the end user is constantly involved as various design alternatives are discussed and decided upon. The Standard Project Services are suggested when no Layer 3 routing is required.
The test and validation phase is completed using all hardware that will be installed in the field. This Standard FAT is typically executed together with the customer. A FAT document describing all tests is drafted and agreed upon. The FAT itself may take several days depending on the size and the complexity of the network.
Upon successful completion, the FAT document is signed off by all parties involved. The work in the field is now limited to physically installing the nodes, connecting the fibres and booting up the system. As the database has been 100% prepared and validated in the factory, the network should go live error-free, ready to connect applications.
Extended Project Services
The complexity of an XTran network increases when features such as VPN, unicast/multicast routing, VRRP (Virtual Redundant Routing Protocol), OSPF and L2 redundancy mechanisms need to be supported. The design of an L2/L3 network is far more complex and is conducted by OTN Systems’ specialists in close collaboration with the end user. A good understanding of all applications and the targeted traffic flows is required in order to secure a correct configuration. In case access devices are connected to the XTran network, possibly from other vendors, a correct design will ensure that all protection schemes will work properly over XTran.
Upon successful completion of the Extended FAT, the end user receives a fully documented solution ready for the field.
XTran Care
Belden Solutions NV has developed its Care program, applicable throughout the XTran’s project lifetime. Today’s Care program is based on decades of experience in supporting operational telecom networks. As Belden Solutions NV appreciates the criticality of the network infrastructure to industrial customers, all the necessary procedures and resources are put in place to guarantee maximum uptime of an XTran network.
Care Packages
Belden Solutions NV has grouped its after sales services in three packages:
- SW Care - Software Care including unlimited access to the 24/7 Care team, while making the Care Portal available for the latest minor and major software releases.
- HW Care - Hardware Care covering extended warranty.
- Total Care - Combining HW and SW Care.
The 24/7 Care Team puts you at ease
In case of any anomaly or critical event related to the XTran network equipment, the customer or partner services staff need to be able to rely on a safety net or lifeline. The associated costs of a possible communication failure can indeed be substantial, both in economic terms and in terms of loss of reputation. If the worst comes to the worst, one needs to be able to call in the experts: The Belden Solutions NV 24/7 Care Team.
This Team consists of highly qualified and specialised technical staff with industrial market knowledge. They have put the necessary processes and tools in place to help solve problems. They are ready to provide support, day in day out, 24/7. If required, they have direct access to the co-located XTran development teams for further advice and support.
Besides attending to the most pressing network issues, they are also available to address product-related questions raised by all trained services staff.
The Care Portal - all you need at your fingertips
As a certified partner or an end user, access can be provided to the Care Portal. This website provides the latest versions of the technical manuals and guidelines as well as the latest software versions.
Belden Solutions NV distinguishes between minor and major releases. Minor releases typically become available three times a year and contain functional improvements. Major releases on the other hand also include a substantial set of new functionalities and are typically released every one to two years.
The Care Portal is a “must have” for all staff responsible for the proper functioning of their XTran network.
Warranty and spare parts
Customers are strongly advised to have an inventory of spare parts in order to keep the network going. Depending on the network size, type and number of XTran modules in operation, Belden Solutions NV will calculate the number of recommended spare parts.
The standard product warranty is one year and can be extended to five years. Sending items for repair can sometimes be cumbersome at big organisations as purchase orders need to get the necessary approvals. Extended warranty cuts the red tape. Faulty modules will be replaced by a fully functional one as soon as possible.
Belden Solutions NV Services Portfolio
Belden Solutions NV has accumulated vast experience in replacing legacy telecom networks of industrial customers. Best practices have been fine-tuned over the years as they are vital to turn a telecom upgrade project into a success. The competence Belden Solutions NV has built up over time will save customers time, money and sleepless nights.
Certified Project Manager
For each new project, Belden Solutions NV assigns a certified project manager to continuously oversee the project, making sure there are no loose ends. This seasoned professional mitigates risks as he/she coordinates with all stakeholders driving for timely delivery of the project with the right quality and without budget overruns. He/she highlights and handles mismatches in planning, technical roadblocks or third parties not meeting expectations.
Depending on the size and complexity of the telecom network, as well as the level of involvement of the end user or experience of the local partner, Belden Solutions NV can offer a different approach with respect to project realization services such as Network Design, Factory Acceptance Test and Documentation. If requested, Belden Solutions NV can also provide on-site support during implementation, including integration and troubleshooting.
Design and document
The optimal design of the network is a major contributor to the overall performance, the flexibility, the scalability and the cost effectiveness of the solution implemented. The network design deserves a lot of attention early on in the project. Late (fundamental) design changes need to be pre-empted as much as possible as they can cause significant delays and are likely to result in additional costs.
Documentation of project-related requirements and activities is essential in order to avoid the loss of valuable information, only known by a too limited set of people.
Testing
Testing and validating the design of the network prior to on-site installation is key to success. During a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Belden Solutions NV will build, stage and test the full network in the presence of all parties involved. This FAT is an important project milestone, reassuring the customer of the correct functionality of his mission critical network before delivery on-site. It will reduce the necessity for service engineers to go on-site in order to correct time-consuming problems.
Belden Solutions NV has defined three different project service packs in order to provide maximum peace of mind before XTran solutions are shipped on-site.
