AEM Network Service Assistant​

Descriptions of AEM NSA

The Network Service Assistant (NSA) is a hybrid test solution, that bridges the divide between qualification and certification, and features Certi-Lite technology.  Certi-Lite follows the ANSI/TIA 1152-A single-ended testing for many of the same parameters used in bi-directional certification.  Single-ended testing does not qualify for cable manufacturer warranty approval, but for those that do not require the warranty, and simply desire a deeper level of cable testing beyond just a simple wiremap, NSA’s is the first test solution to offer Certi-Lite.

IT departments often find a need to ensure the cabling infrastructure meets a certain test standard. This is needed to ensure support for a given application, or simply to support moves/adds/changes. Historically, this requires the purchase of two or even three different types of testers, that span wired, wireless, and certification capabilities, which becomes cost prohibitive. The NSA is offered at a fraction of the cost for what you would typically need to spend in multiple testers to get this much test function. And, because the NSA is modular, adding more test function as needs change, or AEM continues to add capabilities, such as OTDR, it’s as easy as hot swapping a test adapter to expand your testing capability.

Advantages and Capabilities

Certi‑Lite (ANSI/TIA‑1152‑A Cable Testing)

The NSA performs single‑ended ANSI/TIA‑1152‑A compliant testing for CAT3–CAT6A channels, delivering a clear Pass/Fail result. It measures Return Loss, NEXT, Insertion Loss, ACRF, length, delay, and shield discontinuity, while also providing graphical TDR fault analysis. A small passive remote terminator keeps equipment costs significantly lower than traditional certifiers.

Fiber Optic Testing (Loss, OTDR, VFL, and Hybrid Cable)

For optical loss, the NSA supports loopback testing on both Singlemode and Multimode fibres, with adapters AD‑NSA‑SM‑01 and AD‑NSA‑MM‑01. OTDR troubleshooting is covered by AD‑OTDR‑SM and AD‑OTDR‑MM adapters, which pinpoint breaks or loss events. The integrated VFL helps locate cable breaks, and the fibre scope reveals debris or scratches affecting link quality. When using hybrid powered fibre, the unit simultaneously measures voltage on the electrical conductors and DC resistance. Test reports indicate the maximum network speeds (up to 10G) that the link can support based on measured performance.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

The device verifies PSE configuration and reports current, wattage, and voltage at the PD jack. It fully supports 802.3af/at/bt and UPoE, emulates PD negotiation, and allows sustained load testing with an external load box that offers adjustable power — ideal for catching intermittent power drops.

POE Testing capabilities

• Load Testing for Real Power at Jack
• Current, Wattage, Voltage
• PSE Detection
• PSE Type
• PD Class
• PoE Cable Pairs
• Sustained Power Load Monitoring

Multi‑Gigabit Link Speed Validation

The NSA validates link speeds for 1/2.5/5/10GBASE‑T by measuring end‑to‑end Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio (SNR) under simultaneous traffic and PoE load. This provides a quick, objective assessment of real‑world link performance.

Wired and Wireless Network Connectivity

Network Discovery reveals all connected devices with drill‑down details including slot/port/VLAN, switch name, model, port capabilities, MAC/IPv4/IPv6, and VLAN usage. For Wi‑Fi, it auto‑discovers 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs with RSSI and channel information, and includes a roaming signal strength tool to locate dead zones. A separate USB Wi‑Fi adapter is required (recommended: Edimax EW‑7822ULC or ASUS USB‑AC53 AC1200).

The troubleshooting toolkit includes:

• Traceroute
• Ping
• Traffic Generator
• TCP Connect

Both wired and wireless tests can be run as an Autotest with a savable report.

Advanced Link Identification (ALI) – Noise-Filtering Tone Probe

Smart numbered remote IDs: unlike typical “dumb” remotes that only show a connection number, AEM’s Certi-Lite-capable remote IDs support a standards-based Certi-Lite cable test for CAT5e/CAT6/CAT6A — so in addition to identifying the connected remote, you get a complete, savable Autotest.

Noise-filtering Tone Probe: for dense, electrically noisy environments (noise from wiring-closet equipment or induced by adjacent wires), applicable kits include a Tempo Communications tone probe receiver working in tandem with the NSA’s output tone. A selectable filter blocks power noise and harmonics (50Hz or 60Hz, depending on model ordered), keeping the signal audible even in the noisiest conditions.

• Adjustable sensitivity/volume control
• Powerful rear-fire speaker
• LED signal strength indication — zero in on the correct wire even with bleed-over between wires
• One-button operation
• Replaceable tip

Platform Hardware and Connectivity

The NSA features hot‑swappable test adapters; core adapters are included in the kits, while optional ones extend functionality. The impact‑resistant rubber housing and touchscreen protect against drops, and the built‑in kickstand aids stationary use. A live wiremap appears instantly with an audible tone when the remote is connected. The UI adapts automatically when adapters are swapped, and hot keys give quick access to Autotest and Home.

Connectivity ports:

• Micro‑USB for PC connection
• USB‑A for Wi‑Fi adapter, fibre scope, or flash drive (firmware updates and result export)
• Built‑in RJ‑45 Ethernet port for 10/100/1000 BASE‑T testing (no adapter needed)

TestDataPro Results Management

TestDataPro comes in both PC‑based and cloud versions, included with every NSA model.

• The PC version allows software‑based recertification if the wrong test standard was originally chosen (note: NSA results are not official certification — use TestPro for that). It also offers in‑depth analytics and multiple report formats.
• The Cloud version enables instant offload of results via wired or wireless connection, a visual Pass/Fail dashboard, and printing of single PDF reports.

Reports are available for copper and fibre testing, for the Network Discovery Autotest, and for the combined Multi‑Gigabit/PoE Autotest. Each report lists the network standards that the tested link supports.

Video AEM NSA

The video shows the functionality of the AEM Test Network Service Assistant (NSA) network tester.

Technical specifications of AEM NSA

Test Standards Compliance & Conformity

Network Service Assistant Platform (All Versions)

Each platform in a kit comes with a Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST.

Copper Testing (All Versions)

Power Over Ethernet

Multi-Gigabit Ethernet

Accessories for

Photo	Model	Description
	AD-OTDR-U-850_1300	Multimode OTDR Test Adapter for use with TestPro or Network Service Assistant, 850/1300nm. Kit contains: AD-OTDR-U-850_1300; 1 each Multimode SC to SC and SC to LC Test Reference cord for use as “connector savers”; 1 each SC and LC coupler; 1 set of connector cleaners
	AD-OTDR-U-1310_1550	Multimode OTDR Test Adapter for use with TestPro or Network Service Assistant, 1310/1550nm. Kit contains: AD-OTDR-U-1310_1550; 1 each Singlemode SC to SC and SC to LC Test Reference cord for use as “connector savers”; 1 each SC and LC coupler; 1 set of connector cleaners
	AD-OTDR-U-1310_1625	Singlemode OTDR Test Adapter for use with TestPro or Network Service Assistant, 1310/1625nm wavelengths. Kit contains: AD-OTDR-U-1310_1625; 1 each Singlemode SC to SC and SC to LC Test Reference cord for use as “connector savers”; 1 each SC and LC coupler; 1 set of connector cleaners;
	SM-LC-LC-CORD-150M	LC-LC LAUNCH CORD, 150M SINGLEMODE
	SM-SC-LC-CORD-150M	SC-LC LAUNCH CORD, 150M SINGLEMODE
	SM-SC-SC-CORD-150M	SC-SC LAUNCH CORD, 150M SINGLEMODE
	MM-LC-LC-CORD-150M	LC-LC LAUNCH CORD, 150M MULTIMODE
	MM-SC-LC-CORD-150M	SC-LC LAUNCH CORD, 150M MULTIMODE
	MM-SC-SC-CORD-150M	SC-SC LAUNCH CORD, 150M MULTIMODE
	NSA-REMOTE PACK	Certi-Lite Remote Termination plug set #2 – #8 with carry case.
	NSA-10013	NSA Remote #1 Replacement.
	NSA-COAX-REMOTE-1	COAX Remote ID#1 Replacement.
	AD-NSA-COAX-KIT	75 Ohm NSA COAX Adapter Kit.
	LINK IDENTIFIER KIT 60Hz	Kit contains: Remote IDs #2-#8; Tempo Communications Noise Filtering Tone Probe Receiver 50 Hz or 60Hz; Carry case
	PROBE-FIBER-INSP	Kit contains: Fiber inspection microscope, connects to the NSA via USB port
	NSA-REMOTE #1	REMOTE ID #1
	LINK IDENTIFIER KIT 50Hz	Kit contains: Remote IDs #2-#8; Tempo Communications Noise Filtering Tone Probe Receiver 50HZ; Carry case
	AD-NSA	Certi-Lite, Multi-Gig, PoE Load Testing Adapter Replacement.
	AD-NSA-MM-01	Multimode Fiber Adapter Test Kit. Kit contains: Multimode fiber adapter with dual wavelength light source 850/1330nm and integrated visual fault locator and volt meter; Mandrel wrap; LC loopback SM loopback adapter; One-Click cleaner
	AD-NSA-SM-01	Singlemode Fiber Adapter Test Kit. Kit contains: Singlemode fiber adapter with dual wavelength light source 1310/1550nm and integrated visual fault locator and volt meter; Mandrel wrap; LC loopback MM OM4 loopback adapter; One-Click cleaner