At IBC 2016, Bridge Technologies will launch NOMAD a unique, innovative and affordable tool for anyone tasked with managing, supporting and optimising IP networks and hybrid networks with RF signals. A highly portable, self-contained and versatile network probe, NOMAD covers all the monitoring requirements of hybrid IP multicast, OTT and RF networks, and provides every conceivable interface for media signal monitoring and analysis with Gigabit Ethernet, ASI In/Out, DVB-C QAM cable, DVB-T/T2 COFDM terrestrial, DVB-S/S2 satellite signals with even advanced external 1PPS GPS time-reference. It is specifically designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those who do not have an in-depth understanding of moving content over IP.

As well as broadcasters and network operators, potential users could include corporate facilities managers responsible for a videoconferencing network; retail, leisure and hospitality professionals who manage IPTV systems; or those in the defence industry charged with ensuring the timely and accurate distribution of video within and between vehicles. Through its unparalleled ease of use, NOMAD provides novice users with instant understanding of the behaviour of any OTT network.

“NOMAD is the culmination of our 12 years of experience in designing the ultimate probe functionality for network monitoring and analysis; it includes everything we know about IP and RF,” said Simen K. Frostad, Chairman, Bridge Technologies. “Within the company, our brilliant engineers refer to it as the Swiss Army knife of digital media, containing everything a user could need in almost every conceivable circumstance. And, like the Swiss Army knife, it can be a constant companion – on a user’s desk or in a user’s bag. We see endless possibilities for it, and expect NOMAD to take us into channels and markets in which we have not previously participated.”

The unit is also a Wi-Fi zone; by pointing a laptop towards NOMAD, it is ready for use without further configuration, representing the ultimate in ease of set-up. This capability also makes NOMAD a completely self-contained, autonomous solution without the need for an external host system.

NOMAD is characterised by its small size and light weight (around the size of two tablets one on top of the other) making it extremely portable. It is also distinguished by its outstanding aesthetics: NOMAD is cut from a single block of high quality aluminium, CNC-milled to a precision of 10 microns with laser-engraved logotypes. Recessed rubber feet make it appear to hover 0.2mm above a surface.

It is also rugged and capable of being deployed in the harshest, most challenging environments. This is a function of its uniquely durable construction, together with cooling that ensures heat from its powerful processors is dissipated via the aluminium chassis.

NOMAD can also be left unattended, with its alarm-triggered recording facility (32GB of Flash memory is included) meaning that errors can be captured for later analysis.

Built in to NOMAD is Bridge Technologies’ patented MediaWindow user interface, giving easy visibility into, and understanding of, packet streams, providing unequalled simplicity of confidence monitoring. NOMAD can be simply accessed via any web browser.

NOMAD will be showcased at IBC on stands 1.F68 and 14.J05. More information is available at www.nomadportable.com