Developed in the 1970s by Bell Labs, a network equipment-building system (NETBS) is a type of test set forth by the United States RBOC Central Office. The test is a set of guidelines affecting the environmental design, safety, and spatial components of telecommunications equipment. Although no laws are governing the equipment, passing NEBS testing is a requirement in the industry.
Why It Was Developed
NEBS testing was developed to standardize equipment in the industry, which in turn made it easier for developers and vendors to design, build, and sell telecommunications equipment that was compatible with typical RBOC offices. Over time, these standard design elements spread to telecommunications companies such as Bell South, AT&T, and Verizon. The synchronized standards have several benefits.
Benefits of NEBS Testing
NEBS testing focuses on the safety, performance, and reliability of telecommunications equipment, which offers various benefits for consumers and workers alike. The testing determines the equipment’s impact on the environment and works to protect personnel, make it easier to design and install the equipment, and much more. NEBS testing leads to fewer service outages related to incompatibilities, reduces the risk of equipment fires, and ensures the equipment can handle contamination, vibration, and even extreme temperatures. The requirements lead to fewer dollars spent, which improves the manufacturer’s bottom line and often leads to savings for the consumer.
NEBS Testing Compliance Levels
A NEBS test falls into one of three levels of compliance.
- Level 1 – Level 1 is the minimum level of NEBS for environmental compatibility. Level 1 means there are no degradation hazards, and the facility is safe for personnel to work in. This level only contains criteria related to risk and safety and does not promise operability of equipment.
- Level 2 – Level 2 is the compliance level required if you expect environmental compatibility and the limited assurance that the equipment will operate as expected within the network facility. This assurance is only for normal and controlled environments and rarely focuses on customers.
- Level 3 – For a NEBS test to be truly passing, it must meet the criteria for level 1, level 2, and level 3. Level 3 is the minimum level to ensure maximum operability within the network facility. This level ensures minimal service interruption for personnel and customers alike. This level is required for most installations.
If you need to hire a company to perform NEBS testing, ensure you work with one that can meet the minimum criteria for all telecom service providers. This ensures you get the most accurate test possible and that it covers all aspects.