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Line analyser for VoIP testing

In June 2017, Eavesdropping Detection Solutions (EDS) of Centurion became the first professional TSCM company in the world to convert its Talan Telephone Analysers to the new Talan 3 model.

The Talan Version 3 offers advanced VoIP and shielded/earth/ground cable tests. The Talan Telephone and Line Analyser provides many automated tests in a single product to detect and locate illicit surveillance devices (wiretaps and electronic surveillance/eavesdropping products) on telephones, communication and other types of wiring and is the only product of its kind.

Developing technologies and growing acceptance of VoIP telephones have also brought increased opportunity for exploitation. A VoIP phone can be programmed to pass VoIP data, even when it appears inactive; for example, a VoIP phone can be compromised by someone with network access (e.g. IT personnel, hacker) and the ability to turn the microphone on and off, effectively collecting and transmitting room audio undetected.

The Talan 3.0s built-in VoIP Plus+ function performs on-board tests and analysis when connected to an Ethernet network, and determines if the packet traffic has VoIP characteristics. VoIP Plus+ differentiates data generated by a VoIP phone from other network traffic using a patent pending FFT (Fourier Free Transform) algorithm that translates signal activity form the time domain to the frequency domain. VoIP data has a unique frequency pattern that distinguishes it from other network traffic and is displayed in a frequency chart.

A new input panel on Talan 3.0 allows testing of shielded CAT6 cables, earth/ground and power over Ethernet in addition to the all original Talan’s tests. Talan 3.0 tests pairs within standard RJ45 cables, phone cables, lines, etc. against the foil shield that wraps around newer CAT5/6 cables to protect against interference and conductive coupling.

Just like before, with eight conductors cables, the Talan can also test the eight cable conductors against shielding and against an earth/ground conductor, automatically switching through each pair combination in a single pass, or continuously. The types of tests include DMM (Digital Multi-Meter – VDC, VAC, resistance, capacitance), FDR (frequency domain reflectometer), NLJD (non-linear junction detector), RF; and audio.

The Talan is an essential part of a professional TSCM service provider’s equipment kit to test VoIP and modern telephone systems.

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