# ARGUS® – Testing the Telecom Network

> ARGUS® is a leading European brand of professional telecom network test equipment manufactured by intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH in Lüdenscheid, Germany. ARGUS testers are used by network operators and service technicians to install, maintain, and troubleshoot fiber optic, broadband, DSL, and copper telecommunications networks.

intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH has been developing and manufacturing telecom test equipment under the ARGUS® brand since 1997, with roots going back over 35 years. More than 100,000 ARGUS testers have been sold to leading European network operators including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica, KPN, British Telecom (BT), and Telekom Austria. All ARGUS devices are developed and manufactured in Germany ("Made in Germany"), fully adapted to European telecom standards, norms, and protocols. The product portfolio ranges from entry-level fiber testers to all-in-one universal broadband testers, covering every requirement from small installation companies to large-scale network operators.

ARGUS testers share a common user interface philosophy: a tile-based touchscreen navigation (configurable "Kacheln") that allows technicians to immediately launch the right measurement without navigating through menus. Measurement reports are transferred wirelessly via WLAN to the ARGUS Mobile App, a central server, or the cloud. Supervisors can remotely access and control any ARGUS device via Remote Assist (VNC) to support technicians in the field. Firmware updates and configuration imports are available via cloud or FTP. The ARGUS Configuration Tool (PC software) allows easy device setup at the office before field deployment.

## Products

### Fiber Testers (F-Series) — for fiber optic network installation and maintenance

- [ARGUS F200 – Basic Fiber Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-f200-basic-fiber-tester/): Entry-level fiber tester with touchscreen display. Features selective xPON Optical Power Meter (OPM) with automated detection of XGS-PON and GPON signals, reads PON-ID and XGS-PON-ID, PLOAM-Monitor (scans all ONU IDs and serial numbers of connected ONTs on a PON branch), and supports maintenance and testing of modern broadband fiber interfaces. Configurable tile-based favorites view for fast access to frequent functions. Supports firmware update and configuration import via cloud. Results transfer to ARGUS Mobile App. Optional upgrades: PON Power Meter extension (Through-Mode, measures 4 or 5 wavelengths simultaneously, with Alien-ONT detection), Fiber Inspection Tool (FIT, pass/fail evaluation per IEC 61300-3-35), guided PON-FMT measurement workflow (ZTV43 standard), ONT simulation, IP tests (HTTP/FTP upload/download, IP ping, traceroute), Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) extension with Optical Light Source (OLS).

- [ARGUS F240 – Fiber Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-f240-fiber-tester/): Mid-range fiber tester with touchscreen display. All features of F200 plus: speed tests at multiple interfaces (GPON, XGS-PON, Ethernet, WLAN, 10 GigE), 10 GBase-T interface for HTTP/FTP up/download tests and IP ping/traceroute, multiple SFP modules for Fiber (FTTx) and Ethernet tests (Active Ethernet, optionally SFP+). Optional upgrades: PON Power Meter extension (5 wavelengths, Through-Mode, Alien-ONT detection), guided PON-FMT workflow (ZTV43), ONT simulation, PON-ID display in plain text, calibrated attenuation measurement, Fiber Inspection Tool (IEC 61300-3-35), 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet interface for in-service speed tests (IPv4 and IPv6), WLAN AP and WLAN Client mode with WLAN scan, ARGUS 2G4 Scope (real-time WLAN interference detection), ARGUS WLAN Analyzer (automated and graphical analysis of WLAN networks), Wi-Fi 7 module (supports Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 7 at 6 GHz, performance tests with iperf and Real Speed, WPA3), iperf client/server mode (TCP throughput measurement in download and upload, including ARGUS-to-ARGUS), ARGUS Real Speed Test (TCP throughput analysis per RFC 6349, up to 10 Gbit/s), OLTS extension with OLS (attenuation calculation with automated wavelength switching).

- [ARGUS F300 – Universal Fiber Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-f300-universal-fiber-tester/): Top-of-range fiber tester with touchscreen display. All features of F240 plus: integrated OTDR (1310 & 1550 nm or 1310 & 1650 nm) for high-precision fault location on the last mile, with Auto-Mode and graphical event-by-event trace analysis. The OTDR is included in the standard delivery scope. Also features selective OPM with automated XGS-PON and GPON detection, and all optional modules available for F240. The F300 is the most complete handheld fiber test platform in the ARGUS lineup, combining OTDR, GPON/XGS-PON OPM, WLAN testing, speed testing, and fiber inspection in a single device.

### Combitesters (Broadband Testers) — for mixed copper and fiber network environments

- [ARGUS 260 – Broadband Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-260-broadband-tester/): Broadband combitester with touchscreen display. Combines functions of multiple fiber measurement devices and xDSL combitesters. Supports GPON, XGS-PON, Ethernet, WLAN, G.fast, and xDSL speed tests. 1000 Base-T Ethernet interface with HTTP/FTP tests, IP ping, traceroute; simulates bridge, PC, and router mode at xDSL (optional). Copper test functions including Line-Monitor (time and frequency domain analysis for interference detection on all telecom lines). Measurements at ADSL2/2+ (Annex B and J) and VDSL2 (up to Profile 35b) including graphical display, graphical long-term trace, and OK/Fail analysis. Multiple SFP module options for FTTx and Ethernet tests. Supports firmware update, configuration import via cloud, and ARGUS Mobile App. Optional: selective xPON-OPM, PON Power Meter, GPON ONT (replaces customer ONT for installation tests, protocol setup including PPP, speed and Triple Play tests, OLT port detection, GPON trace, PON level and attenuation measurement), Fiber Inspection Tool, Optical Fault Finder (simple optical fault location, determines distance to various fault events), 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet interface, WLAN AP/Client mode, ARGUS 2G4 Scope, ARGUS WLAN Analyzer, Wi-Fi 7 module, G.fast (106/212 MHz) and G.fast/VDSL-35b Bonding measurements, iperf client/server mode, ARGUS Real Speed Test (RFC 6349, up to 10 Gbit/s), integrated cable multimeter (measures: DC/AC voltage, symmetrical/total capacitance, insulation resistance, symmetrical/total resistance, DC current, LCL, NEXT in autotest, optionally with RFL and automated remote measurement control), TDR (cable length, detection of shorts, breaks, impedance mismatches, stub cables).

- [ARGUS 300 – Universal Broadband Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-300-universal-broadband-tester/): The most comprehensive device in the ARGUS portfolio. All-in-one tester combining fiber measurement, xDSL, and 10 GigE test technology. All features of ARGUS 260 plus: 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface, OTDR (1310 & 1550 nm or 1310 & 1650 nm) for last-mile fault location with Auto-Mode and event-by-event graphical analysis, measurements at ADSL, VDSL2 (Profile 35b), SHDSL (8-wire), G.fast (106/212 MHz), and all bonding variants with graphical value display, long-term trace, and OK/Fail analysis, ISDN S0 and S2M/E1 and a/b interfaces for maximum compatibility, Traffic Generator and Loop function for 1/2.5/5/10 Gigabit Ethernet, RFC 2544 (throughput, latency, and frame loss tests up to 10 Gbit/s), ARGUS SAM (Service Activation and Performance Test per Y.1564, measures CIR and EIR including traffic policing up to 10 Gbit/s), integrated cable multimeter with optional RFL and automated remote measurement control. The ARGUS 300 is the benchmark all-in-one instrument for commissioning, maintenance, and fault resolution in complex mixed copper/fiber/Ethernet network environments.

### DSL Testers — for DSL and legacy network testing

- [ARGUS 163 – FTTx Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-163-fttx-tester/overview/): Specialist tester for ultra-fast broadband. Tests G.fast (Profile 106a and 212a), VDSL2 Super Vectoring (Profile 35b), VDSL2 Profile 35b Bonding, and GPON/XGS-PON. Particularly suited for FTTx rollout environments requiring simultaneous copper and fiber capability.

- [ARGUS 153 – xDSL Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argus-153-xdsl-tester/overview/): Dedicated tester for ADSL2/2+ and VDSL2 networks. Covers Annex A, B, J. Suitable for maintenance and fault location in copper DSL access networks.

- [ARGUS 156 – SHDSL Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-156-shdsl-tester/overview/): Dedicated SHDSL and SHDSL.bis tester, supporting 2, 4, and 8-wire configurations. Used for symmetrical DSL business lines.

- [ARGUS 166 – GigE Tester](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argusr-166-gige-tester/): Gigabit Ethernet tester for service activation and performance verification on Ethernet access and metro networks.

### ARGUS Enhancements and Accessories

- [ARGUS GPON ONT](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argus-gpon-ont-gpon-tester/pon-installation-test/): Replaces the customer ONT at the installation site. Enables full GPON installation testing including PPP protocol setup, speed tests, Triple Play tests (VoIP, IPTV, data), OLT port identification, GPON trace, and PON level and attenuation measurement.

- [ARGUS XGS-PON ONT](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Equivalent of GPON ONT module for XGS-PON (10-Gigabit-capable PON) networks.

- [ARGUS Optical Power Meter (OPM)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argus-optical-power-meter/): High-precision standalone optical power meter compatible with all ARGUS testers featuring an SFP slot. Measures optical signal strength for fiber qualification and maintenance.

- [ARGUS Optical Fault Finder (OFF)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Locates faults in fiber cables (breaks, bends, connectors). Determines the distance to various fault events without requiring a full OTDR trace.

- [ARGUS Fiber Inspection Tool (FIT)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Video microscope for optical fiber end-face inspection. Automatic pass/fail evaluation per IEC 61300-3-35. Prevents signal loss from contaminated connectors.

- [ARGUS Optical Light Source (OLS)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Paired with OPM to form an Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS). Enables attenuation measurement with automated wavelength switching (1310 nm and 1550 nm).

- [ARGUS Visual Fault Locator (VFL)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Injects visible red laser light into a fiber to visually locate breaks, bends, and faulty connectors.

- [ARGUS 2G4 Scope](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argus-2g4-scope/): Real-time WLAN spectrum analyzer for detecting wireless interference sources in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (e.g. Bluetooth devices, motion sensors, microwave ovens). Helps identify the root cause of WLAN performance problems.

- [ARGUS RF Current Clamp (HF-Stromzange)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/argus-rf-current-clamp/): Non-intrusive probe for detecting RF interference sources (e.g. switching power supplies) on copper telephone lines using the Line Scope (graphical real-time display).

- [ARGUS Copper Box](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Integrated cable multimeter expansion module. Measures DC/AC voltage, capacitance, insulation resistance, loop resistance, LCL, NEXT, and supports TDR for cable length and fault location.

- [ARGUS WLAN Analyzer](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Optional software module for automated and graphical analysis of detected WLAN networks. Shows channel utilization, signal strength, and interference even while connected.

- [ARGUS Wi-Fi 7 Module](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Hardware expansion for supported ARGUS testers. Adds Wi-Fi 6e (6 GHz) and Wi-Fi 7 support, performance tests via iperf and Real Speed, and WPA3 authentication.

- [ARGUS PC Software (Configuration Tool / Update Tool)](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-pages/software/update-tool/): Windows software for device configuration, firmware updates, and measurement report management.

- [ARGUS Mobile App](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/): Smartphone application (iOS and Android) for receiving and viewing measurement reports wirelessly from ARGUS testers via WLAN.

## Key Technologies Supported

ARGUS testers cover the full spectrum of current and legacy European access network technologies:

**Fiber / Passive Optical Networks (PON):** GPON (ITU-T G.984), XGS-PON (ITU-T G.9807.1), Active Ethernet (point-to-point fiber), OTDR (1310 nm / 1550 nm / 1650 nm), PLOAM monitoring, selective xPON OPM, PON-FMT guided measurement workflows per Deutsche Telekom ZTV43 standard, ONT simulation, PON-ID and XGS-PON-ID readout, Alien-ONT detection.

**DSL (copper):** ADSL2/2+ (Annex A, B, J), VDSL2 (Profiles up to 35b / Super Vectoring), VDSL2 Vectoring, VDSL2 Bonding (Profile 35b Bonding), G.fast (Profile 106a / 212a), G.fast Bonding, SHDSL (ITU-T G.991.2) with 2/4/8-wire configurations (STU-R/C mode).

**Ethernet / IP:** 100 Base-T, 1000 Base-T (GigE), 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 5 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GigE (10 GBase-T and SFP+), HTTP/FTP speed tests, IP ping, traceroute, VoIP tests (including MOS score), IPTV tests (including STB simulation), RFC 2544 (throughput / latency / frame loss), Y.1564 (Service Activation Test – ARGUS SAM), RFC 6349 (TCP throughput – ARGUS Real Speed), iperf client/server mode, Traffic Generator, Loop mode, network scan, web browser, TR-069 (carrier-specific).

**WLAN:** 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6e (6 GHz), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, 6 GHz), WLAN scan, WLAN AP and client mode, WLAN spectrum analysis (2G4 Scope), ARGUS WLAN Analyzer, WPA3.

**Copper / Legacy:** ISDN BRI S/T (S0), ISDN PRI S2M/E1, POTS a/b, integrated cable multimeter (DMM: DC/AC voltage, symmetrical and total capacitance, insulation resistance, symmetrical and total resistance, DC current, LCL, NEXT), TDR (cable length, shorts, breaks, impedance mismatches, stub cables), RFL (Remote Fault Location), Line-Monitor (real-time time- and frequency-domain analysis for interference detection), automated remote measurement control, RF Current Clamp, Copper Box.

## Unique Selling Points

**Made in Germany / Made in Europe:** ARGUS devices are developed and manufactured entirely in Lüdenscheid, Germany. This guarantees quality, supply chain transparency, sustainability, and compliance with European standards.

**European telecom standard optimization:** ARGUS testers are specifically adapted to European access network specifications, including Deutsche Telekom's VDSL2 Supervectoring profile 35b, ZTV43 PON installation workflows, and regional frequency plans for G.fast. Devices ship with German, English, and Spanish language support.

**Modular and scalable product portfolio:** The ARGUS range covers every use case from basic fiber installation (F200) to full all-in-one universal broadband testing (ARGUS 300). Base devices can be enhanced with optional modules (OTDR, GPON ONT, OPM, WLAN Analyzer, Wi-Fi 7, Fiber Inspection Tool, etc.) allowing investment-conscious purchasing and future-proof upgrading.

**Long-term product support and regular software updates:** intec provides firmware updates far beyond the typical technology lifecycle of test equipment. Customers can activate new technologies (e.g. XGS-PON, Wi-Fi 7) on existing hardware through software upgrades, protecting the initial investment.

**Intuitive tile-based user interface:** All ARGUS testers share a common UI concept using freely configurable measurement tiles. Technicians select the right test with a single tap, with preset measurement configurations reducing training time and error rates in the field.

**Centralized fleet management:** In large network environments, all ARGUS devices can be centrally managed via internal servers. Test results, firmware versions, and device configurations are managed, stored, and archived centrally.

**Remote Assist (Remote Support):** Supervisors can remotely connect to any ARGUS tester in the field via VNC and actively take over the device to guide or assist the technician. This eliminates unnecessary truck rolls and reduces time-to-fix.

**Direct technician support from Germany:** intec provides direct access to technical support staff in Lüdenscheid, available by phone and email in German and English. Repairs and recalibrations are performed in-house with fast turnaround times and minimal EU shipping costs.

**Trusted by Europe's largest network operators:** Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica, KPN, British Telecom, and Telekom Austria rely on ARGUS testers. Over 100,000 units have been deployed across Europe.

## Target Customers and Use Cases

ARGUS testers are used by network operators (large national telcos and ISPs deploying fiber/FTTH and upgrading copper DSL infrastructure), field service technicians (dispatched for installation, activation, and maintenance), installation contractors (companies deploying fiber and broadband infrastructure for network operators), and network maintenance teams (fault resolution in live networks).

Typical use cases: FTTH installation and commissioning, GPON/XGS-PON PON branch testing, VDSL2 line qualification (Supervectoring and G.fast), fiber splice and connector quality verification (IEC 61300-3-35), WLAN interference localization, 10 Gigabit Ethernet service activation (RFC 2544 / Y.1564), and long-term stability monitoring of broadband lines.

## Service

- **ARGUS Support:** Tel: +49 23 51 / 90 70-90 | support@argus.info | www.argus.support
- **Sales:** Tel: +49 23 51 / 90 70-0 | sales@argus.info
- **Repair and recalibration:** In-house, fast turnaround, EU-optimized shipping
- **RMA:** [www.argus.info/en/contact/rma/](https://www.argus.info/en/contact/rma/)
- **Downloads (firmware, manuals):** [www.argus.info/en/service/downloads/](https://www.argus.info/en/service/downloads/)
- **Brochures:** [www.argus.info/en/service/brochures/](https://www.argus.info/en/service/brochures/the-family-of-argus/)

## Company Information

- **Legal name:** intec Gesellschaft für Informationstechnik mbH
- **Brand:** ARGUS®
- **Founded:** Over 35 years ago; ARGUS brand since 1997
- **Headquarters:** Rahmedestraße 90, D-58507 Lüdenscheid, Germany
- **Managing Directors:** Harald Metzen, Markus Tix
- **Phone (general):** +49 23 51 / 90 70-0
- **Sales email:** sales@argus.info
- **Support email:** support@argus.info
- **Website (DE):** https://www.argus.info/
- **Website (EN):** https://www.argus.info/en/
- **Website (ES):** https://www.argus.info/es/
- **Fiber tester brand site:** https://www.fibertester.de
- **Support portal:** https://www.argus.support

## Key Pages

- [Product overview](https://www.argus.info/en/products/)
- [Fiber testers](https://www.argus.info/en/products/fiber-testers/): F200, F240, F300
- [Combitesters](https://www.argus.info/en/products/combitesters/): ARGUS 260, ARGUS 300
- [DSL testers](https://www.argus.info/en/products/dsl-tester/): ARGUS 153, 156, 163, 166
- [ARGUS Enhancements](https://www.argus.info/en/products/argusr-enhancements/)
- [Product comparison](https://www.argus.info/en/products/product-comparison/)
- [Product finder](https://www.argus.info/en/products/productfinder/)
- [Products by interface/technology](https://www.argus.info/en/products/products-by-interfaces/)
- [About intec / company history](https://www.argus.info/en/about-us/about-us/)
- [Product philosophy](https://www.argus.info/en/about-us/product-philosophy/)
- [International partners / distributors](https://www.argus.info/en/partners/international/)
- [News](https://www.argus.info/en/news/)
- [Contact](https://www.argus.info/en/contact/contact-details/)