Predictika · Broadband access node quotes

An AI sales agent's optical node quote, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares a quote for AC9100 intelligent 1.2 GHz optical nodes for a cable network: the number of nodes, the return path modules, the downstream plan, the optical and powering conditions and the number of modules it states. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published Teleste AC9100 data sheet and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Teleste AC9100 intelligent 1.2 GHz optical nodes: return path modules, downstream output level, optical input and connectors, powering, transponder and site limits. See everything this validator covers

This validator models quotes for the Teleste AC9100 node, one configuration at a time, from the public AC9100 data sheet (2017 edition), not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Return path — up to four AC67xx analog return transmitters (+1, +3 or +6 dBm, up to 204 MHz upstream) or up to two AC7700 digital modules (5 to 65 MHz or 5 to 85 MHz) per node; the total number of modules the quote states is compared with the quoted nodes.
  • Downstream and optical — the output level the design needs is compared with the node maximum for the downstream plan (114.0 dBuV for 112 QAM channels at 1.0 GHz, 111.5 dBuV for 138 QAM channels at 1.2 GHz); optical input power -8 to 0 dBm; SC/APC or E-2000 connectors; four outputs per node.
  • Powering and site — 30 to 65 V AC supply, 12 A per port feed-through, operating temperature -40 to +55 degrees C, and a plug-in transponder (CATVisor, HMS or DOCSIS) when remote monitoring is wanted.

Any AC9100 node quote that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (Teleste does not publish list prices, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), other Teleste nodes and amplifiers, optical wavelength planning, and the transponder module options beyond the three management types. Left out because the data sheet does not state them: a minimum node count, a requirement that a return path be quoted, and any rule for mixing analog and digital modules. Assumptions: the limit of two digital modules per node follows the data sheet statement that two digital modules replace the four analog transmitters; the data sheet was read in a copy hosted by a Teleste distributor and its 2017 edition may differ from current products.

The AI sales agentBuilds the node quote from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
A return path that must fit the node: four analog or two digital modules, with different frequency limitsOnly with workarounds
Module counts and the frequency limit of each module type are separate rules, and the choice between types changes the limit that applies.		Module counts, types and the upstream band are in one request and every conflict is listed together.
A downstream output level limit that depends on the channel planOnly with care
A lookup from plan to maximum level and a comparison with a typed-in design figure; simple, but kept in step with the data sheet by hand.		The plan, the level the design needs and the node maximum are compared on every call.
Several physical limits at once: optical power, supply voltage, port current, site temperatureOnly with care
Each is a small validation rule on a free-entry field; they are easy to write and easy to leave out of a new product version.		All limits are checked on every call and returned together.
A total of modules the quote states that must match the quoted nodesOnly with care
The total is nodes times modules per node, then compared with a typed-in figure.		The total is computed and compared on every call.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The quote has 5 analog return path transmitters per node; the AC9100 takes at most 4.
2The quote has 3 digital return path modules per node; two digital modules replace the four analog transmitters, so at most 2.
3The network needs upstream up to 230 MHz; the AC9100 supports up to 204 MHz.
4The network needs upstream up to 204 MHz; the AC7700 digital return path module covers 5 to 65 MHz or 5 to 85 MHz.
5The AC67xx return path transmitters are offered at +1, +3 or +6 dBm; the quote has +8 dBm.
6The optical input power at the node is -10 dBm; the receivers accept -8 to 0 dBm.
7The optical input power at the node is 2 dBm; the receivers accept -8 to 0 dBm.
8The AC9100 optical connectors are SC/APC or E-2000; SC/PC is not offered.
9The design needs an output level of 113.0 dBuV; for this downstream plan the AC9100 delivers at most 111.5 dBuV (Umax).
10The design needs an output level of 115.0 dBuV; for this downstream plan the AC9100 delivers at most 114.0 dBuV (Umax).
11The design needs 5 outputs per node; the AC9100 has 4 outputs.
12The powering supply is 28 V AC; the AC9100 accepts 30 to 65 V AC.
13The design passes 14 A per port; the AC9100 feed-through limit is 12 A per port.
14The site reaches 60 degrees C; the AC9100 operates up to +55 degrees C.
15The site drops to -45 degrees C; the AC9100 operates down to -40 degrees C.
16The operator wants remote monitoring, which needs the plug-in transponder (CATVisor, HMS or DOCSIS); the quote has none.
17The quote states 12 return path modules in total; the quoted nodes give 16.
18The design needs an output level of 115.0 dBuV; for this downstream plan the AC9100 delivers at most 111.5 dBuV (Umax).
19The powering supply is 70 V AC; the AC9100 accepts 30 to 65 V AC.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Output level and plan: Twelve nodes at 113 dBuV on the 1.2 GHz plan

    
The agent's request. Please quote 12 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 4 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 113.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 48 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Output level above what the node delivers. The design needs an output level of 113.0 dBuV; for this downstream plan the AC9100 delivers at most 111.5 dBuV (Umax).
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2. Output level and plan: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 12 AC9100 nodes on the 1.0 GHz downstream plan (112 QAM channels), each with 4 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 113.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 48 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Node summary. 12 nodes with 4 return path modules each, 48 in total; the node delivers at most 114.0 dBuV for the downstream plan.
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3. Return path and upstream band: Ten nodes with digital return and a 204 MHz upstream band

    
The agent's request. Please quote 10 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 2 digital return path modules, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 204 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 20 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Upstream band above the digital module limit. The network needs upstream up to 204 MHz; the AC7700 digital return path module covers 5 to 65 MHz or 5 to 85 MHz.
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4. Return path and upstream band: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 10 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 4 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 204 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 40 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Node summary. 10 nodes with 4 return path modules each, 40 in total; the node delivers at most 111.5 dBuV for the downstream plan.
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5. Connectors and return modules: Six nodes with five analog transmitters and SC/PC connectors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 6 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 5 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/PC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 30 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Too many analog return transmitters. The quote has 5 analog return path transmitters per node; the AC9100 takes at most 4.
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  • Optical connector not offered. The AC9100 optical connectors are SC/APC or E-2000; SC/PC is not offered.
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6. Connectors and return modules: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 6 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 5 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 30 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Too many analog return transmitters. The quote has 5 analog return path transmitters per node; the AC9100 takes at most 4.
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7. Connectors and return modules: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 6 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 4 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/APC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The quote states 24 return path modules in total. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Node summary. 6 nodes with 4 return path modules each, 24 in total; the node delivers at most 111.5 dBuV for the downstream plan.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares a quote for AC9100 intelligent 1.2 GHz optical nodes for a cable network: the number of nodes, the return path modules, the downstream plan, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published Teleste AC9100 data sheet and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote 6 AC9100 nodes on the 1.2 GHz downstream plan (138 QAM channels), each with 5 analog return path transmitters at +3 dBm, SC/PC connectors and a CATVisor transponder. The network needs upstream up to 65 MHz, a downstream output level of 110.0 dBuV, -3 dBm of optical input power and remote monitoring. The rest of the request is on screen.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with two findings, all in one answer. The quote has 5 analog return path transmitters per node; the AC9100 takes at most 4. The AC9100 optical connectors are SC/APC or E-2000; SC/PC is not offered.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned two blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a return path that must fit the node: four analog or two digital modules, with different frequency limits, a rules-based CPQ can do this only with workarounds.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the optical connector to SC/APC.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Still blocked, with one finding, all in one answer. The quote has 5 analog return path transmitters per node; the AC9100 takes at most 4.
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  12. One finding cleared. Still blocking: too many analog return transmitters.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the analog return transmitters per node to 4 and the stated return path modules in total as to 24.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. The earlier finding is cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  18. Two problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    19.