Tektronix Delivers Industry-First Handheld Interference Hunting Tool for RF Network Optimization Both In-building and Outdoors
05 4월 2006 - 11:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
RF Scout(TM) Allows Exploration, Discovery, Analysis and
Documentation of Interference and Coverage Issues in One Instrument
BEAVERTON, Ore., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tektronix, Inc.
(NYSE: TEK), a worldwide provider of communications network
management and diagnostics products, announced a new addition to
the NetTek portfolio. The RF Scout Interference Hunter provides all
of the tools necessary to hunt for RF interference and check signal
quality in one rugged, handheld platform, enabling network
performance planning and optimization teams to explore, discover,
analyze and document interference or other signal quality problems
in a field-ready tool. The handheld form factor, performance and
durability make measurements convenient, reliable and accurate
whether inside a building or outdoors. The trend toward higher
speed wireless data services is driving the need for cleaner RF
signals, since high data rates depend on clean signals. At the same
time, the need for network optimization is becoming increasingly
more important as the number of mobile subscribers increases along
with their adoption of more bandwidth-hungry services such as
multimedia text messaging, gaming and other video and data
applications -- all of which require more bandwidth than
stand-alone voice services. The RF Scout enables the identification
and troubleshooting of those issues that have a direct impact on
the RF network performance, whether they be associated to the
network or caused by other radio systems co-existing in the same
geographic area. "Wireless network operators need to check
clearance of new frequency bands, optimize the data rate of new
services such as EVDO or HSDPA and maximize network capacity," said
Arif Kareem, Vice President, Diagnostics, Tektronix. "The RF Scout
assists in eliminating RF interference and improving network
coverage to help optimize overall network efficiency as well as
quality of service -- both of which are fundamental in delivering
today's new revenue generating services." Interference Hunting
Reducing interference (i.e. any signal that interferes with the
reception of the desired signal) is becoming more important as new
data services are adopted. Interference is best detected with a
spectrum analyzer rather than a drive tester; however, conventional
portable spectrum analyzers are bulky and require an expert user
for best results. The handheld RF Scout has built-in tools that
provide a simple-to-use interference hunting capability under field
conditions. In addition to the interactive interference tools, the
RF Scout has extensive signal logging capabilities, which allow
users to capture intermittent interfering signals whenever they
occur. Coverage Measurements/Co-Channel Interference RF problems
may be the result of conventional interference; other times, the
problem is co-channel interference (often, from overlapping
coverage) or coverage gaps. Coverage gaps create weak signals, slow
data rates and even dead spots. Coverage overlaps can tie up
network resources with extended soft handoffs, or reduce data rate
and voice call capacity with pilot pollution (i.e. co-channel
interference), compromising the signal. The RF Scout has carrier
scanners for all of the major cellular standards, which allow for
the identification of physical layer RF coverage issues as well as
interference issues. Since interference and coverage/co-channel
interference both affect network operation, it is important to be
able to check for both with one instrument. Integrated Signal
Mapping By nature, interference and coverage/co-channel
interference vary with geographic location. Mapping this variation
is key to analysis and identification of faults since a signal that
may be good in one location is an interference or coverage issue in
another. In addition, when hunting interference, reflections can
make triangulating on a source difficult. Traditionally, these
issues are resolved by plotting measurements on a map. The RF Scout
uses an integrated mapping capability (iMap), to directly map any
of a number of different interference and coverage/co-channel
interference measurements, without the need for either writing
measurements on a paper map or hooking up to an external PC. Once
the signals are mapped and the signal information and location are
available in one easy-to-read display, analysis of the data becomes
much simpler, leading to reduced time to insight and quick
solutions for interference or coverage problems. Often, when
resolving interference problems, it is necessary to convince a
third party that their equipment is generating the interfering
signal. The polished documentation provided by the RF Scout will
assist with this task and so expedite the quick resolution of
interference or coverage issues, whether they be in-building or
outside. The RF Scout provides spectrum analysis, interference
analysis and logging tools, coverage tools, and iMap in a
hand-held, durable instrument. The combination of capabilities is
ideal for network optimization, performance and planning teams.
With its Windows-based user interface, the RF Scout simplifies
operation and makes the process of moving data and maps on and off
the instrument effortless. The rugged form factor, and optional all
day battery life, make the RF Scout a true field instrument. About
Tektronix Tektronix, Inc. is a test, measurement, and monitoring
company providing measurement solutions to the communications,
computer, and semiconductor industries worldwide. With 60 years of
experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build,
deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks
and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon,
Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix' Web
address is http://www.tektronix.com/. NOTE: Tektronix is a
registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names
referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies. DATASOURCE: Tektronix,
Inc. CONTACT: Amy Higgins of Tektronix, Inc., +1-503-627-6497, or
Web site: http://www.tektronix.com/
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