Andrew Adds LTE to Drive-Testing Solution, Highlighting the Easy Upgrade Path for Invex.NxG i.Scan

(Product News, 24 Jun 2009)

Early adopters of the next generation network technology Long Term Evolution (LTE) now have an easy-to-use drive-test scanner, the Invex.NxG i.Scan, thanks to Andrew Solutions, the CommScope Inc. division.

Andrew has added LTE testing capability to i.Scan and created a new downconverter module that can easily be plugged into the i.Scan unit for testing LTE network performance. The ease of upgrading to LTE testing with i.Scan highlights the product’s intended design as a lower total cost of ownership tool. Supporting two downconverter modules that can test up to six frequency bands simultaneously, the i.Scan receiver offers wireless operators multi-functionality and an easy upgrade path.

“In currently deployed standards like WCDMA and EV-DO, operators can use i.Scan to identify weak spots in their network for increasing quality of service,” said Ben Cardwell, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Asia Pacific. “When rolling out next generation standards, i.Scan can verify newly acquired spectrum, check for interference issues, and even benchmark competing networks.”

Andrew’s i.Scan is now capable of measuring and decoding CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, EV-DO, HSDPA and LTE technologies. New downconverter modules are also available for the 700 megahertz (MHz) band and the 850 and 1900 MHz uplink bands in addition to the many frequency band configurations—including tri-band, dual-band, and single-band—that i.Scan supports. The i.Scan unit is lightweight, portable, and communicates using standard Ethernet connections. It includes an automatic self-monitoring system that notifies technicians when recalibration is needed. Even non-experienced technicians can utilize the i.Scan thanks to its simplified plug-and-play design.

“We designed the i.Scan with cost savings in mind for the operators,” added Baker. “It allows for seamless updates to future wireless standards such as LTE and long-term, cost-effective access to reliable, high-speed measurement of wireless networks across multiple bands and technologies.”

Andrew’s Invex.NxG complete drive-test solution—with i.Scan—enables wireless operators to view their own and their competitors’ wireless voice and data services from the perspective of the subscriber by providing critical quality-of-service (QoS) measurements. Invex.NxG identifies failed originations, abnormal ends, call setup time, and call quality for improving voice service levels. It also performs packet data testing for analyzing upload/download throughput speeds for data services. Invex.NxG can also be used by field personnel for independently checking network signal strength and identifying base station locations and sectors, assisting them in their jobs. The i.Scan receiver is being incorporated into all versions of Andrew’s Invex.NxG system. It has also been designed as a standalone scanner, capable of integration into third-party products and applications.