Test and Measurement: EXFO’s radio access test solution accelerating network rollout

EXFO Inc., the network test, monitoring and analytics experts, has announced the addition of baseband unit (BBU) emulation technology recently acquired from Absolute Analysis to the powerful FTB-1 Pro portable test platform.

This solution validates the quality of installation of new or upgraded cell sites by identifying and addressing issues with remote radio heads (RRHs) and antennas during the first site visit. EXFO’s BBU emulation technology has already been approved and adopted by a North American Tier 1 mobile network operator (MNO).

By accessing the RRH directly before installation, technicians can run tests not previously possible without a commissioned BBU, helping them accurately identify and resolve issues faster. Since results are representative of live cell-site performance, mobile technicians can be confident of the quality of their installation prior to handoff to MNOs.

The ability to isolate problems associated with RF interference, PIM testing and LTE transmission make BBU emulation a must-have feature. In addition, MNOs can now benefit from full emulation of CPRI control and management (C&M) and IQ data as well as the identification and reporting of valuable information such as local SFP, remote SFP, antenna remote electrical tilt (RET) and VSWR data. Already featuring a best-in-class lineup of capabilities including automated fiber connector inspection, fiber characterization using the innovative iOLM™ application, CPRI link validation, and OpticalRF™ for the most powerful real-time, high-resolution RF spectrum analysis over CPRI/OBSAI, the addition of BBU emulation on the FTB-1 Pro platform makes it an unbeatable solution.

“Adding revolutionary BBU emulation technology to EXFO’s unmatched fronthaul test solution makes it the true all-in-one choice to efficiently validate fiber-based mobile networks,” said Stéphane Chabot, EXFO’s Vice President, Test and Measurement. “Operators get to revenue faster, cut the total cost to deploy next-generation wireless fronthaul networks and deliver consistently outstanding service to their subscribers.”

EXFO develops smarter network test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the world’s leading communications service providers, network equipment manufacturers and webscale companies.