Drive-test scanner

Early adopters of the next generation network technology long term evolution (LTE) now have a drive-test scanner, the Invex.NxG i.Scan from Andrew Solutions, a CommScope division.

The company has added LTE testing capability to i.Scan and created a new downconverter module that can 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 receiver offers wireless operators multi-functionality and an upgrade path.

i.Scan can measure and decode CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, EV-DO, HSDPA and LTE technologies. New downconverter modules are also available for the 700 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 - the device supports.

The unit is lightweight, portable and communicates using standard ethernet connections. It includes an automatic self-monitoring system that notifies technicians when recalibration is needed.

It enables wireless operators to view their own and their competitors’ wireless voice and data services from the perspective of the subscriber by providing quality-of-service 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 analysing upload/download throughput speeds for data services.

It can also be used by field personnel for independently checking network signal strength and identifying base station locations and sectors.