Aeroflex one-box LTE-A base station tester

Aeroflex has launched an extended version of its TM500 base station tester capable of emulating several thousand LTE user devices, fading channel models and LTE-A carrier aggregation functionality in a one-box benchtop unit.

LTE-A carrier aggregation was first supported on the TM500 in early 2012 and has since been used by operators worldwide to demonstrate the real-world performance of carrier aggregation technology in field environments. Aeroflex claims the TM500 Test Mobile delivers more LTE-A development capability with a higher UE density than any other solution on the market.

Carrier aggregation allows operators to achieve the wider channel bandwidths and higher data rates needed to offer true 4G services. The LTE-A features provided by the compact one-box TM500 allow cellular infrastructure vendors to develop carrier aggregation capability and to emulate real network traffic across thousands of terminals, ahead of the widespread availability of real LTE-A handsets.