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MIMO testing  
Base-station testing  
LTE Device testing  
Mobile Backhaul  
Mobile Packet Core  
LTE Device Development

With most LTE deployments likely to be upgrades, LTE equipment and services need seamless compatibility with incumbent network technologies. Consumers selecting an LTE device will expect it to work on the first day of service deployment, so the secret to success is the testing of networks and devices, with comprehensive verification during the design, development, and deployment phases. All of this takes place against a background of intense time-to-market pressure.

Mobility

Optimal end user QoE of services such as voice and video is highly dependent on the ability of LTE networks and devices to support seamless intra-technology and inter-technology (UMTS, GPRS, CDMA, etc.) mobility. The range of complex scenarios needs to be tested in the lab prior to deployment.

Performance

Multi-mode LTE devices must deliver seamless performance across LTE, UMTS and/or CDMA networks, all while supporting other signals, such as GPS and Wi-Fi. Although promised data rates are higher than ever, achieving them relies on the performance of multi-antenna MIMO implementations at the air interface.

The elements of an LTE network’s Evolved Packet Core (EPC) must have high capacity and superior IP performance. This requires a new generation of purpose-built, highly scalable mobile core equipment, and a strong IP expertise is needed to design and test EPC implementations.

Interoperability

The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) supports standard interfaces and open protocols, enabling operators to select equipment vendors they believe are best qualified to deliver a specific network function. However, interoperability of network components in this multi-vendor environment must be thoroughly tested to avoid problems.

Evolving the Mobile Backhaul

The higher capacities required by LTE cell sites, as well as the use of native Ethernet as the physical interface for connection and transport of these services mean big changes for the mobile backhaul. Replacing TDM circuits with Ethernet means great care must be taken to achieve the highly accurate timing and synchronization required to minimize service disruptions and eliminate dropped calls.

• VR5Spirent’s new VR5 HD Spatial Channel Emulator brings unprecedented ease of use to testing high-antenna-count MIMO/beamforming devices and base-stations.
• 8100 LTESpirent’s 8100 system is the optimal solution for today's LTE mobile device and chipset testing.
• 8100 Location TechnologyThe most comprehensive, cutting-edge solution for mobile device and chipset location technology testing.
• SR5500The SR5500 is the most complete and efficient solution available for accurately testing wireless receivers including E-UTRA (LTE), HSPA, HSPA+, EV-DO, WLAN and WiMAX.
• LandslideLandslide is the only test platform that simulates real world traffic models to evaluate wireless core packet data networks.
• Spirent TestCenterExperience the Difference Spirent TestCenter makes to your development cycles
• Spirent TestCenter LiveMonitor the performance or actively test and diagnose Ethernet and application services on live wireline and wireless networks.
• Spirent TestCenter for Mobile BackhaulThe most flexible, scalable and reliable test system in the industry on testing highly-integrated, converged, anything-over-anything networks of today and tomorrow.

• Beneath the Tip of the Iceberg - What you should know before deploying LTE devicesRead about the potential pitfalls when deploying LTE devices on new networks and how testing is critical.
• White Paper 101 - Fading BasicsRadio technologies have undergone increasingly rapid evolutionary changes in the recent past. The first cellular phones used narrow-band FM modulation, which was soon replaced by digital modulation in second & third generation devices.
• The Risk of Inadequate Network TestingIn many organizations, testing the network infrastructure is at best neglected and at worst completely overlooked. This situation persists despite the serious implications to productivity, profitability, liability, and even reputation.
• Wi-Fi Offload—Is Your Gateway Ready?As consumers and business users increase their use of mobile broadband and IP services, carrier mobile networks can’t always keep up.
• Ethernet Service Verification for Mobile CarriersThe evolution of today‘s network has seen the migration of Ethernet technology from the LAN to MAN as service providers have embraced Ethernet architecture as a replacement for traditional TDM services.