TRIPLE-PLAY (VOICE, DATA, AND VIDEO) services are driving the market for 3G mobile networks. The design, deployment, and operation of these networks, which are based on the highly complex Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), present difficult challenges.
Tektronix's NSA18 protocol analysis system for UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) meets these challenges with automated topology discovery and analysis of interactions between network components. Its portable, PC-based platform offers a host of configuration options.
A typical basic configuration with a laptop or desktop PC and one or two probes suits most design verification and field troubleshooting. The probes connect to the PC via Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. A single user as well as multiple users can control larger configurations with multiple probes. The NSA18 hardware permits systems with up to four probes. Larger setups require external switches.
Automated analysis algorithms, integratedauto-configuration, and ease-of-use features trim the time needed for troubleshooting and root cause analysis. The platform leverages the Network Service Analyzer for UTRAN software introduced earlier this year for the K15 protocol test and monitoring system, which the NSA18 complements. The software can run on an external PC and analyze data collected on either system.
NSA18 prices run from about $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the options.
Tektronix Corp.
www.tektronix.com