Aeroflex Adds Mobile Handset Software Trace Capability to SystemAT Network Tester
14 January 2006 10:18
Aeroflex has launched a software trace capability for network testing to augment its highly successful SystemAT laboratory-based test system. SystemAT is used for regression testing of new wireless network software and features prior to rollout into the market, handset validation / interoperability testing, and network load and capacity testing. The extension of the SystemAT network tester to allow the complete integration of software trace-enabled handsets will substantially reduce the "time-to-solve" problems. SystemAT will provide more detailed handset status and radio information than commercial handsets, enabling the underlying causes of problems to be diagnosed.
"When problems are found during network-to-handset testing, the speed of their resolution is critical if time-to-market is to be minimized," said Nick Carter, product manager for Aeroflex's system test products. "The additional information generated by handsets equipped with trace software can substantially reduce the time it takes to resolve issues by providing a diagnosis of the underlying cause. SystemAT allows key trace data to be located quickly for analysis alongside handset behavior data."
SystemAT network testers allow an operator to automate a large part of the test process on a test network, as well as extending the depth and repeatability of the testing while reducing the number of field trials that are needed. SystemAT can deliver both operational cost savings in relation to the test process and reduce the technical risks involved in new software rollout.
Software trace information is provided in addition to handset behavior data (voice calls, data calls, message services, etc). The trace information provided includes radio environment information such as received signal strength and cell information plus higher-layer protocol messages as exchanged between a handset and the network.
Handset trace information adds significant value when investigating the cause of sub-optimal handset operation with the network. For example, a common scenario occurs when the user experiences an unexpectedly low data rate between the network and their handset. The trace information embedded in the mobile phone provides a mechanism to identify whether the cause of this problem is due to an incorrect bearer allocation or a subtler scenario such as a timing issue surrounding channel resource management.
The trace information is made available for analysis together with all the handset behavior data and metrics captured by the SystemAT network tester. To assist user interpretation, trace data can be viewed and manipulated using a message sequence chart. SystemAT also supports an auto search using handset behavior data to focus on the key trace messages.
SystemAT is designed to support many different handset model types and this will also apply to trace handsets. Currently handset trace for the Nokia 6650 and Nokia 6680 handsets is supported. As part of Aeroflex's ongoing handset integration commitment for SystemAT, other trace handsets can be integrated upon demand.
Availability
As well as being available as an option on all new SystemAT network testers, the handset trace capability is available as a field upgrade for existing equipment, preserving users' existing capital equipment investment. Handset trace capability will be available for order in Q1 of 2006. SystemAT network testers are highly configurable.
About Aeroflex
Aeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense, cellular and broadband communications markets. The company's diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. The company's common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the company's web site.
For more information on this company:
Aeroflex - RF and Microwave Test Sets, Signal Generators and Phase Noise Measurement Systems
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