Tektronix Enhances RF Scout to Enable Benchmarking of Carrier Network Coverage Against Their Competition

Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE: TEK), a leading worldwide provider of communications network management and diagnostics solutions, announced the enhancement of its RF Scout Interference Hunter tool’s applications to include a radio frequency (RF) benchmarking capability, enabling competitive measurements of carrier network quality and coverage. The enhanced tool also includes integrated map-based spectrum analysis for faster and more effective network optimization.

Introduced in 2006 as the industry’s first handheld interference hunting tool, the Tektronix RF Scout provides RF signal analysis tools necessary to support an effective approach to network optimization activities, from hunting for radio frequency interference to checking indoor and outdoor signal quality and coverage, in one rugged, handheld tool. The handheld form factor, performance and durability make measurements convenient, reliable and accurate whether inside a building or outdoors. This improves network performance planning and optimization teams’ effectiveness and accuracy while out in the field.

The new RF benchmarking capability enables field engineers and technicians to make multiple measurements at multiple frequencies in one physical pass, eliminating walking back and forth or driving back to previous locations to take additional series of measurements. For example, the RF Scout can scan GSM and WCDMA signals as well as make noise floor measurements - all in a single pass, allowing benchmarking and analysis of complex RF coverage or interference issues. This saves time and promotes efficiency because interference issues can be quickly identified and resolved. Additionally, multiple carrier signals can be captured and analyzed with different measurements taken for each signal, enabling competitive benchmarking.

“Our customers are always looking to maximize the effectiveness and productivity of each session in the field. In response, we combined the physical layer assessment typical of a walk tester with the RF measurement performance of a spectrum analyzer,” said Bob Hiebert, General Manager, Wireless Field Test, Tektronix. “By integrating benchmarking along with interference hunting and base station test in one portable platform, our customers can realize distinct benefits. Now, each time they spend their operating budget to roll the trucks for maintenance or optimization, they can also gather critical benchmarking data in specific or high value locations, reducing the number of special trips for different purposes.”

To increase productivity and effectiveness in the field, measurements are integrated directly onto a user-supplied map. Each measurement type is displayed as a unique icon whose color reflects whether the signal is in the acceptable, marginal or unacceptable range. Limit violations are also available at a glance, providing quick and simple in-field analysis of results. In addition, Tektronix has extended Base Station Transmitter (BTS) testing to the RF Scout, enabling RF engineers to quickly switch to the base station tests currently provided in Tektronix’ NetTek Analyzer/YBT250 without having to reset measurement parameters. Tektronix has also enhanced the GSM scanner used with the RF Scout and NetTek Analyzer/YBT250 by adding color code displays to the existing BSIC display, making the scanner easier to use for technicians and engineers.