JDSU is collaborating with smartTECH to offer wireless service providers and network equipment manufacturers a solution they say dramatically improves and accelerates the assessment of capacity and throughput in Radio Access Networks (RANs).

The JDSU Distributed Network Analyzer (DNA) and Signaling Analyzer Real Time (SART) provide accurate, real-time measurements and protocol analysis that enable smartTECH’s TECHtrace application to model capacity based on actual calls and call flows at the cell level.

The companies say that this combination of tools is the only solution that eliminates the need for imprecise simulation and statistical modeling, which often take months and require significant expenditure on additional technology such as mapping, GPS connectivity, and aerial photography. The solution complements JDSU Drive Test products, and makes their use more efficient.

TECHtrace enables users to optimize and troubleshoot the RAN cell-by-cell through SART/DNA’s direct probing and tracing. The solution incorporates data from caller handsets, to accurately measure traffic and detect and analyze interference patterns, cell power overlap, the impact of overlap, and where there are gaps. TECHtrace can quickly drill down into millions of calls within a Radio Network Control (RNC) area, and can also localize a specific call on a map, detect where it begins, where the caller is moving, and what type of handset is being used. Operators can assess the causes of dropped calls and determine which handsets function poorly within their networks.

The JDSU/smartTECH solution has the capacity to detect vendor-individualized call flow procedures within a network, and provide both per-vendor benchmark KPIs, and standards-based 3GPP KPIs. This allows users to view data across different vendors in the same structure and format, and make vendor-neutral assessments of network performance.

It also enables operators to determine cell service capability – i.e. whether a cell or cell sectors have the load capacities to support specific types of services, such as Voice over IP or video streaming. Cell service capability is affected by interference, and varies under different scenarios, such as whether a caller is driving or stationary. The companies say the solution provides the information operators need to improve load capacities, so they can offer the services their customers want.

“JDSU SART, DNA, Drive Test, and smartTECH TECHtrace comprise the most accurate and efficient package of tools available to plan and optimize wireless networks,” said Chris Stanley, a director in JDSU’s Communications Test and Measurement business segment. “Our customers can feel confident that the range and complementary design of these tools will equip them to meet challenges posed by high-speed, high-volume networks, now and in the future.”

JDSU’s test capabilities – which measure, monitor, report and troubleshoot the customer quality of service, quality of experience and performance – support the entire range of wireless and wireline telecommunications networks, including evolving technologies such as LTE, Femtocell, VoIP, IMS and IPTV.