Communications test, monitoring and analytics expert EXFO (NASDAQ: EXFO) on May 19 introduced its 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer, a modular, field-focused radio frequency (RF) testing platform for providing accurate visibility into 4G/LTE and 5G NR environments, with the ability to analyze FR1 (sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) bands using a single, field-upgradeable instrument.
Per the manufacturer:
Mobile network operators need to support and maintain new 5G deployments as well as existing 4G/LTE installations. At the same time, cell densification and emerging 5G innovations, including beamforming and massive MIMO, together with new mmWave spectrum and CBRS/C-bands, are making the RF environment complex to navigate for operators and field technicians. All this results in significant new operational challenges and the need for different, innovative test processes.
The 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer is the industry's first field-tech optimized, scalable RF spectrum analyzer. It strikes the right balance between functionality and portability in a compact design that delivers accurate RF over-the-air (OTA) measurements. Designed with simplicity in mind it enables field techs and contractors to easily identify and resolve issues and close out jobs faster.
EXFO's 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer is available on the company's FTB 5GPro test kit for providing a complete, all-in-one platform used to validate 4G and 5G networks. In addition to RF testing, the FTB 5GPro supports fiber inspection and characterization, CPRI/eCPRI/O-RAN, RF spectrum analysis over CPRI, Ethernet (up to 100G), plus timing and synchronization. The manufacturer says the comprehensive solution reduces the number of devices field technicians need to carry, speeding up jobs and reducing overall total cost of ownership for operators and contractors.
Key features and benefits of the 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer, as enumerated by EXFO, include:
- First field-upgradeable RF testing solution: no downtime due to factory upgrades.
- Industry's only modular RF testing solution: option to start with FR1 and add FR2 as requirements change.
- Support for real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) bandwidth up to 100 MHz, 5G NR demodulation and beamforming analysis, plus TDD and LTE signal analysis.
- Saves time by simplifying RF testing with a smart UX-optimized GUI and patent-pending intelligent peak detection seamless cloud integration for centralized workflow management and results sharing.
"Operators need solutions that can help them deliver reliable 5G services to their customers quickly and efficiently—and the 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer does exactly that," concludes Stéphane Chabot, EXFO's Vice President, Test and Measurement. "We applied our field-focused expertise to RF testing, creating an innovative, modular solution that is ready to adapt as networks transform, one that helps operators resolve RF issues before they impact network capacity, quality of service, subscriber QoE or revenue."
Learn more at www.exfo.com.