Viavi Solutions has launched InterferenceAdvisor, an automated interference hunting solution which can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to locate mobile network interference sources. Viavi has developed InterferenceAdvisor to enable mobile network operators to anticipate and respond to these challenges, helping to optimise customer experience while managing cost.
InterferenceAdvisor, a fully automated interference location solution with directions and navigation claims low total cost of ownership (TCO). It features a lightweight, portable Omni antenna; an automated interference area indication and navigation guide; voice prompts to direct the cell technician to the suspected interference location; full spectrum control; and display for detailed interference signal monitoring – all managed from a Wi-Fi enabled Android tablet. It also includes built-in accessories to minimise the cabling requirement.
“As networks become denser, interference will increase,” commented Monica Paolini, the president and founder of Senza Fili Consulting. “Densification is fundamental for service providers to support traffic loads in high-density locations such as shopping centers, transport hubs and other public areas. In many cases, service providers use small cells and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) that share spectrum channels with macro cells. In these environments, interference may negatively impact the customer experience unless operators move to mitigate interference aggressively.”
InterferenceAdvisor allows one engineer to quickly and easily locate interference sources, even in an urban environment. The limited resource requirement, reduced time, and minimal training all contribute to the low TCO.
“By our estimates, 71% of mobile network operators now have a regular problem with interference,” said Kevin Oliver, Viavi’s vice president and general manage for Converged Instruments and Virtual Test. “Mobile users near the interference source experience degraded call success rates, increased dropped calls, decreased battery life, poor voice quality, and reduced data throughput. We’re pleased to offer the industry a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for detecting, locating, and eliminating these sources of RF interference.”
