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Agilent's Handheld Network Monitor Enables Quick Network Verification, Complements Leading Drive Test Platform

9th September 2009

Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent)

ES Admin

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Agilent has introduced a handheld network monitor that complements Agilent's proven drive test platform and significantly expedites wireless network verification. The tool enables test engineers to quickly determine whether a network is working, which base stations are transmitting, and the base-station configuration. It also allows users to take other operational measurements that do not require the laptop, phones and measurement receivers associated with Agilent's more comprehensive solution. If the new monitor detects operational issues, the information can then be transferred to Agilent's comprehensive drive test tool for complete analysis and troubleshooting.

Although the handheld is no substitute for Agilent's full-featured system, it makes network deployment and optimization far more efficient by running a subset of measurements that quickly indicate when more comprehensive analysis is required, said David Stewart, general manager, Agilent's Drive Test Business. The new monitor's portability and ease of use can save engineers considerable time - and therefore carrier operating expenses - and adds real convenience to a complicated job.

The test application is installed on Nokia N85 mobiles with special engineering firmware so that engineers can then run it instantly. The tool enables voice calls, FTP transfers and http browsing - all running automatically to stimulate the network for voice and data while parametric RF measurements are recorded.

When combined with Agilent's powerful, industry-leading drive test platform, the E6474A Option 850 handheld network monitor has the functionality engineers need for the early planning, deployment, verification and optimization of wireless networks. Some of the tool's features and capabilities include:

* a pocket multimeter capacity for quick network verification;
* built-in GPS, so engineers need no other hardware to take measurements;
* indoor navigation capability that allows engineers to record location in an indoor environment such as a shopping mall (where GPS generally does not work);
* a scanning capability that runs like a mini spectrum analyzer to identify which base stations are transmitting and whether the base station under test is actually switched on; and
* the Nokia N85's large, bright OLED screen with Agilent's vivid multicolor displays for quick visualization of network issues.