NB-IoT network insights through MIB/SIB demodulation (part 5)

August 10, 2018 | by Andreas Spachtholz

Our scanner-based solution to measure coverage in NB-IoT networks pioneered NB-IoT field measurements in 2017. Since then, thousands of kilometers have been driven and walked to collect and analyze data from all available operators and cells in an NB-IoT network. This post summarizes our customers’ key requirements and our answers.

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Measuring QoE of mobile data apps for network optimization (part 3)

March 19, 2018 | by Johanna Sochos

In previous posts, we explained how you can assess the QoE of data applications on smartphones by measuring the success rate and duration of a series of actions. Now, learn how mobile app testing supports operators in their endeavors to optimize networks for mobile data applications and other third-party content.

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Measuring QoE of mobile data applications: Behind the scenes (part 2)

March 1, 2018 | by Johanna Sochos

We explained how to measure the QoE of mobile data applications on smartphones using the success rate and duration of a series of actions. But what are the reasons for saturation at higher network speeds? And, what influences the measurement results of mobile applications such as Facebook and Dropbox?

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Measuring QoE of mobile data applications, e.g. Facebook (part 1)

February 22, 2018 | by Johanna Sochos

There is a myriad of smartphone applications available, covering almost any use case one can imagine. Network providers want to ensure that their mobile connection offers everyone a smooth usage experience, especially for the most popular apps such as Facebook. To do this, they need tests targeting mobile data applications.

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NB-IoT: How to test quality of service in NB-IoT networks (part 4)

December 28, 2017 | by Andreas Spachtholz

NB-IoT networks are designed for machine-to-machine communication, which generally requires low data rates. When building NB-IoT networks, it is essential to test the performance of new implementations to ensure the required network quality. Quality of service (QoS) tests are typically performed with NB-IoT modules that are controlled by software.

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Interference hunting: The real meaning of automatic direction finding

November 13, 2017 | by Yunuen Wagner

The need for interference hunting in mobile networks is steadily increasing. And field engineers often ask us which tool we would recommend in order to be successful in the field. With decades of expertise, what we can say for sure is that it depends: the right tool for successful field service operations depends on the source of interference. Sources are manifold, but with the most suitable tool, they are easy to locate.

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SmartBenchmarker’s reliable alarming interface for easier drive tests

September 14, 2017 | by Oliver Jonas

A reliable alarming interface is crucial for drive testing, even more so when your network engineers control a large drive test fleet remotely from the office. Discover SmartBenchmarker’s alarming interface in detail, learn what the alarming system must provide, and how its interface is tailored to each user role.

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NB-IoT: Field report with results from NB-IoT UE measurements (part 3)

September 4, 2017 | by Magnus Hylén

This field report describes key measurement results that we obtained by using NB-IoT user equipment (UE) as data collection tools. Read on and discover our findings from connecting pre-commercial NB-IoT modules and modems to the R&S®ROMES4 drive test software for network engineering and optimization.

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NB-IoT: Scanners are a must for coverage measurements (part 2)

July 20, 2017 | by Manuel Mielke

In a previous article, we described typical use cases of the Internet of Things (IoT). We identified that networks for IoT applications would be optimized for the highest availability, particularly for applications under extreme receive conditions such as smart meters. Learn here how scanners help to master the coverage challenge.

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NB-IoT: Overview of Internet of Things with a focus on NB-IoT (part 1)

June 22, 2017 | by Arnd Sibila

Use cases for the Internet of Things (IoT) are virtually unlimited, from smart homes and buildings to wearables and fabrics to healthcare and factories. Get an overview of the current technologies and IoT developments made by the 3GPP and learn why network coverage is a key concern in the IoT market.

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Monitoring network performance is key to accessing 5G enterprise market

June 8, 2017 | by Jeremy Carpenter

While the 5G specifications are still being finalized, it is clear that operators wanting to access the new industry verticals will significantly benefit from monitoring network performance carefully. Learn how the SmartMonitor management software manages multiple probes and schedule tests remotely, giving high-level feedback in real time.

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How temperature affects system design: The basics

May 11, 2017 | by Andreas Richard

Our network benchmarking systems have to work at -40°C for customers in Canada and +45°C for customers in Dubai. This temperature range of 85°C significantly impacts system design. Learn how temperature can affect signal integrity, user equipment, and user experience and discover our solution to overcome the temperature challenge.

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Benchmarking & optimization

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Field services & interference hunting

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Innovations in mobile network testing

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Testing from RF to QoE

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New e-book provides unparalleled insight into the 5G NR world

What's the status of 5G NR? What are the test and measurement requirements, and how do we approach them? Download our new e-book now and get unparalleled insight into the world of 5G NR.

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The world's first 5G NR network measurement solution

Rohde & Schwarz is pioneering 5G New Radio (5G NR) network measurements with the world's first commercially available 5G NR network measurement solution. This solution enables users in the 5G network ecosystem as well as regulators to measure the 5G NR network coverage accurately - one of the biggest challenges in the network planning.

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Pioneers in NB-IoT field measurements

We are paving the way to NB-IoT by provding the world's first accurate LTE/NB-IoT coverage measurement solution: via a software upgrade, the R&S ROMES drive test software now also supports NB-IoT coverage measurements with R&S TSMx scanners.

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