Wireless tester upgrades to new network specs

Agilent Technologies has introduced a new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement to its 8960 wireless communications test set running 1xEV-DO Lab Applications. The 1xEV-DO Release A system is an upgrade to existing 1xEV-DO networks. As a packet-switched data system with parallel high speed forward (from the cell site to the phone) and reverse (from the phone to the cell site) links, it supports a multi-flow process capable of serving even the most demanding data applications.

With this enhancement, R and D engineers can now set up a live data connection for 1xEV-DO Release A cellular technology with full network emulation.

The live data channels provided by Agilent's 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement provide a new mode of operation for the Agilent E6706A/T Lab Applications.

This mode allows engineers to measure the datarate on any layer of a connection - from the physical layer up to the IP layer - while emulating a connection to the network.

The Agilent E6706A Lab Application runs on the standard Agilent 8960 test set and supports rates up to 1.5Mbit/s on the forward link and 1.0Mbit/s on the reverse link.

In contrast, the E6706T Lab Application runs on an optional high-speed version of the Agilent 8960 test set.

It supports rates up to 3.1Mbit/s on the forward link and 1.8Mbit/s on the reverse link.

In addition to providing comprehensive RF parametric measurements and impairments such as fading, the peak datarates supported by the 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement enable testing of devices and applications in the most stringent of link conditions.

And, because it delivers realistic network performance in a laboratory setting, the new enhancement eliminates the cost and time associated with conducting real network drive testing.

'As 1x RTT networks are upgraded to 1xEV-DO Release A, R and D engineers will require access to a leading-edge test capability for testing 1xEV-DO high-speed data', said Earl Thompson, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Wireless Division.

'With its ability to support packet data at rates of 3.1 and 1.8Mbit/s, our new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement is able to meet this need'.

'Developers of 1xEV-DO wireless devices now have the tool they need to verify today's multiformat wireless device designs'.

The Agilent E6706A/T Lab Applications work with Agilent's 8960 test set to create a cost-effective desktop network in a box with true dynamic network performance, and default packet application support for real-world throughput analysis and network emulation.

Agilent's new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement to the E6706A/T Lab Application is currently available via subscription to the E6720A Option 006 Lab Application Annual Contract.

This contract, priced at US $12,000 for a one-year subscription, offers existing customers early access to the newest product enhancements; thereby providing a competitive edge for engineers racing to produce devices that are first to market with reliable, 1xEV-DO Release A-based products.