Agilent E6474AWireless Network Optimization PlatformProduct Overview

Troubleshoot and optimize wireless networkswith a comprehensive, flexible solution.

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Facing the challenges of As voice and data networks continue to grow and expand worldwide, your need forwireless networks network deployment and test tools grows accordingly. Wireless service providers need to

attract new customers and retain existing customers while maintaining the highest qualityof service throughout their networks. Network equipment manufacturers need to gainrapid acceptance of their infrastructure, which requires fast and accurate optimization ofthe network. Optimizing your network, expanding service coverage, and introducing newtechnologies and data services are critical to the retention and acquisition of customers.

Leveraging existing wireless test equipment for rapid expansion, enhancement ormigration of wireless networks, as well as proactively maintaining networks to ensurecustomer satisfaction in a cost effective manner present challenges to wireless serviceproviders and network equipment manufacturers. Part of the solution to facing thesechallenges is choosing the right tools to understand your network. In today’s rapidlyevolving and expanding wireless industry, expandable, accurate, and cost-effective toolsare needed to provide depth of insight into network performance.

The Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform enables wireless service providers andnetwork equipment manufacturers to address their challenges in optimizing wireless voiceand data network performance by accurately identifying problems, while minimizing timeand effort throughout all phases of the network lifecycle. The Agilent E6474A NetworkOptimization Platform provides you with a Windows® based wireless network test solutionthat can be leveraged to enable site evaluation, base-station turn-on, system acceptance,and on-going optimization. The Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform grows withyour needs, and provides industry-leading performance during all phases of the networklifecycle.

Figure 1: E6474A Network Optimization Platform

The Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform provides functionality andperformance designed to address the challenges facing the wireless industry across allmajor technologies. Agilent is committed to offering early to market solutions to help youstay ahead of your competition as you roll out next generation networks and services.Whether your system is CDMA, cdma2000, GSM, GPRS, TDMA, iDEN, W-CDMA/UMTSor a combination of technologies the Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platformprovides a solution that will assist you in addressing your challenges.

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Expand tools rather than The functionality of the Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform can be increased,expanding budgets as your network testing needs increase. Whether determining quality of service from the

customer perspective, or performing comprehensive network management, the AgilentE6474A Network Optimization Platform offers a common solution to fit your requirements.As your network testing requirements increase, you may expand your tools, leveragingyour existing hardware and software. If you decide to enhance your current network, ormigrate your network, the Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform can beleveraged so that your tools and training investment is minimized as you evaluate andturn-on new technologies and data formats.

Network performance from your customers’ perspectiveStarting with a phone-only solution, the foundation for in-depth testing has been laid. Aphone-only solution will identify trouble symptoms within your network. This solution isideally suited for established networks and provides users the ability to proactively identifytrouble spots, and assist in performing preventive maintenance. A phone-only solution canbe expanded to include multiple phones, indoor measurements, data (IP layer)measurements or digital receivers as your requirements expand.

Extensive phone supportThe Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform offers extensive support of phones,including the most popular subscriber phones available today. This provides the ability tomost accurately simulate the subscriber experience when optimizing networks. Agilentprovides rapid integration of new phones to match the demands of the industry.Specialized measurements from these phones give access to Layer 1, 2 and 3measurements including RLP, RLC/MAC and LLC parameters (where appropriate),essential in the optimization and troubleshooting of wireless networks.

A phone-only solution can be used to: • Test network parameters that will allow you to quantify how your network is perceived by

subscribers• Evaluate call-processing operations• Perform selected call processing functions• Measure and report the amplitude of the received base station signal• Measure and report the signal quality of the received base station signal• Read and report the neighbor cell list from the broadcast messages• Report the amplitude of neighbor list base stations• View and log protocol messages in decoded form for easy interpretation

Figure 2: Powerful phone-based measurement support

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Network independent problem solvingA receiver-only solution offers users the ability to make measurements independent of thenetwork. Phones depend on parameters in the network to help maintain the call - such asneighbor lists. A receiver-only solution allows you to identify problems independent of thenetwork. For example, in CDMA networks, pilot pollution and missing neighbors can beidentified within your network. In GSM networks co-channel and adjacent channelinterference problems can be identified, as can missing neighbors. The E6474A WirelessNetwork Optimization Platform gives many tools at your disposal to help easily identify thecause of these problems.

A receiver-only solution is ideally suited for network build-out and turn-up, band clearing,RF planning, network expansion, and base station installation and maintenance. Thissolution can be expanded to include multiple receivers, and can support differenttechnologies or data formats. One or more phones can be added to the same platformfor comprehensive network management.

Figure 3: Network independent measurements with Agilent’s digital Receiver

A receiver-only solution can be used to: • Find network problems faster through network independent measurements• Reduce network downtime by identifying interfering signals while the network is live• Manage interference with co-channel and adjacent channel measurements (e.g., GSM

networks) and detection of other spurious signals• Carry out BCH Analysis on GSM networks, includes BSIC decode feature.• Perform Pilot scanning for CDMA pilot pollution including multipath measurements and

chip delay.• Do Code Domain Power measurements on IS-95A and cdma2000 1XRTT networks for

over-the-air base station testing.• Perform spectrum analysis, covering both the downlink and uplink bands• Measure Channel and CW power

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For information on Agilent receiver technologies and bands supported please refer to theE6474A Configuration Guide (5988_2396EN) or contact your Agilent representative.

Figure 4: Agilent receivers support multiple technologies and bands

Base station turn-on and maintenanceThe Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform may be used to measure codedomain power (CDP) for IS-95A and cdma2000 1XRTT signals. These measurementsprovide real-time insight for traffic analysis, capacity management, and base stationhealth. CDP trace capability measures the relative powers of all 64 cdmaOne Walshcodes, and all 128 cdma2000 Walsh codes, depending on the configuration. The Walshcodes are displayed in a bar graph format with a unique color for each channel type.View CDP statistics, as well as TopN pilots to provide a complete analysis of your basestation health.

Figure 5: Code Domain Power View

Comprehensive network managementTo perform comprehensive wireless network testing, a phone/receiver combinationsolution is required. A phone/receiver combination solution allows you to identify networkproblems, and quickly determine the cause of the problems, assuring the highest level ofnetwork optimization and reducing potential negative impact on your customers’ qualityof service. The operation of the receiver and phone can be linked, so that the receiverautomatically tracks the phones serving cell as you move through your network. Both thephone-only solution and the receiver-only solution can be upgraded to a phone/receivercombination solution. This solution is beneficial for rapid network installation, expansion,and proactive maintenance. Multiple phones and receivers may be added when neededfor evaluation and turn-on of new technologies and data formats, or to simultaneouslymonitor networks occupying different bands.

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Figure 6: Comprehensive network management

A phone/receiver combination solution can be used to: • Monitor the RF uplink and downlink bands while on a call• Perform integrated analysis using the phone and receiver at the same time• Correlate call drops within the RF environment• Compare network neighbor list with the actual strongest neighbors measured from the

receiver (i.e, missing neighbor analysis)• Manage your network lifecycle measurement needs with one integrated solution• Save training and support costs with a single vendor, single interface phone and receiver

system

Please refer to the technology specific Data Sheets for detailed phone and receivermeasurement information.

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Powerful platform generic There are a number of invaluable features that are common to the E6474A platformfeatures to address your network software, irrespective of technology. These integral features include the ability to recordoptimization challenges and playback data sets, export the data for further analysis (including decoded protocol

messages), link parameters, create customizable views, display parameters on time chartsand route maps and define flexible alerts and alarms, based on user requirements. Theplatform software includes powerful on-line help and tutorial facilities.

Outdoor and Indoor ConfigurationsThe Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform can be configured for both indoor(optional) and outdoor applications. When you are ready to perform indoor testing withyour phone-only, receiver-only, or phone/receiver combination solution, simply add anoptional battery pack and backpack, along with a pen-based tablet computer, andproceed to make measurements in places such as office buildings, shopping malls, andairports. For further information on the Indoor measurement solution refer to AgilentIndoor Wireless Measurement System Product Overview (5968-8691E).

Route Map viewThe Route Map view shows current position and the route traveled on a map as data iscollected. Several layers of user selectable information can be displayed, including maplayers, letter and color coded channel / signal information, alarm markers, and notes.Base station locations, with site names and sector orientations, can also be plotted on themap when linked to the appropriate cellsite naming database.

In-depth, easy to use alarmsThe Agilent E6474A Network Optimization Platform provides comprehensive alarmfunctionality. Implementing complex alarms and measurement thresholds that alert usersto specific signal conditions is simple and thorough. Alarm configurations can be exportedand imported, allowing operators to share alarm set-ups. Markers and sounds can beused simultaneously, providing operators with an audio cue when established conditionsare met, as well as providing a visual cue on the Alarms View display the routemap andthe Chart View if required. Alarm markers can be viewed during a drive test and inplayback of the test. Alarm markers can also be exported for post-processing. Acustomizable pop-up dialog box can be set to appear when defined alarm conditions aremet. Alarms can be set during the playback of a data file, as E6474A collects all dataduring a drive test, while maintaining a small data file size using the Agilent SD5 fileformat. Alarms can also be set to stop or pause testing if required.

Figure 7: Easy to use alarm features

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Manage the Integration and Quality of Data ServicesWith the convergence of mobile phones and the Internet, wireless networks need to beoptimized for data services. Agilent’s Wireless Data Measurement options enable end-to-end testing of data connections with independent transmit and receive measurementcapabilities, for both circuit switched and packet switched technologies. Key datacharacteristics such as bit error ratio, packet error rate, latency and data throughput canbe measured together with network accessibility and recorded for further analysis. Thewireless data measurement capability utilizes the Agilent E6474A Network OptimizationPlatform and is based on a mobile client(s) and fixed server(s) architecture with userdefinable data application sequencing. Test results are collected and displayed on themobile client(s). The wireless data measurement options are wireless technologyindependent and are applicable to all supported Agilent 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies(check for availability) and allowing measurements to be made simultaneously acrossmultiple networks. Please refer to the Wireless Data Measurement Product Overview andData Sheet (Literature Numbers 5980-2310E and 5988-1507EN) for further information.

Figure 8: Comprehensive data measurement features

Post-processing measurement dataData logged with the Agilent E6474A Wireless Network Optimization Platform can easilybe further analyzed after data collection in either third-party application such asMapInfoTM and Microsoft ExcelTM, dedicated post processing tools such as Actix DV forAgilent and Actix Analyzer, as well as within the E6474A itself.

The E6474A has an advanced features including alarms, protocol message decodes (withfiltering), routemap display and time-charting to enable the user to identify problem areasduring playback mode. So analysis with, for example, poor data throughput, droppedcalls and signal strength can be performed right with the E6474A itself. Combine these

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analyses with background bitmaps and street maps, and the ability to print them via aReport feature, and the E6474A provides a simple yet complete solution to understandnetwork problems.

The E6474A has advanced export utilities to allow users to share all or selected data withother analysis applications. This gives you the ability to easily map and graph collectedparameters - including signal strength or other parameters from specific PNs, BCCHs, orDVCCs (depending on technology). Additionally, filtering and analysis functions can beapplied so users can export items such as number of pilots above a threshold or, forexample, data throughput values only when TBF is active.

Analysis ReporterAgilent Technologies now offers an extensive array of tools for different levels of postprocessing analysis capabilities. The Analysis Reporter option is a simple-to-use reporttool, which is integral to the E6474A platform. It works on automatically generated exportfiles, using both phone and receiver data, and can quickly generate comprehensivenetwork performance overview and detailed network analysis reports and histogramsincluding, for example, performance summary reports, call quality analysis reports, detailson performance per call, neighbor and handover summary and drill-down, aggregateEc/Io vs RxPower and many more.

Analysis Reporter currently supports GSM, GPRS, cdma2000, UMTS and datameasurements on a single E6474A product option.

Figure 9: Example reports from Analysis Reporter

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Actix DV for AgilentFor a fast powerful troubleshooting option, Agilent Technologies offers the Actix DVdedicated post-processing solution that will enable network engineers to visualize andtroubleshoot network problems with maximum effectiveness. A number of Actix DVoptions are available which support GSM, GPRS, cdma2000 and UMTS technologies.

Actix and Agilent have worked together to deliver this solution based upon ActixVision, apowerful and flexible data processing and statistical analysis ‘engine’ which is at theheart of all Actix solutions. User-controlled software views enable all of the appropriateinformation to be displayed on screen in easy-to-read tables, charts and maps. Built-infeatures such as ‘event navigator’, view synchronization, protocol stack browsing anddrill-down enable specific events to be diagnosed in detail within the same intuitive userenvironment, whilst a range of standardized reports represent measurement summariesfrom up to a day’s worth of data. For further information please refer to Actix DV forAgilent overview (5988-9147EN)

Figure 10: Quickly troubleshoot problem areas with Actix DV

These post processing solutions will help users to identify and manage interference,troubleshoot call processing problems, and processing of complex measurement data intoreports. The E6474A, combined with the post processing options, provides users with acomplete network optimization and troubleshooting solution.

For more advanced engineering analysis and post processing ability, the E6474A can beused with advanced post processing tools such as Actix Analyzer and others. These toolscan directly import the SD5 file format and provide additional functionality to map, graph,report, and drill down to help provide further insight into network issues.

Computer hardware requirements The Agilent E6474A system requires a PC. The PC requirements differ depending on thehardware configuration and on which parameters are being selected.

Recommended minimum PC specifications:• Windows® 2000 or XP (inc XP for Tablet PC)• 600MHz PIII, 256MB RAM• RS-232 DB9 serial port or USB Port• Parallel port or USB Port (for software key)• PCMCIA slot or a USB connection (for multiple hardware support)• 500 MB hard disk space• CD-ROM drive recommended for installation• 1024 x 768 display resolution minimum

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Notes

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Product information subject to changewithout notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000-2003Printed in U.S.A. September 23, 2003

*5988-3558EN*5988-3558EN

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Additional literatureFor further information refer to:-

Agilent E6474A Wireless Network Optimization PlatformConfiguration Guide (5988-2396EN)

Indoor Wireless Measurement SystemProduct Overview (5988-8691E)

E6473B Direct Connect HubProduct Overview (5988-8177EN)

Agilent Wireless Data MeasurementProduct Overview (5980-2310E)

E6474A GSM/GPRSData Sheet (5988-5904EN)

E6474A cdma2000Data Sheet (5988-6195EN)

E6474A W-CDMA/UMTSData Sheet (5988-3027EN)