EXFO announces the launch of the OpticalRF application for its compact, lightweight and powerful FTB-1 Pro test platform.
Now mobile network operators (MNOs) can quickly and easily locate all RF interference issues in fiber-based mobile networks using the industry’s best real-time, high-resolution RF spectrum analysis over CPRI (radio frequency over Common Public Radio Interface).
The new OpticalRF application reduces the costs of turning up and troubleshooting mobile networks by providing access to the RF signal through the digital CPRI link available at the base station, located at the bottom of the cell tower or kilometres away as in a centralised radio access network (C-RAN) architecture. This in turn eliminates unnecessary tower climbs and significantly reduces maintenance costs. In addition, EXFO’s solution accelerates time to resolution of complex RF issues by enabling multiple users to connect, control and collaborate via remote access from any smart device or laptop directly to the OpticalRF application.
With OpticalRF, cell technicians can quickly and accurately identify critical interference issues such as external RF interference, and internal and external passive intermodulation (PIM).
EXFO’s latest innovation brings RF spectrum analysis over CPRI to its all-in-one FTB-700G V2 Series, which is housed in the FTB-1 Pro platform and integrates Ethernet service validation, connector endface inspection, fiber characterisation with iOLM and CPRI link validation. OpticalRFTM will enable maintenance engineers and cell technicians to do more, faster and with first-time-right results. In turn, mobile network operators can deliver high-performance networks and manage costs through the orchestration of complex test processes – while improving subscriber quality of experience.