EXFO has announced the launch of the OpticalRF application for its FTB-1 Pro test platform. This will enable mobile operators to reduce maintenance costs and optimise network reliability and service quality at fibre-based cell sites. Further, the new application will allow mobile network operators to detect radio frequency (RF) interference issues in fibre-based mobile networks faster and more accurately using RF spectrum analysis over the common public radio interface (CPRI).
In addition, the 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. This in turn eliminates the need for unnecessary tower climbs and significantly reduces maintenance costs. The application accelerates the 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 with the OpticalRF application. Moreover, the new application helps cell technicians to identify critical interference issues such as external RF interference, and internal and external passive intermodulation in an accurate and timely manner.
EXFO’s new offering also brings RF spectrum analysis over CPRI to its all-in-one FTB-700G V2 Series, which is included in the FTB-1 Pro platform and integrates Ethernet service validation, connector end-face inspection, and fibre characterisation with CPRI link validation. The OpticalRF will also allow maintenance engineers and cell technicians to do more at a faster speed, with first-time-right results. This will help mobile network operators to do more in terms of delivering high performance networks and managing costs through the orchestration of complex test processes while improving the subscriber quality of experience. According to the company, it aims to provide mobile operators exactly what they need, in order to efficiently devise test processes and address critical operational challenges to ensure that subscribers receive top quality mobile services.
