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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

HetNets/small cells: Indoor deployments overview

March 16, 2017 | by Arnd Sibila

Discover how indoor deployments can help operators meet the exponentially growing data demands in mobile networks. In this overview, we will outline the indoor deployment process and deliberate the pros and cons of different types of indoor deployments, such as distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells.

Read more

Proofing and optimizing a network’s readiness for video transmission

February 23, 2017 | by Jens Berger

Examine how applying a video quality measure helps mobile network operators to optimize their networks. Learn about the challenges that operators face when quantifying video services as consumed by subscribers and discover how operators can benefit from the results of a video quality measure, i.e., a video test.

Read more

Smart macro network enhancements: Antenna tilt optimization (part 3)

January 19, 2017 | by Arnd Sibila

Antenna tilt optimization is a cost-efficient and smart approach to increase the capacity in mobile networks, especially in dense urban areas. Given the exponentially growing data demand and network densification, discover how operators can optimize their network in terms of coverage and capacity by adequately aligning their antennas.

Read more

Evaluating visual quality and video MOS based on subjective perception

December 21, 2016 | by Jens Berger

How do you measure video quality as perceived by end users? The video’s actual visual quality is only one of many factors determining customer satisfaction with the service; other determiners include the service’s structure and the user’s experience and expectations. For real field video quality measurements, reference measurements are necessary.

Read more

Benchmarking & optimization

More information

Field services & interference hunting

More information

Innovations in mobile network testing

More information

Testing from RF to QoE

More information

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.

More information

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.

More information

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.

More information