Automated solution from Rohde & Schwarz
The sequence of tasks listed above starts by conducting a drive test in the area concerned using a fast and sensitive scanning RF receiver to detect and record the location, frequency and spectral shape of interference sources. The results are then handed over to a postprocessing tool for further analysis and identification of signals fulfilling certain criteria such as minimum receive signal level.
Compared with the “traditional way” of directly deploying interference hunting teams equipped with spectrum analyzers or handheld receivers to the relevant area and manually searching for interference, the above method has three main benefits. First, the identification of potential interference signals and their characteristics is far faster than when using manual techniques. Second, since the collection of data and analysis of data are done separately, data collection, which is the most time-consuming part, can be achieved far more quickly using less skilled personnel. Third, the experts in the interference hunting teams are more effective because they concentrate only on the predefined interference spots.
The elimination of interference, the second step in the spectrum clearance process, can be automated using an appropriate direction-finding system such the R&S®MNT100 receiver in combination with the R&S®MobileLocator software.
The spectrum clearance solution consists of:
- A network scanner (such as the R&S®TSMW, R&S®TSMA or R&S®TSME)
- The R&S®ROMES4 universal software platform for network optimization and troubleshooting
- The R&S®ROMES4NPA network problem analysis software for postprocessing