When network operators upgrade to LTE they want to take full advantage of their new and existing resources, so to support this objective, Rohde & Schwarz has added MIMO-specific measurements to its R&S ROMES4.65 drive test software. Using this feature, the R&S TSMW network scanner can quickly identify interferers that reduce MIMO performance in LTE networks.
MIMO technology can increase the capacity of LTE networks. The latest R&S ROMES software version for the proven drive test solution from Rohde & Schwarz allows network operators and infrastructure manufacturers to collect important MIMO data during a drive test. The data can be essential in determining where an investment in MIMO pays off in their coverage area and where MIMO can be implemented smoothly and efficiently.
When used with the R&S TSMW network scanner with its two integrated receivers, the R&S ROMES software can measure the MIMO channel matrix for both 4 by 2 and 2 by 2 systems. From the matrix, the software calculates a parameter known as the condition number, which indicates the capacity gain that can be achieved with MIMO. A GPS receiver assigns this data to the exact position and clearly displays it on a map. The software performs MIMO measurements on all bandwidths up to 20 MHz. Interference can be detected over the entire bandwidth used by the LTE signal.
MIMO-specific measurements are saved in the complex channel matrix with a time component, the phase shift. The measurement data can be exported for later field-to-lab applications. Using fading emulators, a complete mobile radio network can be reproduced in the lab simulating real field conditions.
Network operators can test all their mobile radio networks with a single instrument because the R&S TSMW combined with the R&S ROMES drive test software covers LTE as well as UMTS, GSM and CDMA standards. The R&S TSMW supports all frequencies from 30 MHz to 6 GHz and the test solution therefore covers existing and future frequency bands.