PCTEL Inc., a leader in simplifying wireless and site solutions for private and public networks, announced at the LTE North America Conference, the release of new LTE MIMO, LTE Layer 3, and Blind Scan features for its SeeGull MX scanning receiver. These features, which are fully supported by PCTEL's SeeHawk® Drive Test Suite, will help operators maximize spectral efficiency on 4G LTE networks while simplifying the testing of all network technologies. Wireless networks are evolving in order to meet growing demand for high-speed data. The SeeGull MX continues to evolve as well, leading the field with scanner-based testing solutions that make network operations more efficient.
PCTEL's LTE MIMO and Layer 3 measurements are designed to help operators meet growing demand for high-speed data in an era of limited spectrum. As LTE networks become more congested, simple performance measurements such as signal quality and throughput at the user device may not be enough to maximize network efficiency. PCTEL's MIMO parameters, including radio-link throughput calculated for multiple MIMO transmission modes, allow operators to isolate specific RF characteristics that limit end-user throughput. Scanner-based Layer 3 reporting, which does not require a test mobile, provides mobile operators the information they need to manage increasingly complicated network settings. This is especially beneficial for TD-LTE networks with limited mobile device availability.
SeeGull's multi-technology Blind Scan is designed to enhance the efficiency of network testing operations. Blind Scan enables automatic detection of active channels, saving time and effort of field engineers. It is especially useful for benchmarking applications, where the user may not have easy access to channel information for all network operators. When combined with PCTEL's SeeHawk software and a PCTEL Indoor Kit, the SeeGull MX with Blind Scan is also a time-saving solution for in-building baseline testing of multiple operators' networks. Blind Scan is now available for all network technologies, including LTE FDD, TD-LTE, UMTS, GSM, CDMA, and EV-DO.
"LTE networks are the key to meeting the growing demand for high-bandwidth mobile data," said David Neumann, PCTEL's Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for RF Solutions. "With these latest enhancements, SeeGull MX provides mobile operators the comprehensive data they require to optimize and troubleshoot their LTE networks while minimizing the need for repeated drive tests," Neumann added.
PCTEL will demonstrate new features of the SeeGull MX scanner along with its entire portfolio of scanning receiver products in booth #35 at the LTE North America 2012 Conference, November 14-15, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. The SeeGull MX is fully compliant with 3GPP and 3GPP2 specifications and is currently available directly from PCTEL or through its OEM resellers. A free SeeHawk trial license can be downloaded from http://rfsolutions.pctel.com/content.cgi?id_num=1338.