Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced a new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement to its 8960 Wireless Communications Test Set running 1xEV-DO Lab Applications. The 1xEV-DO Release A system is an upgrade to existing 1xEV-DO networks. As a packet-switched data system with parallel high speed forward (from the cell site to the phone) and reverse (from the phone to the cell site) links, it supports a multi-flow process capable of serving even the most demanding data applications. With this enhancement, R&D engineers can now set up a live data connection for 1xEV-DO Release A cellular technology with full network emulation.
The live data channels provided by Agilent’s 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement provide a new mode of operation for the Agilent E6706A/T Lab Applications. This mode allows engineers to measure the data rate on any layer of a connection--from the physical layer up to the IP layer--while emulating a connection to the network. The Agilent E6706A Lab Application runs on the standard Agilent 8960 test set and supports rates up to 1.5 Mbps on the forward link and 1.0 Mbps on the reverse link. In contrast, the E6706T Lab Application runs on an optional high-speed version of the Agilent 8960 test set. It supports rates up to 3.1 Mbps on the forward link and 1.8 Mbps on the reverse link.
In addition to providing comprehensive RF parametric measurements and impairments such as fading, the peak data rates supported by the 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement enable testing of devices and applications in the most stringent of link conditions. And, because it delivers realistic network performance in a laboratory setting, the new enhancement eliminates the cost and time associated with conducting real network drive testing.
“As 1x RTT networks are upgraded to 1xEV-DO Release A, R&D engineers will require access to a leading-edge test capability for testing 1xEV-DO high-speed data,” said Earl Thompson, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Wireless Division. “With its ability to support packet data at rates of 3.1 and 1.8 Mbps, our new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement is able to meet this need. Developers of 1xEV-DO wireless devices now have the tool they need to verify today’s multi-format wireless device designs.”
The Agilent E6706A/T Lab Applications work with Agilent’s 8960 test set to create a cost-effective desk-top network in a box with true dynamic network performance and default packet application support for real-world throughput analysis and network emulation.
Agilent’s new 1xEV-DO Release A enhancement to the E6706A/T Lab Application is currently available via subscription to the E6720A Option 006 Lab Application Annual Contract. This contract, priced at $12,000 for a one-year subscription, offers existing customers early access to the newest product enhancements, thereby providing a competitive edge for engineers racing to produce devices that are first to market with reliable, 1xEV-DO Release A-based products.