Rohde & Schwarz has added MIMO-specific measurements to its ROMES4.65 drive test software. As a result it will be able to identify interferers that reduce MIMO performance in LTE networks.
MIMO technology is being used to increase the capacity of LTE 4G mobile networks. For operators it is important to collect MIMO test data to determine where an investment in MIMO pays off in their coverage area and where MIMO can be implemented smoothly and efficiently.
When used with the firm's TSMW network scanner with its two integrated receivers, the ROMES software can measure the MIMO channel matrix for both 4x2 and 2x2 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 20MHz. 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.
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