US : Tektronix Communications launched its comprehensive 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol test and monitoring solution that covers all protocol layers and physical interfaces, including air and fixed line interfaces, in one integrated offering. Tektronix' solution includes the G35-LTE (functional & load test platform) and the NSA-LTE (scalable platform for monitoring, troubleshooting and optimization), both of which are based on proven platforms used in testing 3G, mobile WiMAX and HSDPA technologies in networks around the world.

"While LTE technology will truly take broadband mobile, the underlying complexity is also taken to the next level. This is especially the case for performance testing, interoperability testing, troubleshooting and network optimization," said Othmar Kyas, Director of Strategic Marketing, Network Diagnostics, Tektronix Communications. "As a first-to-market provider of mobile test, Tektronix has been providing simulation, monitoring and optimization solutions for 3G, mobile WiMAX and HSDPA technologies for some time. We have applied this in-depth knowledge and expertise to our LTE development work. For the last year, we have been helping customers create a LTE access network test strategy. This strategy correlates the air interface with the fixed line interfaces, enabling customers to test all protocol layers at the air interface."

As consumer demand grows for richer services and connected lifestyles, mobile networks are evolving to meet the growing demand for bandwidth and advanced applications. LTE is poised to deliver a tenfold improvement of capacity and throughput, reducing deployment and operational costs. At the same time, LTE networks introduce major architectural and technological changes. Changing infrastructure architecture, coupled with evolving standards, demands reliable test, measurement and monitoring solutions that meet the challenges related to effective design cycles and rapid deployment schedules. These tools also need to be available as soon as the standardization bodies have released the technical specs.

G35-LTE: Simulation and Load Generation ( inset above )

Based on the leading 3G functional test platform, Tektronix' G35-LTE solution provides functional, load generation, conformance, interoperability and performance testing of LTE air and fixed line interfaces through a single, fully integrated test system. The G35-LTE enables customers to reduce time to market and to maximize the productivity of test activities during the development and market introduction of LTE network elements.

NSA-LTE: Troubleshooting and Performance Analysis

For LTE monitoring, troubleshooting and optimization, Tektronix introduces the NSA-LTE (Network & Service Analyzer for LTE). Probes for all LTE wireline and air interfaces, combined with comprehensive real time analysis capabilities, enable complex LTE test procedures in a powerful and easy to use toolset. The solution's online dashboards provide information about the test progress at a glance, and customizable Key Performance Indicators allow for rapid data reduction and focus on the areas under test.

Tektronix continues to anticipate the availability of new standards, protocols and test scenarios to allow the fast and effective development of the next wave of broadband wireless technologies. Over the years, Tektronix' mobile testing and monitoring products have enabled the transition from 2G to 3G and beyond with the consistent introduction of first-to-market applications for GPRS, EDGE and UMTS networks. The company is doing the same for next generation wireless networks and standards as 3GPP LTE. More information on Tektronix' LTE solutions can be found at: http://www.tektronix.com/lte.

About Tektronix Communications

Tektronix Communications provides network operators and equipment manufacturers around the world an unparalleled suite of network diagnostics and management solutions for fixed, mobile, IP and converged multi-service networks. This comprehensive set of solutions support a range of architectures and applications such as LTE, fixed mobile convergence, IMS, broadband wireless access, WiMAX, VoIP and triple play, including IPTV.