On left a picture of the 3G 6413 Test System. A second major UK mobile network operator has placed an order for Racal Instruments' 3G basestation test system as reported by Electronics Talk. Racal's system will help to speed up the rollout ofnext generation 3G networks.

Unlike current test systems that require the basestation to be connected to the network, the model 6413 simulates the network so testing can be carried out without basestation connection.

This is a huge benefit; as with Racal's GSM solution, base stations will be able to be tested without incurring network costs.

Doug Feasey, Racal Instrument's product manager added, "Our aim is to help operators deliver their 3G networks faster and reduce roll-out costs. The 6413's specification more closely matches the operators' needs than systems from any other suppliers and a key factor was our track record in 2G GSM basestation testing". The 6413 has a multistandard platform design.

It is a compact, highly portable test solution incorporating three testing capabilities.
It is able to simulate a mobile's transmitter to test the basestation's receiver capability; it can also measure the basestation's transmissions and verify the network command structures, which control the base station.

80% of the software control commands are defined by the 3GPP but around 20% are still classed as vendor specific; the 6413 is also able to test the basestation using this software.