The Remote Spectrum Monitor, designed without a screen or keyboard, automates radio monitoring methodology, interference detection, and spectrum regulatory compliance, while also providing significantly greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness in network management.
“Operators have requested a scalable and integrated solution that meets their wireless network testing needs in terms of both performance and cost. Furthermore, public regulators are often interested in monitoring the spectrum for illegal or unlicensed emissions. Anritsu addresses these requirements with the Remote Spectrum Monitor, a suite of solutions that provides an efficient, flexible, and scalable platform to evolve alongside networks,” stated Gerald Ostheimer, Vice President/General Manager of Anritsu’s Networks and Infrastructure Business Unit. “Remote Spectrum Monitor leverages Anritsu’s expertise in wireless network field testing and network monitoring experience, gained through our market-leading MasterClaw Monitoring™ tool, to create an innovative solution that helps optimize network performance.”
The Remote Spectrum Monitor incorporates two spectrum monitoring modules. Each module features Power of Arrival (POA) algorithms to monitor interference and roughly indicate the location of the interfering signal.
Anritsu developed the MS27102A to address the rapid expansion of wireless communications and is designed to maximize network capacity by more efficiently resolving issues related to the presence of illegal or unlicensed signals interfering with authorized transmissions. IP67-rated, the MS27102A is ideal for outdoor monitoring applications and can be mounted on a wall or pole. With an operating temperature range of -40°C to +55°C, one
(or optionally two) weatherproof RF input ports, a robust housing, and a splashproof design, the MS27102A performs reliably under the most extreme weather conditions.
The MS27103A helps operators deliver quality services to consumers and meet KPIs to maximize network ROI. Designed for multi-antenna applications covering wide frequency ranges, the MS27103A is a rack-mounted, multi-port RF probe that continuously monitors the spectrum to ensure optimal performance. Anritsu developed this monitor for cellular operators who need spectrum monitoring across multiple sectors and numerous frequencies within each sector at their base station sites.
The probes, which cover a range between 9 kHz and 6 GHz, have sweep speeds of up to 24 GHz/s, enabling them to capture numerous types of interference, such as periodic or transient transmissions and burst signals. The modules also offer low power consumption, less than 11 W.
The spectrum monitor probes are designed for robust installation and feature remote power cycling, automatic system recovery protocols, and secure firmware updates. Each unit includes a "Golden" firmware image, which can be used to restore the probe to full functionality in the rare event of firmware corruption.
Anritsu has developed the Vision™ application software to automate the collection of measurement data and provide valuable insights into network health and spectrum usage. Vision Monitor automatically records spectrum data, maintains a searchable historical database, enables alarm functions for unusual signal activity, and provides tools for managing the spectrum monitoring system.
Users can also write custom monitoring applications using SCPI instructions. Each pair of IQ output data is time-stamped using high-precision GPS signals, enabling the use of IQ data in Time Distance of Arrival (TDOA) applications for signal geolocation. The IQ data's time-stamped resolution is less than 9 ns, allowing for accurate signal location calculations.
Each spectrum monitor probe incorporates an integrated web server. Using Chrome or Firefox, a user can access the spectrum monitoring module from anywhere in the world and control any of its functions via a PC/laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Each module also incorporates Gigabit Ethernet for fast transfer of measurement data and control information.
Remote Spectrum Monitor complements Anritsu’s multi-technology MasterClaw Monitoring solution and expands Anritsu’s network monitoring portfolio, helping operators protect network investments, achieve greater operational efficiency, and increase revenue. Trusted by leading operators worldwide, MasterClaw provides 24/7/365 visibility into network, service, applications, and customer availability, along with unparalleled troubleshooting.
