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Drive test software for multiple-input multiple-output measurements in real LTE networks

Rohde & Schwarz has added MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) specific measurements to its ROMES4.65 drive test software. Using this feature, the company’s TSMW network scanner can identify interferers that reduce MIMO performance in LTE networks. The MIMO technology is claimed to increase the capacity of LTE networks. According to the company, the drive test software allows collection of important MIMO data during a drive test. The data can be essential in determining where MIMO can be implemented smoothly, says the company. When used with the network scanner with its two integrated receivers, the software can measure the MIMO channel matrix for both 4x2 and 2x2 systems, claims the company. 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, says the company. The 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 mobile radio network can be reproduced in the lab simulating real field conditions, claims the company. All mobile radio networks can be tested with a single instrument as the network scanner combined with the drive test software covers LTE as well as universal mobile telecommunications system, GSM and CDMA standards, says the company. The scanner supports all frequencies from 30MHz to 6GHz.