Tektronix has developed a new LTE monitoring solution for evolved packet core (EPC) networks based upon the Iris suite of products, which includes the GeoProbe G10, a new high-speed 10 GbE probe; three new analyser applications; and a common platform that provides a single, integrated framework for current and future applications.
The LTE EPC solution provides real-time, end-to-end network visibility and troubleshooting capability for operators deploying LTE networks. With increasing customer expectations for high-quality multimedia services, and with mobile data traffic on the rise, network operators around the world are looking towards LTE as a more efficient and profitable means by which to deliver bandwidth intensive applications, such as voice over IP, streaming video, video on demand, at a lower cost and with a higher quality of service. As part of Tektronix’ network intelligence portfolio, the LTE EPC monitoring solution supports operators migrating from both the 3GPP (GSM/UMTS) and 3GPP2 (CDMA) technologies.
From the radio access network to the core, LTE networks utilise all-IP architecture for more efficient management of networks and deployment of new services. With heightened customer expectations for bandwidth intensive applications and the high cost of customer churn, network operators need to ensure that key network and service quality metrics are met, which represents a significant challenge for many operators since they will be operating their LTE networks alongside their legacy 2G/3G networks.
In addition to changes made in the mobile access network (eg, such as the node B combined with the RNC to make a single element), the LTE EPC network is made up of the MME (mobility management entity), the Serving Gateway, the PDN Gateway (packet data network) and the PCRF (policy and charging rules function). With many new and unproven network elements, interfaces and interoperability challenges in the mix, network operators will want to proactively minimise unforeseen problems and to quickly identify them before customers are impacted.
Key to the Tektronix LTE EPC monitoring solution is the GeoProbe G10 probe, a high-speed IP probe optimised to handle high-speed IP traffic. The G10 provides LTE operators with an affordable, high-speed probing platform that can scale with their growing data traffic needs, in addition to providing an efficient means to reduce backhaul traffic over IT infrastructure (WAN/LAN). The LTE EPC monitoring solution provides mobile operators with a complete tool set that collects signalling and media data from the network, correlates the data end-to-end across the network, and then provides advanced analysis tools for end-to-end network monitoring and troubleshooting.
“The Iris LTE EPC monitoring solution complements Tektronix’ portfolio of LTE test solutions which includes the K2Air and NSA, an LTE protocol analysis solution supporting LTE-seamless deep-dive monitoring of wireless and wireline LTE interfaces, including Uu interface monitoring capability. With capabilities to monitor multiple UEs simultaneously per cell sector in real-time, as well as support for aggregation of multiple antenna based signals (MIMO) and the multitechnology analysis, K2Air helps to enable the efficient roll out of LTE networks and services.”
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