As wireless data applications and use cases increase, so do the expectations of seamless connectivity. Whether finishing a work project while waiting for a flight or posting live videos from a crowded concert or sporting event, wireless users assume they will have access to high-speed data networks. For crowded environments, a localized, robust wireless network is often required to manage the high concentration of signals and ensure the signals are not interfering with each other. In many cases, these crowded networks manage multiple types of signals on a temporary network. It is imperative that network engineers and technicians can easily analyze available frequencies to optimize frequency coordination or signal strength, detect interference, and analyze intermodulation products in real time.
The right tools for the job
To ensure reliable optimized network and frequency performance, network engineers and technicians must be equipped with tools that enable proper network planning and real-time testing during network operation. Using a real-time spectrum analyzer, such as Signal Hound’s ultra-portable BB60D, in tandem with a vector signal generator (VSG), like the VSG60A, facilitates effective spectrum management, interference mitigation, intermodulation product analysis, and frequency optimization. A real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) is useful for detecting interference and monitoring existing signals or frequency bands. A VSG is valuable for simulating signals during frequency planning and testing to ensure limited interference or to confirm suitability of frequency bands for use.
Crowded RF environments present specific challenges for the network engineers and technicians responsible for frequency coordination. Types of signals can vary greatly. Devices such as wireless microphones, two-way radios, and In-Ear Monitors may have weak signals, but these signals are often crucial to operation, and must be detectable during RF testing. A spectrum analyzer such as the BB60D high-performance 6 GHz real-time spectrum analyzer has a widefrequency range of high sensitivity (DANL -158 dBm + 1.0 dB/GHz) and offers concise identification of targeted weak signals with strong signals nearby. The BB60D also doubles as an RF recorder, streaming up to 80 million IF samples per second, or 40 million I/Q samples to disk, enabling RF engineers to review data to detect issues and trends for future correction.
Simulate and test!
The ability to create a realistic simulation of the environment offers network engineers and technicians a distinct advantage, allowing them to streamline testing and optimization prior to activation in the live venue. The variety and density of signals in a crowded wireless environment demands a high-performance VSG to accurately model this environment. The VSG60A has a frequency range of 50 MHz to 6 GHz and offers extensive modulation capabilities and a low phase noise, agile local oscillator with a 200 μs switch time enabling fast frequency hopping. The USB-powered VSG60A ships with a powerful suite of software tools for generating both analog and digital modulation, adding impairments for receiver testing, or loading custom waveforms, all at no additional cost. A user-friendly application programming interface (API) is available for communicating with the VSG60A directly from your software application.
The BB60D spectrum analyzer and VSG60A both feature ultra-portable form factors, making them ideal tools for RF engineers setting up temporary networks, or technicians managing frequency coordination onsite. The small form factors of the BB60D and VSG60A allow them to easily slip into a bag or a back pocket, with both devices boasting the same compact size (8.63″ x 3.19″ x 1.19″) and the BB60D weighing in at just 1.10 lb while the VSG60A weighs in at a mere 0.82 lb.
Comprehensive, accessible frequency coordination tools
As crowded RF environments become the norm and the need for RF test equipment becomes ubiquitous, Signal Hound’s BB60D and VSG60A deliver unrivaled value. These portable and easy-to-use tools provide reliable and accurate RF measurements to ensure efficient frequency management in large and complex RF environments.
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