Case Study:

Using WBT to Record & Recreate Interference for Further Analysis

Watch Us Record the Airwaves...

Introduction
With RF networks deployed world wide, when a problem occurs in the field it can be quite challenging to field the right equipment quickly and efficiently solving end-user problems while maximizing customer satisfaction and usage based revenue. Wireless systems are proliferating worldwide. A limiting and key nemesis of wireless systems providers and RF engineering teams is signal interference. Interference impedes the coverage and performance, and degrades the overall capability of the network and user experience.

Providers must coexist with multiple types of signal environments of both new technology and existing systems. These systems include, but are not limited to, mobile network providers, broadcast networks TV/radio, paging systems, microwave, and wireless local area networks (WLANs), all providing complex signals which have the potential for interference.

areas and other terrestrial sites within a small footprint all emitting RF causing and increasing the potential for signal interference. Also, a common and inexpensive way to improve cellular coverage is through the use of a bi-directional amplifier (BDA). A BDA receives the downlink signal on the donor antenna and then amplifies the signal extending the coverage for the operator. When installed correctly, BDAs are helpful. When improperly installed, the extremely high output power of the BDA (~40dBm) can cause significant interference. The ultimate consequence is reduced data rates, less bandwidth consumed and lower user satisfaction.

Use Case - WBT Interference

Challenge Managing the Spectrum
Environmental and US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations are limiting the number of base station sites and locations. It is very common to have multiple towers and more antennae co-located atop buildings or mountain

According to AT&T, the volume of wireless data is doubling annually. The smartphones are creating a chasm between bandwidth supply and demand. The prediction is an 18-fold increase in mobile data traffic over the next 5 years. With this growth, the RF signal environment is becoming much more complex and problematic which results in signal interference.

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QRC Technologies / 1211 Central Park Boulevard / Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA / voice: 540.446.2270 / web: www.qrctech.com

Using WBT to Record & Recreate Interference for Further Analysis

Mitigating Signal Interference - Managing the Spectrum

For example located atop Abajo Peak in Utah at an elevation of 11,368 within 40 yards are eight separate cell towers all with multiple antennae emitting spectrum. Recently a prominent mobility carrier experienced problems and reported elevated noise at this site primarily in the Gamma sector of their tower. They were having intermittent problems with interference affecting the uplink (receive) frequency of 826.5 MHz and downlink of 852.25 MHz. The tower is facing a co-located tower atop Abajo Peak with 800 MHz omni-directional antennas at approximately the same elevation. The operator used a valuable tool to help monitor and isolate the possible interference, QRC Technologies Wide Band Transcorder (WBT). This dual use recorder can visually examine portions of the spectrum, record the results and retransmit the data for either later analysis or testing for effect. The WBT allowed the visualization of 12.5 MHz of spectrum centered at 826.5 MHz and another 12.5 MHz of spectrum centered at 852.25 MHz. The issue was more pronounced and a far worse interferer was observed at 852.25 MHz. The interference was sporadic due to infrequent use and makes it more difficult to analyze the issue. However, the WBT with the ability of continuous recording provided spectrum information and showed interference from the state owned 800 MHz transmitters. It was determined at 826.5 MHz the channel separation of the interference was only a few MHz apart. The WBT similarly helped to uncover at 852.13 MHz the system tested didnt appear to have an external transmit filter. The WBT recorded the environment and interference providing the real spectrum for documenting, lab analysis and repeated testing of the network. Based on the information and recordings of the WBT a solution was designed which reduced the level of interference to an acceptable level. A comprehensive library can be to document spectrum performance for future analysis. This can be done not only for the emitters, but for areas of the spectrum of concern. Do you have a low SNR satellite link? Checking and documenting the guard bands may be a wise thing to do. Were there any adjacent signals before? Check the disk. Preventing creeping interference is a smart way to prevent future problems.

The QRC WBT operates like a narrow band spectrum analyzer. The unit will display a frequency band of up to 50 MHz or two channels of 25 MHz or less. The smaller bandwidths are available for longer recording periods. This spectrum may then be recorded for a historical or baseline performance record. Later measurements can be compared to this record for evidence of degradation or frequency/bandwidth changes. The unit contains two hot swappable disk drives (960 MB) that are easy to remove and store.

The ability to retransmit prerecorded signals is another way to get the jump on potential problems. Test signals may be generated to determine any interactions before the installation. The test signal may be moved to any frequency within the WBTs range. The output level is adjustable and external power amplifiers can boost the level to any range desired. This capability is also excellent for the training role. The ability to transmit recorded files lets future interference hunters develop their skill set.

WBT can be a vital tool for the interference hunter. It may be even more important for interference prevention. It is a one box solution. It is versatile, capable of many applications, and easy to operate. Future on board applications will improve capability. There is a planned application space designed into the unit for customers to implement their own applications.

QRC Technologies 1211 Central Park Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA web: www.qrctech.com
Specifications are Subject to Change and are not Legally Binding.

QRC Sales voice: 540.446.2270 fax: 540.548.4080 Doc: CS-004 (27 January 2014)