EXFO delivers portable 5G RF spectrum analyzer

QUEBEC CITY — EXFO Inc., a communications industry’s test, monitoring and analytics company, introduced the 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer, a modular, field-focused radio frequency (RF) testing solution providing accurate visibility into 4G/LTE and 5G NR environments with the ability to analyze FR1(sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) bands using a single, field-upgradeable solution.

Mobile network operators need to support and maintain new 5G deployments as well as existing 4G/LTE installations. At the same time, cell densification and emerging 5G innovations, including beamforming and massive MIMO together with new mmWave spectrum and CBRS/C-bands, are making the RF environment complex to navigate for operators and field technicians. All this results in significant new operational challenges and the need for different, innovative test processes.

The 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer a field-tech optimized, scalable RF spectrum analyzer. It strikes the right balance between functionality and portability in a design that delivers accurate RF over-the-air (OTA) measurements.

“Operators need solutions that can help them deliver reliable 5G services to their customers quickly and efficiently—and the 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer does exactly that,” said Stéphane Chabot, EXFO’s Vice President, Test and Measurement. “We applied our field-focused expertise to RF testing, creating an innovative, modular solution that is ready to adapt as networks transform, one that helps operators resolve RF issues before they impact network capacity, quality of service, subscriber QoE or revenue.”

EXFO’s 5GPro Spectrum Analyzer is available on the FTB 5GPro test kit for a complete all-in-one solution used to validate 4G and 5G networks. In addition to RF testing, the FTB 5GPro supports fiber inspection and characterization, CPRI/eCPRI/O-RAN, RF spectrum analysis over CPRI, Ethernet (up to 100G) plus timing and synchronization. This comprehensive solution hopes to reduce the number of devices field technicians need to carry, aiming to speed up jobs and reducing overall total cost of ownership for operators and contractors.