Is your Churn Due to a Bad Antenna System?
It is estimated that estimated that 40% of antenna system components fail in mature wireless networks, which consequently has an adverse affect on network performance. It is recommended to perform periodic antenna system sweeps to detect and address issues that are otherwise undetectable through typical network monitoring systems. Request a quote
Periodic Antenna Sweeps
Line and Antenna Sweep Testing, in the wireless telecommunication industry, was once the main type of testing relied upon for performance certification of a new or recently modified RF system being placed into service on an existing network. This equipment is designed to measures the impedances and phase matching of the components in a system that is about to be integrated into the network.
While this type of testing has not been replaced by any other type, the introduction of new technology, such as wireless high speed data transfer has brought about the need for a more sensitive type of testing equipment and procedures to be added to the existing type of testing that we do. The additional testing process allows the carrier to achieve maximum performance from their wireless network. We have invested in the new type of test equipment and have become very proficient with this type of testing. The intended result of this testing is to create greater performance of the cell phone network that we have come to rely on so heavily.
Common return loss failures for a system sweep include:
- Loose or improperly torqued connectors.
- Moisture in connectors and cables caused by improperly applied or failed weather sealant
Distance-to-fault measurements are an excellent tool for troubleshooting problem sites. Site-commissioning baseline data can be compared to subsequent measurements to determine deteriorating site conditions such as cable/component aging, loose or damaged connectors, and changes due to seasonal temperature variations. Although this is not an accurate method for measuring return loss amplitude, the accuracy of this response is not critical as long as it is repeatable when comparing subsequent measurements.
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