Expert View

December 5, 2003
K15 enables faster resolution of quality problems

Geetanjali Wadhwa & Pradeep Chakraborty

NEW DELHI -- Tektronix recently introduced the K15, a new 3G test platform, that will enable a new level of analysis for both operators and manufacturers. The platform is the first-to-market 3G operation and maintenance test, cuts 3G trouble ticket resolution from hours to minutes, and simplifies complex 3G analysis and automatic Iub systems configuration. Convergence plus met up with Enrico Zanoio, product manager, Tektronix Padova SpA, Italy, V. Srinivasan, director, South Asia marketing and sales, Tektronix (India) Ltd., and Viraj Pradhan, business manager, Tektronix (India) Ltd., to find out more about K15's capabilities. Excerpts from an interview:

Convergence plus: What are the prevailing trends in T&M today?

Enrico Zanoio: The introduction of new technologies, such as GPRS, cdma2000 and W-CDMA is bringing new opportunities. For example, the introduction of GPRS networks means that operators must have either the expertise or hire people with such experience to configure the test and measurement equipment. A deep knowledge of the product is required.

The problems facing several operators today is that before troubleshooting, they have to configure their equipment. This may take days and hours. They are trying to reduce the time. The Tektronix K15 solves all these problems as it can be configured within minutes.

Viraj Pradhan: Change is always good for subscribers and the T&M industry. It brings evolution. Earlier, we had SS7 networks, then GSM, followed by roaming. Now, we have GSM and GPRS networks, and later, we will be moving on to EDGE networks. Operators are discussing alternatives and EDGE is a clear alternative. GSM operators also need to be on par with Reliance's network.

CP: What is unique about the K15 protocol test platform?

EZ: The ability to deliver peak network performance is key to operators whose profitability is dependant on successful end-user adoption of mobile network services. As complex 3G networks go live, and operate with the existing 2.5G and 2G systems, operators must be able to address a new set of quality of service issues faster than ever in order to meet subscriber expectations. Operators and manufacturers require a class of protocol test tools that enable them to identify and analyse the source of service degradation in real time, allowing resolution within minutes. With unmatched application software, including the first real-time multi-interface call trace for 2/2.5/3G networks, the K15 protocol test platform is equipped to address these network issues and enable faster resolution of quality problems under normal and heavy traffic conditions.

K15 will enable a new level of analysis for operators and manufacturers.

V. Srinivasan: Through technical innovation and a true understanding of customer needs, Tektronix brings to the market the most powerful troubleshooting software available to enable effective operation and maintenance strategies, and sustainable profitability for network operators and equipment manufacturers. With its new K15 platform and a suite of application software solutions designed to meet the most demanding network needs, Tektronix raises the bar for protocol analysis and performance and maintains its reputation for having the most comprehensive instrument in the market.

CP: You mentioned the concept of trouble ticket. What does it take care of?

EZ: The trouble ticket is a report about a specific problem. For example, when service degradation is reported, a message or a trouble ticket is sent to the operator's operation and maintenance technician. It is critical to an operator's business that the technician resolves each trouble ticket as soon as it is received. As the current test systems only allow call trace on a single interface and in offline mode, it can take hours or days to resolve tickets. In addition, when monitoring the Iub interface in the radio access area of UMTS networks, technicians may need to restart the UMTS base station (node B) to obtain the necessary parameters to configure the monitoring applications. This further complicates and delays maintenance and troubleshooting measurements.

The K15 and supporting application software will enable operators to resolve trouble tickets within minutes with first-to-market, real-time multi-interface call trace and automatic UMTS Iub configuration. The real-time troubleshooting capabilities of the K-15 application software allow technicians to automatically configure monitoring parameters, correlate data coming from multiple interfaces and locate the root cause of faults while sustaining high data capture rates.

CP: So, the K-15 reduces time for solving problems? Don't you need any background for operating it?

EZ: As I mentioned earlier, the time to identify problems and the complexities of new technologies is such that the operators cannot afford to hire expertise. They may even hire people with lesser experience. These are some of the challenges being faced by the operator community. The K15 reduces the overhead time for identifying problems.

The configuration of T&M equipment is changing continuously. It is almost impossible to configure manually as it takes a lot of time. The K15 can be configured very quickly. For instance, the most critical factor in UMTS for real-time multi-interface call trace is the Iub interface. And yes, you will need to have a basic technical background in the packet switched environment.

CP: When you speak of UMTS, does it support W-CDMA and other such technologies?

EZ: Yes. We also support TD-SCDMA, TD-CDMA and all other wideband technologies. We have a partnership with Datang in China for developing the necessary protocols for TD-SCDMA. To meet the design requirements for such devices, companies such as Datang Mobile need new, more versatile test equipment. Tektronix's WCA200A series wireless communication analysers meet these challenges by providing advanced modulation analysis, one-button measurements, versatile troubleshooting and real-time spectrum analysis in one instrument to effectively enable equipment development.

CP: Will you consider managing networks as well?

VP: We do not see ourselves as managers of networks, but certainly as consultants for managing networks. You will soon see the K15 deployed in India and it will remain there for the next five to seven years. It is not easy to create such a new product everyday.

Contact:
Tektronix (India) Ltd.
www.tek.com