What is RF Drive Test (Testing)?

Every good RF design, after its implantation should be evaluated. There are few ways to do this, for example through analysis of KPI (Key Performance Indicator) or through prediction tools and signal interference. Other very common and efficient way to evaluate the network is conducting a Drive Test. But what is it?

e name is intuitive: take a drive test. The Drive Test is a test performed in cellular networks regardless of technology (GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, etc. …). Means collecting data on vehicle movement. Its variation has also intutive: Walk Test, ie, collect data by walking areas of interest.

The analysis of drive test are fundamental for the work of any professional in the field of IT and Telecom comprising two phases: data collection and data analysis.

Although through the analysis of KPI’s we can identify problems such as dropped calls, among others, the drive tests allow a deeper analysis in field. Identifying areas of each sector of coverage, interference, evaluation of network changes and various other parameters.

Then let’s know more about this technique, and know what we can do with it?

What Is RF Drive Test?

RF Drive Test, as already mentioned, is the procedure to perform a test while driving. The vehicle does not really matter, you can do a drive test using a motorcycle or bicycle. What matters is the hardware and software used in the test.

• A notebook - or other similar device (1)
• with collecting Software installed (2),
• a Security Key - Dongle - common to these types of software (3),
• at least one Mobile Phone (4),
• one GPS (5),
• and a Scanner – optional (6).

Also is common the use of adapters and / or hubs that allow the correct interconnection of all equipment.

Is Drive Testing a good job in Telecommunications or not?

If you are a fresher then definitely you should go for it .And Even if you are not a fresher then also if you like to start learning optimization of any technology be it GSM or UMTS or LTE you should do drive test and learn basics of that tech.

You will see how the signal strength varies and what are the challenges in improving singal strength and quality .What are the roles of site and and its surroundings in giving a seemless coverage to its subscribers etc.

How can you troubleshoot site hardware like bts and antenna and how can you adjust the tilt and direction of antenna to change coverage are some of the valuable experience that you can get from drive test.

If you haven't done drive test in the beginning of the RF career then you may find it difficult to understand optimization of network.

Drive Test is conducted for checking coverage criteria of a cell site with RF drive test tool. The data collected by drive test tool as Log files is analyzed to evaluate various RF parameters of the network. Drive Route and Site Data for the sites to be driven is taken from customer Drive Test LOG File of the specified Drive Route / Site is saved and the same will be handed over to customer at the end of the day DT Resource identify routine field optimization issues like cable swapping, missing neighbors etc., and rectify the same with the help of the customer

Optimization is carried out in the network to Minimize the call drop and RF interference in the network Increase the indoor & outdoor coverage and better speech quality

Network Optimization Tools Used are as the following: TEMS Investigation Agilent E6474A Neptune CDMA Air Interface Tester (CAIT) TEMS DeskCat Actix Analyzer For more:  Drive Test Engineer Jobs

RFTechnician jobs

Rf Technicians or radio mechanics are responsible for installing and maintaining RF systems. These professionals work with equipment such as cellular phone antennas, amplifiers, two-way radios, satellite systems, and Internet access points, and complete the following duties: assembling systems, testing signal strength, maintaining records, troubleshooting technical problems, and providing instructions to customers. Resume samples for Rf Technician highlight assets such as technical skills, problem solving, troubleshooting, effective communication, teamwork, and computer competences. Employers choose resumes displaying a degree in an electronics-related field.

Network Operations Center (NOC) Design: Best Practices

Network Operations Center (NOC) Design: Best Practices

Below mentioned best practices are recommended by ExterNetworks to improve the overall effectiveness of the NOC design and to alleviate monitoring risks.

1. Vendor Ticket Management: A Vendor ticketing system showcases all the information related to the open tickets such as priority task, urgent issues, the person who is handling the task, and the pending issues. It eases the daily routine work & also help in providing the best services to the customers.
2. Incident Management: Identify the incident, find the underlying problem and fix it immediately to ensure the operation is running smoothly & the business is not affected.
3. Standard Monitoring Policy: Define and implement standard monitoring policy & procedures for performance forecasting and capacity monitoring for Telecom network infrastructure.
4. Root Cause Analysis: Use Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify root problems for performance improvement & easy connectivity.
5. Documentation & Reporting: Track & document each and every issue to maintain a healthy knowledge base.
6. Escalation: The roles & responsibilities with the appropriate designation is required for every employee working in a NOC. Sometimes the problems are too complex to be resolved by level-1 or level-2 engineers & thus the same need to be escalated to the higher management for assistance.

Managing a Network Operations Center (NOC) –

A typical Network Operations Center (NOC) employs NOC engineers & NOC technicians to monitor large computers & servers from a centralized location. Their duties include:

• Net flow, server, & endpoint monitoring
• Hardware & Software installation
• Network Analysis & Troubleshooting
• Monitor common threats, viruses & DOS attacks.
• Alarms handling & performance improvement
• Monitor power failures & system backups.

Many issues may arise that get in the way of optimal network function, dealing with these problems quickly and efficiently is the duty of the network engineer. Examples of these common issues include DDoS attacks, power outages, network crashes, and black-holes in routing.

A network operations center (NOC) may have personnel who install routers or software like firewalls, but they don’t function as a help desk. The IT help desk & NOC team are different and the terms cannot be used interchangeably. The Helpdesk deals directly with clients whereas the NOC team ensures the client’s uptime is maintained.

Network Operation Center

A network operations center (NOC) is a central location from which network administrators manage, control and monitor one or more networks. The overall function is to maintain optimal network operations across a variety of platforms, mediums and communications channels.

Large network service providers are associated with network operation centers, which feature a visual representation of the networks being monitored and workstations where detailed network statuses are monitored. Software is employed to help manage the networks. Telecommunications, television broadcast and computer networks are controlled through network operations centers.

Network operations centers are also known as network management centers.

A network operation center monitors the telecommunication network for alarms or certain conditions that may require special attention in order to avoid impact on network performance. They monitor power failures, communication line alarms and performance issues that may affect networks. NOCs are capable of analyzing problems, performing troubleshooting, communicating with site technicians and tracking problems until they are resolved. Network operation centers serve as the main focal point for software troubleshooting, software distribution, and updating router and domain name management in coordination with affiliated networks and performance monitoring.

Network operation centers include rows of desk facing video walls, which display significant alarm details, ongoing incidents and general network performance. The back walls of network operation centers are glazed and an attached room is used by members of the team responsible for dealing with serious incidents. Individual desks are assigned to specific technology. Technicians have numerous monitors on their desks with extra monitors used to monitor systems covered from the desk.