Even as vendors grab news pages with reports of successful live calls over their third-generation networks, one piece is often left out: behind every live call is a test. And tests are not always pretty.
Major phone makers and builders of networks like Nokia Corp., Motorola Inc., Nortel Networks Corp. and L.M. Ericsson have jockeyed for the spotlight in telling the world that their networks are alive and humming. Strikingly, each of them claims to be the first to perform the tests.
“Before any live call is successful, it has to conform to standards specifications,” noted Robert Johnson, vice president, North American operations at Anite Telecom, which performs tests for some of the major manufacturers.
Such standards are set by organizations like the Third Generation Partnership Project. Companies such as Anite, Rhode Shwartz and Anritsu perform these tests to ensure that they are ready for operation.
These announcements are like the final showings of actors after many rehearsal t.”
The other challenge is interoperability, which entails connecting different air-interface technology platforms. Hill said this often pertains to connecting GSM to wideband CDMA, especially for companies that have limited legacy experience.
“It’s a huge challenge,” he said.
The third challenge, he said, is securing engineers to write the software, which is code specific. The code is Tree and Tubular combined notation.
“The protocol is very complex,” he said, adding that the vendors partner with some testing companies to write the codes for GSM.
Qualcomm and Nortel Networks jointly announced they made an end-to-end, live cdma2000 1x mobile Internet protocol call, which allows data to be transferred across 3G packet networks.
“This effort between QCT and Nortel Networks in delivering an end-to-end mobile IP system solution to our respective customers demonstrates commitment and leadership by both companies in driving the deployment of 3G wireless systems and servicesility development,” said J.T. Bergqvist, senior vice president, Nortel Networks.
In March, Motorola Inc. reported that its Global Telecom Solutions Sector transmitted live video over its cdma2000 1xEV-DV solution in its laboratory in Arlington Heights, Ill., which enables real-time voice, data and multimedia services.
“From a network operator’s standpoint, our solution, which involves a simple card replacement and software upgrade to their existing network, helps to protect their investments and allows simultaneous high-speed transmission of data and voice,” said Fred Wright, GTSS senior vice president and general manager of the North America region.
Ericsson said it conducted its live end-to-end W-CDMA call April 16 on Vodafone’s networks in the United Kingdom.
“We are expanding our networks and adding increased data rates,” commented Lars Nilsson, the company’s manager of strategic marketing.
