Anite, Elektrobit collaborate on drive-testing Band 14 public safety networks

Test and measurement companies Anite and Elektrobit (EB) have collaborated to develop a drive test system for Band 14 LTE public safety networks. 
The First Responders Network Authority, or FirstNet, is developing a Band 14 network domestically that is still in the planning stages on a national basis; but pilot projects are already underway in multiple jurisdictions around the country. FirstNet’s board voted this spring to proceed with a preliminary strategic roadmap for the network, and test companies are positioning themselves to support the evaluation of the new public safety network as it evolves. Anritsu announced earlier this year that it has the first PTCRB-approved protocol test cases for IMS emergency services.
Anite and EB said that they have demonstrated interoperability between Anite’s Nemo Outdoor solution for drive testing, and Elektrobit’s EB Specialized Device Platform (SDP).
Anite noted that Nemo Outdoor has been used for testing TETRA public safety networks in Europe for the past decade. Now both Nemo Outdoor and Anite’s Nemo FSR1 frequency scanner can support the new Band 14-capable chipsets and devices.
The two companies said that the interoperability of the device platform and testing solution “will strengthen both companies’ product capabilities targeted to the public safety market.” Anite announced recently that it has sold its travel segment in order to focus on its wireless test and measurement business.
“New LTE networks are increasingly being designed for specific purposes, such as public safety, security and industrial applications,” said Kai Ojala, CTO of Anite’s networ testing business. “These networks are often interlinked with legacy systems using configurations and custom applications that require advanced testing capabilities.”
Ojala went on to say that the collaboration with EB “is an investment in the future and enables our customers to thoroughly test their network and applications before launch.”
Jani Lyrintzis, vice president of Elektrobit’s wireless business segment development and sales in the U.S., said that the company’s customers “often need to test their purpose-built LTE systems in the field. With Anite we have built a system that not only does the job, but does it extremely wel and provides immediate results that benefit the whole LTE Band 14 ecosystem.”