Learn how Anritsu’s hands-on, instructor-led training gives turf vendors the ability to bid on and win carrier business
Telecom networks are evolving to support new LTE functionality including three- and four-channel carrier aggregation, 256 QAM, multiple-input, multiple-output and other functionalities meant to create a more robust experience for end users. As carriers continue to invest in network infrastructure, turf vendors are in need of highly-skilled, hybrid technicians trained to handle a wide-variety of technologies and field deployment scenarios.
From adding radios at the macro layer to help activate the 600 MHz spectrum recently auctioned by the FCC to working on in-building wireless installations that could include small cells, distributed antenna systems or even hybrid small cell/DAS builds, a well-trained field tech is a hot commodity. And, with 5G poised to go from standardization to commercialization rapidly between now 2020, demand is only going to grow.
Anritsu Customer Training Programs Manager Shawn Kelly told RCR Wireless News that a competitive technician “needs training that is very specific to the types of work they are performing daily. They often need to be certified to bid for projects and submit official closeout packages to the carriers.” For turf vendors, “Investing in the right tools and training reduces their costs, speeds up their work and makes them more competitive when bidding on carrier contracts.”
To help meet this pressing need, Anritsu is leveraging its extensive experience in building the hardware and software that keeps networks running efficiently and optimally to offer instructor-led training that provides a level of interaction and hands-on instruction with the test instruments not available in web-based programs.
Techs can attend a fast-paced, one-day fiber optic and OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) certification class that also covers a CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) site turn-up overview for crews testing fiber to the remote radio head. In addition to learning valuable skills, attendees are further able to learn the ins and outs of industry-leading tools like Anritsu’s Network Master Pro MT1000A.
Anritsu recently announced a new CPRI RF module that plugs into the MT1000A mainframe to offer not just CPRI RF tools, but also 10 Gb Ethernet and OTDR measurement capabilities in a single unit. This is a huge boon for field techs–fewer tools makes for more efficient, safer test and measurement processes. The new tool boasts the world’s fastest CPRI RF spectrum update to capture all types of interference; is compatible with 90% of remote radio heads (RRHs) from network infrastructure vendors including Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia; dual SFPs; pre-configured CPRI RRH setups to reduce time and errors; and Anritsu’s “Tune & Zoom” technology, which highlights interference signal in the center of the screen and allows techs to zoom in to conduct a granular analysis.
“This unique combination of measurements reduces the number of field instruments techs need to carry to install and maintain the current generation of cellular base stations and remote radio heads,” Kelly explained. “Add in our Video Inspection Probe accessory, and transport and backhaul engineers have an all-in-one toolbox for transport and fiber measurements at cell sites.”
Upcoming training sessions are scheduled for Aug. 11, in Cleveland, OH and Aug. 18 in Dallas, TX Click here to learn more about the valuable training and register to attend.
