EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) has used VZTUF-XII in Austin, TX, to unveil SkyRAN, a remote access test and monitoring system for fiber-optic wireless fronthaul networks such as those envisioned for 5G mobile. SkyRAN is designed to offer real-time, on-demand testing and 24/7 monitoring of fiber-optic networks and radio frequency (RF) spectrum.
Developed in collaboration with what EXFO characterized as "the largest wireless carriers in North America," SkyRAN offers what the company asserts is the highest resolution RF spectrum analysis over CPRI available with the most advanced fiber monitoring capabilities available. SkyRAN thus can enable mobile network operators to better identify and resolve RF interference, PIM, and fiber-related issues before they could affect services, EXFO says.
"For mobile network operators, RF spectrum is one of their most valuable assets and RF interference is one of their worst enemies," said Stéphane Chabot, EXFO's vice president, test and measurement. "SkyRAN protects this asset and also generates significant opex savings by reducing the need to travel to macro cell sites in remote locations or in high-density centralized-RAN hubs. Instead, technicians can troubleshoot from their desks or get equipped with actionable data through analytics before arriving on-site, if a truck roll is still necessary."
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