How EXFO and Sunsight provide a unified solution for efficient wireless network management
EXFO and Sunsight have teamed up to offer contractors and mobile network operators (MNOs) a complete toolkit for the efficient certification and maintenance of cell site installations. The synergy of the combined expertise delivers best-in-class tools that ensure installations and physical site upgrades meet RF design specifications, giving tower crews the confidence and peace of mind that the job is done right from the get-go.
EXFO’s RAN Toolkit includes the following essential test equipment:
The FIP-435B wireless fiber inspection scope
Connector contamination remains one of the top reasons for wireless network failures. Fiber inspection is a critical step to guaranteeing 5G network performance. Techs sometimes think that because a fiber comes with a dust cap or inside plastic is clean, but too many times that isn’t the case at all.
Benefits of the FIP-435B include:
- 100% automated for single fiber connectors, one-step inspection process
- Screenless operation enabled by pass/fail LED indicator
- On-board connector end face analysis (IEC or custom standards)
- Feature-rich ConnectorMax2 mobile application compatible with Android™ and iOS™ devices
- Full reporting capabilities on mobile devices and EXFO test platforms
- All-day battery life that
- MF-ready scopes compatible with single-fiber and automated multifiber tips
- Manufacturing automation using REST API available upon request
The Optical Explorer optical fiber multimeter
The Optical Explorer quickly measures multiple key optical parameters such as loss (dB), optical return loss (dB), length (meters), and power (dBm). It helps technicians verify fiber optic link health and troubleshoot potential issues.
Benefits of the Optical Explorer include:
- Displays fiber link KPIs (length, loss, ORL, and power) in under 3 seconds, through single-ended testing
- On-the-spot detection and location of common causes of failures using EXFO’s patent-pending Fault Explorer
- Intelligent device:
- No settings required
- Contextual wavelength auto-selection
- Built-in expertise to interpret link KPIs with patent-pending EXFO Advisor (5-star ranking system)
- Diagnosis with suggested corrective actions
- Built-in light source and power checker (dual-band available)
- Standalone go/no-go tester for day-to-day installation/repairs or paired with EXFO’s mobile app for cloud storage and full documentation of jobs
- Save on cost of ownership: lifetime calibration, no factory returns thanks to patent-pending Click-Out optical connector
- Rechargeable battery for over 10 hours of use on a single charge
- 3-year warranty
A game changer: Sunsight’s AAT Mini Antenna Alignment Tool
Accurate antenna alignment is critical during wireless network installation. Communication service providers invest significantly in the planning and designing of wireless and microwave networks and ensuring proper alignment during installation is key to meeting coverage objectives. As discussed in a previous blog, Why accurate antenna alignment is crucial in RAN networks, improper alignment can lead to coverage gaps, degraded network performance, higher operational costs, and lost revenue.
Achieving accurate antenna alignment requires more than just manual effort. This is where Sunsight's AAT Mini Antenna Alignment Tool comes into play. Sunsight's AAT Mini stands out as a reliable, efficient, and precise solution for antenna alignment, making it an essential asset for both telecom contractors and MNOs. Here are some reasons why:
Accuracy and precision
Sunsight’s AAT Mini provides high-precision measurements for azimuth, tilt, roll, and height, and GPS coordinates ensuring that antennas are aligned to exact specifications. The result is improved signal quality, leading to enhanced network performance. In a market where even, minor misalignments can impact user experience, Sunsight’s tool guarantees that antennas are installed and maintained with pinpoint accuracy.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
One of the key advantages of Sunsight’s AAT Mini is its ability to significantly reduce installation times. The tool's quick capture feature enables faster alignment, helping technicians complete their tasks efficiently. Moreover, the high level of accuracy means fewer site revisits and re-climbs, translating to cost savings in both time and labor. For network operators, this reduction in downtime and improved network performance drives lower overall operational costs.