Monitoring Network Problems

Schema, a provider of network optimization software, has announced that it has signed a license agreement with a major - but unnamed - North American wireless service provider. Under the agreement, the tier-1 wireless operator will deploy Mentor, Schema's mobile measurement based network optimization solution in its CDMA network. OK, it's either Verizon Wireless of Sprint Nextel.

Call quality measurement reports generated by the subscribers' handsets will allow the operator to view revenue-yielding hot spots as well as areas of service degradation and drop calls.

"The Tier-1 wireless operators' success with Mentor so soon after its announcement reflects its unique ability to provide information that gives network engineers an advantage in maintaining their network utilization at an optimal level, while improving its quality and capacity" commented Andy Silberstein, COO and President, Schema Inc. "Mentor's use of mobile measurements to provide an accurate picture of the network will enable the operator to move beyond the limits of drive tests and signal strength predictions, maximizing control of network KPI's. This ability is critical in maintaining market leadership amidst rapidly changing network conditions and evolving traffic patterns."

Mentor streamlines the complex and time consuming network maintenance and troubleshooting processes by automatically providing solutions to problems identified in the Radio Access Network (RAN). As subscribers move around the network and make use of their mobile handsets, mobiles are constantly engaged in complex interactions with the network that generate specialized quality of service reports that reflect the customer experience. Schema's Mentor analyzes this information, and reports on network performance and service quality. Mentor(tm) then delivers clear recommendations to optimize RAN parameters such as antenna tilts, power and neighbor lists. Network engineers can then implement these changes automatically and assure long-lasting peak network quality."

Posted to the site on 13th July 2006