Mobile Device Test System Assesses Performance of 3G Phones

In response to the ongoing and critical issue of high mobile device return rates, resulting from subscribers' limited tolerance of problems such as incomplete or dropped calls, interrupted data downloads and device lock-ups, Spirent Communications, has introduced a new UMTS Call Reliability Module for its 8100 Mobile Device Test System.

While the majority of commercially-available mobile devices are certified using established standards-based conformance tests, operators' experience of call performance issues suggest that these tests alone are no longer sufficient. The sheer complexity of current 3G network specifications and applications renders conformance testing as an unreliable predictor of how well a mobile device will perform under the full range of network conditions. Furthermore, conformance testing does not focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) that impact the quality of user experience.

"To ensure high subscriber satisfaction levels and reduce device return costs, network operators are increasingly keen to anticipate call reliability issues before mobile devices are commercially deployed," said Hesham ElHamahmy, senior director of business development at Spirent. "The traditional approach of extensive field trials is time-consuming and expensive. Spirent's 8100 UMTS Call Reliability module is the first solution to focus on identification and diagnosis of these key performance issues. Using the Spirent 8100 test system, real-world mobile behaviour under a wide range of handover and cell selection/reselection scenarios can now be established in the lab."

With accurate and repeatable emulation of real 3G network conditions, Spirent's new 8100 UMTS Call Reliability module helps capture the actual end-user experience. Developed with input from leading operators, it uses KPIs such as call drop rate, call setup failure rate during mobility and Inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology) handover scenarios to help operators make better device choices. These KPIs can be used to help reduce poor subscriber experiences, to save on costs associated with device returns and to control churn. The Spirent 8100 test system can also effectively benchmark device performance before commercial deployment. The system's automated collection and analysis of call data yield key metrics that can impact the end-user experience, helping to ensure device performance and subscriber satisfaction.

Posted to the site on 6th February 2008