F-Tester Wireless

Why did I get into product development?

We have been optimizing networks and developing tools for testing for a long time. The original F-Tester platform was created for testing wireless networks, specifically for the purpose of verifying connectivity in smart cities.

What problems does it solve for its customers?

There are some things people cannot do without an Internet connection today. The demands for data connectivity, especially for wireless connectivity always and everywhere, are constantly increasing. Data communication parameters must therefore be tested and measured. For this purpose, the F-Tester Wireless device developed at CTU in Prague can measure mobile networks and WiFi wireless networks, determine the current coverage, transmission speeds and responses, even while moving, typically while driving (drive-tests).

The advantage of our solution is the easy adaptability of the tests to user requirements and evaluation according to the current methodologies of the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTO). The tester is based on the open Linux operating system and commonly available tools. On top of this, it has built a sophisticated superstructure for defining test scenarios and their evaluation. It is intended for telecom operators, Internet providers, manufacturers and developers of various types of equipment, but it will also be welcomed by ICT department staff of larger institutions and companies for verifying connectivity and identifying problems and bottlenecks in the network.

F-Tester Wireless is already used by the Czech Telecommunications Office (Data Services Control Department Brno). Thanks to our flexibility, we are able to respond quickly to BEREC and CTU testing requirements. CTU uses F-Tester Wireless to verify the parameters of fixed and mobile networks. Among other things, CTU staff used TCP measurements corresponding to real customer behaviour, including the possibility of selecting different types of TCP algorithms.

Product development phase

F-Tester Wireless is available as a final product (dedicated HW with SW) for commercial use.

Method of commercialization

Distribution is handled by PROFiber Networking or can be ordered directly here. F-Tester Wireless can also be rented.

Technical specifications

The F-Tester Wireless is equipped with wireless modules in addition to the standard Ethernet 1Gbit/s interfaces and can thus directly measure mobile networks and WiFi wireless networks. The device is designed to measure parameters of communication networks based on the TCP/IP protocol family. A measurement scenario can be defined with any data profile (time sequence) of the generated data. The results of the performed measurements are then evaluated by correlated time histories of the response of the communication network in the form of the actual transmission rate, loop delay and error rate. The output of the analysis is clear graphs in vector PDF format. The system also saves the measured data in CSV format for further processing.

Fixed networks

• 1GE data interface 2 x RJ-45 Ethernet 10/100/1000BASE-T in network bridge mode

• monitoring interface RJ-45 Ethernet 10/100/1000BASE-T, DB9 - RS232

Wireless networks (depending on the specific type of module installed, features may vary)

• RF connector type - SMA, 50Ω impedance

• LTE module Cat 18 (3GPP Rel. 12)

• GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou

• Wi-Fi module IEEE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n, 3x3MIMO 2.4/5GHz

• NB-IoT module

Other technical parameters:

• 256 GB SSD (can be increased).

• Power supply: 12 V DC, maximum power consumption 12 W (external adapter from 230V AC)

• operating temperature range: 0º - 85º C

• Control and monitoring: WEB interface, terminal

• Degree of protection: IP40

F-Tester Wireless design with front panel detail with connectors.

F-Tester Wireless design with detail on RF connectors connected to communication modules.

Detail of the F-Tester Wireless in use during a drive test

Typical downlink transmission rate measurement using TCP (3 streams) while driving with typical test sections.