Comprehensive Suite Enables Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi Testing of Converged Handsets
ACTON, MA - March 12, 2007 - Azimuth Systems, Inc., the leading provider of Wi-Fi engineering test equipment, today introduced the FMC Performance Test Solution which includes a comprehensive suite of automated test scripts that streamline the testing of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) products by service providers, handset manufacturers and semiconductor vendors. The complete solution provides more than twenty unique and repeatable performance tests on converged Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets over a broad range of real-world environment dynamics. The new suite enables vendors to prove that their handsets deliver the Wi-Fi quality of service required by end-users to drive rapid adoption of converged voice and data services.
“One of the hottest new market phenomena is fixed-mobile convergence. We expect that by 2011, 250 million users will be making and receiving phone calls over converged fixed-mobile networks and access points,” said Stuart Carlaw, director of Wireless Research at ABI Research. “Service providers need to ensure carrier-grade Wi-Fi solutions for these converged networks, and Azimuth's new FMC solution helps test the issues that end-users are most concerned about.”
The Azimuth FMC Performance Test Solution measures Wi-Fi performance in three areas that get the most attention from end-users: dropped calls, battery life and call quality. The tests allow users to thoroughly analyze the voice quality and data performance of converged Wi-Fi/Cellular handsets in a variety of range, roaming, hand-in/hand-out and environmental conditions. The tests also measure handset power consumption and battery life under various motion and traffic conditions. The automated scripts remotely control the device under test, generate/display statistics and reduce the testing process from weeks to days.
“Service providers need a reliable means to ensure the delivery of carrier-grade voice over Wi-Fi to end-users,” said Jeff Abramowitz, vice president of marketing at Azimuth Systems. “British Telecom, T-Mobile and other operators have purchased the Azimuth FMC Performance Test Solution because it provides comprehensive test coverage of their converged products.”
The basic software suite runs on Azimuth’s award-winning W-Series test platform and enables performance testing using the Test Engine methodology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance for certification testing of Wi-Fi devices. The complete FMC Performance Test Solution includes real-world environment dynamics such as background Wi-Fi traffic, RF interference, multipath fading and IP Network impairment conditions. Testing with multipath fading is accomplished by running the test scripts on Azimuth’s ACE™ 400NB channel emulator.
FMC Performance Test Solution Leverages the Azimuth Approach
The FMC Performance Test Solution leverages Azimuth’s patented testing approach for providing unmatched repeatability, flexibility and automation for wireless device and network testing. The six key elements of the Azimuth Approach include: DIRECTOR™ test executive to provide an easy-to-use console for test and device management; STUDIO™ database management software for automated report generation and correlation of test results; a Real2Real™ architecture that enables interoperability testing between real-world devices; TestMAC® technology to emulate clients and APs and to perform protocol behavior tests; SmartMotion™ technology to precisely control virtual motion between devices in the network and RadioProof® enclosures that isolate the RF environment.
About Azimuth Systems
Azimuth Systems is a leading provider of wireless data communications test solutions. Azimuth’s products are used by the world’s foremost wireless semiconductor, system vendors and service providers to speed time-to-market and improve wireless product quality. Azimuth’s standardized test solutions enable research, development, QA and marketing engineers to test the performance, conformance and certification of wireless devices and networks supporting data, voice and video applications. The company is based in Acton, Massachusetts and is backed by prestigious investors including Kodiak Venture Partners and North Bridge Venture Partners. Azimuth may be contacted at (978) 263-6610 or at www.azimuthsystems.com.
Azimuth®, TestMAC® and RadioProof® are registered trademarks of Azimuth Systems and ACE™, DIRECTOR™, STUDIO™ Real2Real™ and SmartMotion™ are trademarks of Azimuth Systems. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Contacts
Azimuth Systems, Inc.
Graham Celine,
978-268-9220
graham_celine@azimuthsystems.com
SVM Public Relations
Jill Colna,
401-490-9700
jill.colna@svmpr.com