Racal Instruments Wireless Solutions (RIWS) has launched the 6401 AIME/CT ISHO, a system that tests the intersystem handover (ISHO) capability of mobile handsets.
The system combines the 2/2.5G test capabilities of RIWS’ 6103 GPRS AIME with its 3G protocol test system, the 6401 AIME/CT. RIWS describes the capability to test intersystem handover as a major milestone for the industry in building confidence in the performance of 3G networks and handsets.
Phil Medd, RIWS product manager for the 3G UE Protocol Test System said, “Intersystem handover has emerged as an issue since there is only a limited number of certified (119 out of 390) 3G test cases, most of which relate to basic operational features of network and system.
Medd said that the testing of calls in the 2G to 3G direction had so far been given low priority.
“The sheer volume is a problem. As such there has been very little work undertaken on areas such as intersystem handover, resulting in poor performance, such as dropped calls. The launch of our intersystem handover test platform gives manufacturers the confidence to deploy handsets,” he added.