SeeWave Training v1

SeeWave Training
January 2020
Agenda
❑ SeeWave Overview
❑ SeeWave Installation and Activation
❑ SeeWave Setup
❑ SeeWave Application
❑ Interference Overview
❑ Radio Propagation
❑ Interference Mechanisms with Case Studies
2
CONFIDENTIAL – PCTEL INTERNAL USE ONLY
SeeWave Overview
PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 3

SeeWave Hardware
SeeGull® Scanning Receiver: SeeWave Handheld Host Platform
IBflex®, EXflex®, or MXflex™ contains a digital compass, pre-amplifier,
scanner equipped with Enhanced bearings trigger, and tablet mount.
Power Scan for Spectrum Analysis.
Tablet for touchscreen

optimized software.
Walk test kit to carry

scanner and hot swap Antenna choices of a 690 MHz to 6 GHz Log Periodic, 440
battery system. MHz to 480 MHz Yagi antenna, or COTS Yagi antenna.
4
SeeWave Benefits
❑ No need to purchase a separate spectrum analyzer
‒ Commercial advantage: Use the IBflex scanner for both drive testing and
interference hunting
❑ Ease of use
‒ With tablet computer (i.e. user interference) mounted to the antenna, free
hand is available to use touch screen to adjust parameters and save data
❑ Good battery life 4 to 7.5 hours on tablet
‒ While scanning continuously, tablet battery life is extended to ~8 hours if
tablet is initially fully charged
‒ Scanner battery life is dependent on battery/scanner type. Batteries are
hot swappable. No need to stop the test.
• Typically 4 to 7 hours
❑ Versatility
‒ N-type antenna connector allows usage of 3rd party COTS Yagi antennas
5
SeeWave Installation and Activation

• Install the SeeWave and Connect APK that came with the zip package.
• To activate your license:

Launch SeeWave and access About from the Home Menu to access license information.
7
Press Activate to start the activation process with the entered URL, this will bring the user to the following screen:
• Enter the activation ID provided and press Activate
8
License should be activated as seen above.
9
SeeWave Setup

SeeWave Setup
Micro USB cord
The host platform connects the SeeGull scanning
connects host
platform to tablet. receiver to the antenna and tablet-controlled
Trigger saves software. It includes a digital compass and a pre-
bearings. amplifier for accurate direction finding. These
internal workings are sensitive – although
SeeWave’s outer shell is ruggedized plastic, care
must be taken to avoid internal damage or loose
Cable port out connections
connects to
SeeGull
scanning
receiver’s
USB, RF,
GPS, safety
tether, and
power source.
Male N-connector
attaches antenna.
11
Connecting to PCTEL scanner
1) USB
2) GPS
3) RF1- Connect the antenna cable from the Host
Platform to RF1. .
4) Safety Tether: Screw into scanner close to the
USB or COM port to protect the USB input and
other cords from disconnecting during any
unexpected pulling or tugging on the SeeWave
connection cable that may occur during testing.
5) Power Source-When using an HBflex scanner,
connect the power cable to the external battery
pack.
12
SeeWave Application

SeeWave Application Setup
Home: Returns the user to the Home Screen shown in Figure
Choosing this option when a session is open will close the current session.
Previous Sessions: Prompts a list of previous sessions for the user to

select. Choosing this option when a session is open will close the current
session
Brings the user to the Settings section, allowing changes to multiple

application specific settings. Choosing this option when a session open will
close the current session
About: Opens the about section, showing support and license information of
the application.
Help: Opens this user guide.
14
Settings Screen The Settings screen allows users to edit and customize multiple options. The
corresponding Apply Settings button must be used to complete any changes.
The Settings tab is divided into six major sections.
1. Session Settings:
• Session Name: Label the scanning session for future analysis.
1. Map Settings:
• Triangulation Polygon: Checked includes, while unchecked excludes the
triangulation polygon on the Maps tab.
• Tile Directory: Browse device for available map tiles.
1. Audio Settings: Audio Tone: Drop down menu to select tone style for
user preference.
Band Settings:
Custom Band Lists: When enabled, gives the user the option to filter
the scanner band list using custom filters instead of showing the full
capability list.
Selected Bands List: Provides a dropdown for the user to select a
custom list.
15
Settings Screen Antenna Settings:
Amplifier: Drop down menu to select amplification level in dB. Increasing the
amplifier will boost the power level of small signals for easier visual
identification in the Spectrum Chart tab. Default is 0. Setting is saved when the
application is closed.
0 – bypass
10
30
Attenuation: Drop down menu to select attenuation level in dB. Increasing the
attenuator reduces the received power of the entire signal. The same signal
strength will be displayed in the Spectrum Chart tab, except that the noise
floor will be raised by number of dBs selected. Default is 0. Setting is saved
when the application is closed.
0
10
20
30
Antenna: Drop down menu allows for four choices for SeeWave antennas.
Antenna gain and cable loss is automatically accounted for by SeeWave.
Setting is saved when the application is closed.
OP436 Antenna, 690 MHz – 6 GHz Log Periodic (compact).
OP409 Antenna, 690 MHz – 6 GHz Log Periodic
OP410 Antenna, 440 MHz – 480 MHz Yagi.
Custom: User must enter antenna gain. User is responsible for
operating SeeWave within the selected antenna’s frequency range.
16
SeeWave Application Setup
Open/Close Session Menu
New Session: Allows users to setup, begin, and record new scans
under a session. Sessions are groups of scans that can be
organized at the user’s discretion by location, date, or saved name
from the Settings tab, the user can name the session and select a
location on the tablet to save. The current session will be labeled
in the bottom right corner of each SeeWave page
Load from Workspace: Allows users to load workspace data that was
saved from a previous session. Workspace includes all settings
chosen in the Scan Setup tab.
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Scan Setup
• Select Band: Allows the user to select one of the existing bands to be
scanned by the connected scanning receiver. All bands currently supported
by the connected scanner are displayed in the dropdown.
• Start Frequency (MHz): Select a start frequency within the selected band to
determine the start frequency of the spectrum scan.
• Stop Frequency (MHz): Select a stop frequency within the selected band to
determine the stop frequency of the spectrum scan.
• Center Frequency (MHz): Select a center frequency within the selected
band. This will determine the starting point for the primary Marker (M)
within the spectrum chart.
• Span Frequency (MHz): Select the span frequency which fixes the start,
stop frequency and the center frequency. The span frequency must be a
multiple of 100 kHz for RBW above 100 kHz and multiple of 10 kHz for
RBW under 100 kHz.
• Resolution Bandwidth (kHz): Select the RBW for the spectrum scan. The
minimum allowable RBW is 5 kHz. It allows increments in multiples of 2.5
kHz up to the size of the selected bandwidth (up to 18,000 kHz).
The RBW determines the number of bins and data points that will display on the X-axis as power levels and depicted as a colored trace line
on the Spectrum Chart.
A higher RBW value will display fewer bins and less data points, but will have a wider frequency range to view. A lower RBW will display
more bins and data points for a more detailed analysis, but over a narrower frequency range. Table 3 below provides the user a reference
on standard levels of RBW and each corresponding frequency range
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TD-LTE Scan Setup Checking the “TDD in Service” box will reveal the TDD settings menu in scan
setup. The band dropdown will be filtered to show in-service TD-LTE bands.
Bandwidth and channel
will have initial values depending on the selected TD-LTE band.
TDD Settings
• Bandwidth: Input bandwidth value from drop down menu.
• Channel: Input channel.
Status message will appear as Not Synchronized. Press the Sync button to
synchronize the bandwidth and channel and calculate the Time Offset.
Synchronization should take no more than 10 seconds
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TD-LTE Scan Setup
If successful, SeeWave will detect the uplink, downlink and special subframe
configuration of the TDD network. Time offset is displayed in chips.
After the sync is complete, the special subframe configuration and the DL CP
would be auto filled. The status message would show as synchronized.
User can then select whether they want to do Sub-frame measurement or
Guard Period (GP) measurement.
For sub-frame measurement:

Time offset will autofill after a successful sync. Users can select the
appropriate sub-frame to scan on the uplink or the downlink. Default selection
is sub-frame 2 for the uplink.
For Guard Period measurement:

User can select UL CP and the Symbol for which power needs to be
measured from the drop down.
Time offset will autofill after a successful sync. Users can select the
appropriate sub-frame to scan on the uplink or the downlink. Default selection
is sub-frame 2 for the uplink.
A new sync is recommended at each new location
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Scan Chart Screen
1. Menu Bar: The menu bar contains all controls for playing, recording
and adding new scans as well as navigation to map, help and
session specific controls. Note that the controls pertain to both
scans, not just the selected one
2. Scan Chart: Displays charts for spectrum analysis. This section can
be set to show one spectrum chart, or divided into two to also display
a second spectrum chart from scan 2, or a waterfall spectrogram.
3. This panel contains controls for determining if Marker 1 and Marker
2 will be shown in Scan 1 or Scan 2 as well as information on power
levels and frequencies of the Markers. Scan Markers panel can be
expanded or hidden by tapping the icon
4. Compass: This panel shows which cardinal direction SeeWave’s
antenna is pointing when calibrated. Compass panel can be
expanded or hidden by tapping icon
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Scan Chart Menu
Home Menu button. Displays SeeWave’s Home menu.
Scan tab select. Highlighted icon indicates current selected scan

Scanview configuration. 2-way split between active scan spectrum and Spectrogram or 4-way split of spectrum
and Spectrograms of both scans
Start/Pause Scans button. User must start the scan to do any data collection. This button only starts or pauses the scan, it does not
start recording.
Stop Scans button, this also stops recording.

Start scan recording button / scan recording status. Data from the scan later be analyzed in playback mode. The data is stored in
the location as set up by the user in the Settings menu.
Map Button, opens Map Screen.

Image Capture. Takes a screenshot of the current screen contents.
Help button the help interface.
Closes the session. If the session is in recording status when tapped, the session will stop recording after
confirmation from the user . 22
Spectrum Chart • X-Axis: Frequency being scanned
• Y-Axis: Power Measurement for each frequency
• Blue line tracing actual power measurements of the scan in

real time
• Bandwidth Indicators: The indicators at the edge of the chart

(dark blue in the above figure) indicate the scan’s start and
stop frequency. These parameters are selected on the Scan
Setup screen and start on each edge of the scan. They can be
moved by either dragging the line itself or the corresponding
icon on the frequency scale.
Selected Frequency Marker: This Primary Marker (M) is a bar in the

spectrum chart (light blue in the above figure) that must be a value
between the start and stop frequency values. The marker depicts the
frequency that determines bearings on potential interference source
location for triangulation calculations on the Map screen. The marker
is originally set on the Scan Setup screen as the Center Frequency
of the Start/Stop range.
Marker 1 and Marker 2 (orange and green in the above figure) are
also available to mark specific frequencies for tracking or
comparison purposes. These markers will not affect directional
bearings or triangulation.
The 3 Marker bars can be moved in the same way as the Start/Stop
frequency indicators.
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Spectrum Chart
Toggles blue line display of the minimum trace of the power
measurements over the scan .
Toggles green line display of the maximum trace of the power
measurements over the scan.
Toggles orange line display of the average trace of the
power measurements over the scan.
Wideband button: Return the scan back to the original

Wideband Scan parameters that determine the bandwidth
range for scanning
Selected Frequencies button: Focuses the scan from the top-level
of the Wideband Scan to the narrower parameters that are set by
the bandwidth indicators (dark blue in the figure) The scan will
reset and the spectrum chart will now display the new frequency
range indicators along the X-axis. The RBW can also be adjusted
in unison. A decrease in RBW value will show more data points
that create the tracing lines of power measurements. A narrow
range of frequencies combined with more data points will make it
easier for the user to hone in on potential interference on exact
frequency values.
Fullscreen mode. Shows an enlarged full screen view of either
Spectrum Chart or Spectrogram, hiding the other view in the
process.
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Spectrum Chart
The spectrogram (waterfall) chart is a chronological, linear visual
representation of each scan sweep. The chart display is chronological, with
the oldest data capture being pushed – moving down and falling off the
waterfall as new data continuously moves in from the top.
The column on the left corresponds to power levels and is represented by a
user-selected color scheme. The X-axis contains the frequencies scanned.
If there is a consistent disruption on a particular frequency over a period of
time, a vertical line pattern will occur in the form of an extreme of the user-
selected color scheme over a frequency range – in this example several red
lines between the 930 and 936 Mhz. Disruptions with less power or an
intermittent disruption with a less consistent frequency may appear in the
middle of the user-selected color scheme over a frequency range – in this
example, yellow/green around 940 to 943 MHz
The spectrogram is particularly helpful to detect intermittent interferers over a
time period. When a live or playback scan is stopped or paused, the user can
drag a grey Marker on the spectrogram from the top (first data point that
corresponds in real time with the yellow line in the spectrum chart) down over
an intermittent interferer.
25
Map Screen
The Map Screen is a visual
representation that uses
SeeWave’s directional antenna,
GPS location, and digital
compass. Data from the
spectrum and spectrogram
charts on interfering
frequencies can be converted to
a visual directional bearing on
the source of interference.
Before starting a test at an

outdoor location without any
internet connection, please
download the maps for the
location where user intends to
test. Must have an internet
connection.
Click on Download Map and

zoom into the location. Click on
Download and the map will be
saved to the tablet.
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Bearings and Triangulation
Bearings are calculated based on the primary Marker for the

corresponding scan.
There are two methods to take the bearing readings
Automatic Mode: Hold down the trigger and rotate the antenna 360 deg
clockwise and anti-clockwise. Release the trigger. Software will
automatically calculate the strongest power level and the direction of the
interference to display on the map.
Manual Mode: Sweep the antenna over the desired angle of the
interferer. When the power level spikes, press the trigger. Bearing will be
recorded.
Triangulation:
At least 3 bearing readings must be recorded to do a triangulation. Select
the required bearings from the list and click Triangulate. SeeWave will
calculate the intersection area where the interference source is located.
This intersection zone will be a polygon, and will include a dot on the
estimated location of the interference source.
Multiple triangulations can be done selecting different bearings.
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Resume
Sessions can be resumed at any time. This allows additional data

collection if the user decides to.
Resume can be accessed from the Main Home page or the Previous
sessions tab.
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Playback
Sessions can be viewed in Playback at any time.
Playback can be accessed from the Main Home page or the Previous
sessions tab.
Start/Pause playback
Stop Playback
Forward/Backward step: Moves the recorded scan one data

point step forward or backward. This option is used to catch and isolate
intermittent interferers that may only cause a spike in dBm for a fraction
of a second.
Repeat: Checkbox to automatically restart the recorded scan from the
beginning upon completion.
Time scale: The time scale bar underneath the spectrogram can also be
dragged to jump to a certain period of the recorded scan.
White Marker on Spectrogram: Horizontal line can be dragged to isolate
an intermittent interferer on the spectrogram.
Playback Map: In playback mode, user can import bearings from different
sessions for triangulation. Click on to select sessions to import
bearings from.
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Export
The export screen can be accessed from the Home tab. This section allows
you to view and export saved sessions and scans.
1. Select one or more scans by using the check boxes.
2. Edit directory to export/save to device by using the Browse button if
needed.
3. Press Export button to export the saved data from SeeWave to the
device hard drive as a csv file.
30
Report
Report generation can be accessed from the Home tab.

SeeWave Reports create a brief summary of the interference
hunt that can be shared with others.
Automatic categories:
Report Name
Report Date
Prepared By
Site Location
Hardware and Software Versions
Measurement Settings
Optional categories:
Spectrogram Charts
Triangulation Maps
Pictures and/or videos of the Site
Additional screenshots can be taken using the icon to add

to report.
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Report
The context menu also has some additional options, allowing

the user to use the tablet’s camera to take a picture or a video
of the surrounding area to be added to the report.
Press to display summary:
Report Details: Report Name, Report Data and Prepared By

are auto filled and can be edited. Site Location is blank and can
be filled.
Screenshots & Cameras: Displays number of screenshots,
videos and triangulation maps included in the report.
Note: Due to Android restrictions, the report will not be properly

readable using Google Chrome or any mini browser to open
the report. Please download any file manager from the Android
play store to view reports on a tablet.
32
Radio Propagation

Radio Propagation, Direction and Penetration
Radio Signals (Spectrum is not created equal)
❑ Higher frequencies (approx. >1700 MHz) are disposed to be more line-of-
sight and more easily reflected with low penetration into buildings
❑ Lower frequencies (approx. <1700 MHz) tend to bend around
objects/buildings, have better penetration characteristics into structures and
travel much further
❑ The range at which a signal can be detected is dependent on both
frequency and power
vs
2600 MHz 700 MHz
34
Radio Wave Multipath
Multipath
❑ Multipath occurs when radio signals from
one source reach the receiving antenna via
two or more paths
‒ Caused by reflections or refractions off
of bodies of water or objects including
building and mountains
‒ Very common in urban canyons
‒ Can severely complicate locating the
source of the interferer
35
Challenges in locating interferers with Multipath
Multipath
❑ If possible, find a good location away
from buildings and metal objects
• Building roof
• Away from metal objects
including vehicles
❑ When finding a good location is not
possible (as in many urban canyons)
• Go to an intersection and point
antenna in each the direction of
each intersecting street Multipath in LTE
MIMO
• Follow the street with the
highest signal from the interferer
36
Challenges in locating interferers with Multipath
❑ In a multipath environment, SeeWave could return these error messages
when attempting to take bearings in automatic mode:
• “Failed to Save Bearing – Larger antenna sweep required! Please try again.”
• “Failed to Save Bearing – No variation in signal level ! Please Try Again.”
• “Failed to Save Bearing – Multiple reflections or interferers ! Please Try Again.”
❑ Users should move to a different location or use manual mode.
CONFIDENTIAL – PCTEL INTERNAL USE ONLY 37

Interference Overview

Interference
What is interference?
❑ Interference is an unwanted RF signal (in the cellular frequencies) caused by numerous
electronic sources (including harmonics) that negatively affect mobile communication
What frequencies are most affected by interference?

❑ Interference can affect all mobile bands, but is a larger issue at the lower frequencies (300 to
900 MHz) due to the RF propagation of these frequencies. Higher frequencies (approx. >1700
MHz) are disposed to be more line-of-sight and more easily reflected with low penetration
into buildings
vs
2600 MHz 700 MHz
Why is LTE more affected by interference?
❑ LTE is more affected by interference since LTE networks offer higher spectral efficiency in bits
per second per Hz, but require higher levels of SINR to achieve that performance
39
Problems Interference Causes
LTE Networks Effects – Signal to Interference/Noise Ratio (SINR)
❑ SINR: Critical Measurement quantifying the relationship between RF conditions and throughput
‒ VoLTE requires high SINR (target >12 dB) or will result in dropped calls or uses high percentage of network bandwidth
‒ MIMO is ineffective with low SINR levels, requires high SINR (10-20 dB)
Customer Experience Effects

❑ Video Pixilation
❑ Poor voice quality
❑ Dropped calls/sessions
❑ Low data throughput
❑ Latency due to retransmission
Business Effects (Lost Revenue)

❑ Poor quality-of-service
❑ Customer churn
40
Why is Interference Abatement Important?
❑ US Mobile Operator Customer Attrition*
Poor Quality of the Customer Care 26%
Poor Value for Money of the Services 30%
Low Network Quality/Speed of the Services

35%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
❑ Low network quality/speed of services is largest reason for attrition

(12% in the previous year of the study i.e. normalized to a full yr: 6%)
➢ (100M customers * 6% churn (normalized) * 35% low QoS *
$600/ARPU/year * 90% RAN issues) = $1.1B problem (year 1)
*Ovum Report “Who Cares Wins” commissioned by Tektronix - Feb. 2014.
41
When do You Test for Interference?
❑ Spectrum clearing when new or re-farmed spectrum becomes available
‒ Mobile operators must clear both uplink and downlink interference sources before network turn-up for any band
❑ DAS Verification, DAS Commissioning
❑ In-service interference that is affecting the quality-of-service of the network (uplink)
42
Mobile Networks In-service Sensitivity
Uplink In-service Interference
LTE eNB ❑ Mobile operators search for uplink interference when base
Tx Power: +45 dBm station Received Total Wideband Power (RTWP) reports a
Rx Sensitivity: -123 dBm
quality affecting level at base station (LTE)
-102 to -105 dBm causes
interference ❑ Customers report problems in an area
❑ Uplink more sensitive to interference due to mobile
transmission restrictions (+23 dBm UE i.e. 0.2 Watts)
Downlink In-service Interference

LTE UE ❑ Downlink QoS issues are not as common from external
Tx Power: +23 dBm
interference sources, unless interferer is extremely powerful
Rx Sensitivity: -95 dBm
(sometimes with passive intermodulation), since the high
powered signal from tower typically masks downlink
interference sources
43
Interference Mechanisms with Case Studies

Interference Types
❑ Modulated Sources
❑ Un-modulated Sources
❑ Harmonics
❑ Passive intermodulation (PIM)
❑ Repeaters/BDAs
❑ Intentional Interference
45
Modulated Sources
❑ Devices intended to transmit RF signals
❑ Unwanted interference occurs when these devices are
malfunctioning or are operated improperly (usually narrowband
signals)
❑ Compliant RF transmitters may create interference from
harmonics, intermodulation, etc.
❑ Decoding (e.g. cellular) the information on the modulated signal
can help ascertain the source of the interferer
46
Case Study #1 – Nashville, TN
Billboard Torture
(700 band) SeeWave pointing away from interference source
Tier One optimization engineer finds very low SINR from drive test analysis
SeeWave pointing towards

interference source
47
Case Study #1 – Nashville, TN
Digital Billboard employs wireless radio device for updating billboard

Interferer type: Wireless Radio Device on Digital Billboard
48
Un-Modulated Sources
❑ Un-modulated sources of interference are created from electric devices that unintentionally
create RF signals
‒ Continuous Noise
‒ Impulse Noise
❑ Common sources of continuous noise include:
‒ Electric Motors
‒ Neon or halogen lighting
‒ Faulty transformers LTE Noise floor
raised by electric
‒ Security and infrared Cameras motor
‒ Vehicle ignition systems
‒ Baby Monitors
49
Case Study #2 – Newark, DE
Lights Out
(700, 1900 and AWS bands)
Extremely high uplink noise levels discovered during DAS Commissioning
Interference found to occur only during day time and early evening
50
Case Study #2 – Newark, DE
SeeWave pointing away SeeWave pointing toward the
from interference source interference source
Interference locating in one particular section of the mall

❑ Interferer not found during DAS System Verification since done in the middle
of the night
❑ Building owner agreed to replace 50 halogen light bulbs
Interferer: Halogen Light Bulbs 51
Un-Modulated Sources
❑ Impulse Noise from un-modulated sources are created when the electricity flow is turned on and off
❑ Common sources include
‒ Electric Motors (elevators, manufacturing plants, farms, etc.)
‒ Electric Fences
‒ Welding
‒ Parking Gates
‒ Wireless Speakers
‒ Arcing power lines
‒ Light dimmers
‒ Military Experiments
‒ Lightning suppression devices
‒ Commercial baking ovens
‒ Beacons on top of cell towers
‒ Garage door openers
‒ TV remotes
52
Case Study #3 – Maryland Suburbs of DC
Uber Boomer
SeeWave pointing away from interference source
(1900 band)
Tier One operator reports intermittent -75 dBm Received Total Wideband Power KPI on uplink
and customer complaints on uplink (both in-building and outdoors)
SeeWave pointing toward the

interference source

Case Study #3 – Maryland Suburbs of DC
Interference Source: Classified

Defense Contractor Building
DoD representative claimed to have recently installed a DAS system

❑ Unusual for DAS system to cause outside interference of -75 dBm, 1 mile
away
❑ Classified buildings often don’t allow cell phone usage
❑ DAS systems are always on, not only for 5 hours a day, a couple times a week
❑ Immediately agreed to permanently turn of their “DAS System”
Conclusion of Interferer type: Military Experiment 54
Harmonics
❑ A harmonic is a multiple of the RF carrier (fundamental
frequency)
‒ A 750 MHz frequency can produce harmonics at 1500 MHz, 2250 MHz,
3000 MHz, etc.
❑ Legal large powered transmitters (megawatt) can produce a 1
Watt third harmonic
‒ TV transmitters of 570 to 585 MHz (channels 30 – 33) can cause problems
on E-UTRA 4 (AWS) uplink (1710 – 1755 MHz) band if the AWS sector is
close to the TV transmitter
925 MHz harmonic
from a 462.5 MHz
2-way radio
55
Repeaters/BDAs/Cell Leakage
❑ Cellular repeater or bidirectional amplifiers
‒ Used to extend in-building cellular coverage or coverage in Amplifier
areas with marginal coverage

‒ Interference caused by malfunctioning BDAs or retransmission Dome Antenna
of undesirable signals at the BDA’s input

‒ Common source of interference, but difficult to locate
In-Building Repeater
BDA
56
Case Study #4 – Quito, Ecuador
The Pope is Calling (and we listened)
(850 band)
Tier One installs Cellular on Wheels (COWs) at Quito Airport to cover increased Cellular traffic
for the Pope’s visit (both indoor and outdoor) and the system was barely useable due to high
noise floor
Mobile Operator’s
COW (the one
Competitor Mobile working
Operator’s COW with PCTEL) turned off
(powered on) for test
RF Engineering climbing tower with SeeWave

57
Case Study #4 – Quito, Ecuador
SeeWave away from SeeWave pointing towards
interference source interference source
Low Noise floor High Noise floor
Competitor’s COW was interfering with uplink in the -95 to -100 dBm
❑ Adjustments needed to be made on competitors COWs
❑ Only authorized to place COWs in this location
Interferer: COW 58
Case Study #5 - San Francisco, CA
Lost my Signal in San Francisco
Tier One operator reports quality affecting Received Total Wideband Power KPI on uplink
SeeWave pointing away from SeeWave pointing toward
interference source interference source

Case Study #5 - San Francisco, CA
BTS signal leaking into another carrier’s spectrum

Conclusion on Interferer type: Faulty BTS/BTS infrastructure
60
Passive Intermodulation
❑ Two or more strong signals combine appearing as a nonlinear
transmitting device
‒ Can cause numerous interferers from the addition and subtraction of fundamental
frequencies with harmonics
❑ Often called the “rusty bolt” effect
‒ Mating of 2 metal objects can create a rectifier effect when corrosion is present
‒ Generates spurious signals that are radiated by the connected metal objects
❑ Common sources
‒ Rusty bolts, fences or barn roofs
‒ Corroded rooftop air conditioners
‒ Improperly connected or loose/dirty connectors in the cell tower antenna feed line
‒ Cell tower guy lines
‒ Utility poles or wires, rain gutters
61
Intentional Interference
❑ Often located in shopping malls, restaurants, schools, military bases
❑ Sources can be mobile (cars, trains, etc.)
❑ Civilian use is illegal
❑ Typically easy to identify
‒ Strong constantly-on signal
❑ Usually raises noise floor
Jammer
62
Interference References
❑ Verizon 700 MHz LTE cell site is latest victim of interference from
fluorescent lights
❑ Time Warner Cable Experience Verizon LTE Interference in N.C.
Time Warner Cable didn't take the steps to properly shield its boxes
and/or cable system
❑ Florida teacher uses cellphone jammer to stop students’ texting,
draws a suspension
63
Thank You

other slides to use somewhere

SeeWave Map Wizard
PCTEL’s Map Download Wizard is a supplement application that allows users to download Open Street Map tiles. Please
do the following:
❑ Launch program and ensure high-speed Internet connection.
❑ Position map on required area and select download zoom range.
❑ Select a Tile folder that matches the Map folder in SeeWave General Set up page.
❑ Download map tiles.
66
SeeWave Bearing Selection
Directional Antennas have wide radiation patterns
Manual and Automated Mode Bearing Selection
❑ Manual Mode ~60° to 120°

• Aim antenna at interferer
• Press trigger button on handle to select
bearing at maximum signal level of
interferer
❑ Automatic Mode
• Increase accuracy through automatic
bearing calculation
• Press trigger button to start scan, wave
antenna in a 60 degree pattern towards the
interferer, press again to stop scan
• Bearing is automatically calculated
Trigger Button
67
Compass Calibration
❑ Rotate the pitch (up and down), yaw (heading direction), and roll (side) of the host platform about
180 degrees in each direction, in a slow continuous fashion until the Compass color indicator turns
green. Progress is tracked by the “Calibration Quality Percentile”, and must reach 100 for calibration.
Pitch
Roll
Yaw

SeeWave Antenna Angle
DF Antenna Radiation Patterns (typical)
❑ Many users tilt antenna on a 45 deg angle
Elevation (Vertical) Azimuth (Horizontal)
69
Narrowband vs Broadband Interferer
When using SeeWave automated mode only
❑ User should use the smallest possible Resolution Bandwidth when hunting for a
Narrowband interferer. Small bearing sweeps are required in this case e.g. 60 ° to 90 °
~60° to 90°
or
~90° to 120°
❑ User should use the actual signal bandwidth as Resolution Bandwidth when hunting
for broadband interferer. Wider bearing sweeps are required e.g. 90 °to 120 °.
70

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PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 3

Tablet for touchscreen

Walk test kit to carry

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 6

• To activate your license:

• Enter the activation ID provided and press Activate

License should be activated as seen above.

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 10

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 13

Previous Sessions: Prompts a list of previous sessions for the user to

Brings the user to the Settings section, allowing changes to multiple

For sub-frame measurement:

For Guard Period measurement:

Home Menu button. Displays SeeWave’s Home menu.

Scan tab select. Highlighted icon indicates current selected scan

Stop Scans button, this also stops recording.

Map Button, opens Map Screen.

Help button the help interface.

• Y-Axis: Power Measurement for each frequency

• Blue line tracing actual power measurements of the scan in

• Bandwidth Indicators: The indicators at the edge of the chart

Selected Frequency Marker: This Primary Marker (M) is a bar in the

Wideband button: Return the scan back to the original

Before starting a test at an

Click on Download Map and

Bearings are calculated based on the primary Marker for the

There are two methods to take the bearing readings

Sessions can be resumed at any time. This allows additional data

Sessions can be viewed in Playback at any time.

Forward/Backward step: Moves the recorded scan one data

Report generation can be accessed from the Home tab.

Additional screenshots can be taken using the icon to add

The context menu also has some additional options, allowing

Press to display summary:

Report Details: Report Name, Report Data and Prepared By

Note: Due to Android restrictions, the report will not be properly

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 33

❑ Users should move to a different location or use manual mode.

CONFIDENTIAL – PCTEL INTERNAL USE ONLY 37

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 38

What frequencies are most affected by interference?

Customer Experience Effects

Business Effects (Lost Revenue)

Poor Quality of the Customer Care 26%

Poor Value for Money of the Services 30%

Low Network Quality/Speed of the Services

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

❑ Low network quality/speed of services is largest reason for attrition

Downlink In-service Interference

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 44

SeeWave pointing towards

Digital Billboard employs wireless radio device for updating billboard

Interference locating in one particular section of the mall

SeeWave pointing toward the

PCTEL Confidential – Selection Customer Distribution 53

Interference Source: Classified

DoD representative claimed to have recently installed a DAS system

areas with marginal coverage

of undesirable signals at the BDA’s input