PIM Solutions

Changing the way you test for PIM

Optical PIM Tester

Now you can afford to make PIM testing a part of your network acceptance and preventative maintenance strategy.

For more information, visit commscope.com2

Wireless operators are under constant pressure to increase the speed,

capacity and quality of their networks while continuing to hold the line

on cost. As technologies evolve, the challenge is becoming increasingly

difficult. One specific reason: the escalating occurrence and cost of passive

intermodulation (PIM).

Already recognized as a significant drain on network performance and

profitability, the problem of PIM is intensifying. Advanced wireless equipment

is becoming more sensitive, and new technologies like LTE are increasingly

noise limited.

Testing for PIM using conventional RF testing equipment is slow, costly and

dangerous. Each sector, frequency and technology must be individually

connected and tested. So, most operators resort to PIM testing only after

detecting a significant rise in the noise floor or a drop in connection quality.

CommScope is changing the way operators test for PIM, turning what is

typically a reactionary procedure into a proactive process with its innovative

Optical PIM Tester.

The Optical PIM Tester enables “truly active” PIM testing using the Common

Public Radio Interface (CPRI) by injecting signals into the base station’s downlink

and looking for PIM products in its uplink. A single tech can now simultaneously

test multiple frequencies and sectors from the ground in a fraction of the time it

takes with legacy PIM test equipment. The Optical PIM Tester not only reduces

testing time and service downtime, it eliminates the need for multiple test units.

Portable and affordable, it can easily be included in every technician’s arsenal.

Now, operators can afford to make PIM testing a regular part of their network

acceptance and preventative maintenance programs.

Optical PIM Tester: It will change your approach to PIM testing

• Active PIM testing via CPRI

• One unit supports all frequencies

• Test multiple sectors and frequencies simultaneously

• Cross-band PIM testing

• Spectrum Analyzer feature

• Enables testing from the base of the tower

• User-friendly interface is accessible from smartphone, tablet or notebook computer

• So affordable and portable, it can be an essential part of every tech’s arsenal

For more information, visit commscope.com 3

Simple, affordable, accurate and safeIn developing the Optical PIM Tester, CommScope addressed key challenges inherent in

legacy RF PIM testers.

Eliminates complexity The Optical PIM Tester is simple to use and highly automated. No specialized training is required.

Armed with the Optical PIM Tester and a smartphone, tablet or notebook computer, virtually any

technician can now accurately test for PIM. No need to dedicate an entire technical crew and risk

dangerous tower climbs.

Reduces cost Now, one affordable device can replace multiple frequency-specific testers and radically reduce the

time and cost associated with PIM testing. Operators can minimize sector downtime and eliminate

time-consuming and risky tower climbs during PIM testing.

Increases accuracyLegacy PIM testers typically detect and analyze RF signals outside of the operator’s frequency bands.

This can skew the results, leading to inaccurate assumptions regarding performance degradation.

The Optical PIM Tester overcomes this problem by analyzing only signals within the operator’s receive

band. The result is cleaner, more meaningful readings. The Optical PIM tester also eliminates the risk

of introducing new PIM issues during testing by avoiding RF cabling disruption.

Ensures safetyLegacy RF PIM testers necessitate tower climbs, which could be both expensive and dangerous.

With CommScope’s Optical PIM Tester, testing is done from the safety of the ground, minimizing

liability and risk.

How it worksThe Optical PIM Tester connects directly to the base band unit at the bottom of the tower. Once

connected, it automatically determines the cell setup, then injects PIM test signals into the base

station’s downlink and searches for PIM products in its uplink. All signals are transmitted via the

CPRI so multiple sectors can be tested at once from a single connection.

The results are displayed on Ethernet or Wi-Fi-connected devices such as a smartphone, tablet or

laptop. The browser-based interface enables the cell tech to control the tester remotely and even

share the results with others located off-site.

CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) helps companies around the world design, build and manage their wired and wireless networks. Our network infrastructure solutions help customers increase bandwidth; maximize existing capacity; improve network performance and availability; increase energy efficiency; and simplify technology migration. You will find our solutions in the largest buildings, venues and outdoor spaces; in data centers and buildings of all shapes, sizes and complexity; at wireless cell sites and in cable headends; and in airports, trains, and tunnels. Vital networks around the world run on CommScope solutions.

Backed by CommScope: A clear voice for proactive PIM protection The Optical PIM Tester is engineered and fully supported by CommScope. As a global

leader in the design and implementation of end-to-end RF path solutions, CommScope

was one of the first to develop an integrated and comprehensive strategy for PIM

protection. We continue to advocate for proactive PIM prevention and are constantly

developing innovative solutions that empower operators to take a proactive approach.

As the complexity of your wireless RF path increases—along with the noise sensitivity

of today’s advanced equipment—having an effective and cost-efficient solution to PIM

testing is critical. The Optical PIM Tester from CommScope gives you the simplicity,

speed, accuracy and safety you need to take a proactive approach to PIM. Now

you can afford to make PIM testing a regular part of your network acceptance and

preventive maintenance strategy.

For more information on the Optical PIM Tester by CommScope, please email Optical-PIM-Tester@commscope.com

www.commscope.comVisit our website or contact your local CommScope representative for more information.

© 2015 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved.

All trademarks identified by ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc. This document is for planning purposes only and is not intended to modify or supplement any specifications or warranties relating to CommScope products or services.

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