In test we trust: CERN picks probes from Rohde & Schwarz

At an average depth of some 100 metres and covering an area of more than 50 kilometres of tunnels and caverns, CERN operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. It hosts the most powerful particle accelerator ring, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The circular tunnel system with a circumference of 27 kilometres is among Europe's most widespread underground areas with complete mobile network coverage.

To ensure mobile telephony and data services for all CERN employees in these facilities, a stable and reliable network is imperative.

Comprising several surface radio base stations and 46 underground repeater sites, the specifically designed network supports 2G/3G/4G technologies.

To monitor real-time service quality (QoS and QoE) in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), CERN selected the QualiPoc Remote Control measurement solution from SwissQual , a Rohde & Schwarz subsidiary.

CERN evaluated the SwissQual measurement solution based on comprehensive technical specifications. "QualiPoc Remote Control meets our requirements and offers the most flexible and cost-effective solution", says Frédéric Chapron, Head of Communication Services at CERN.

Also, the smartphone-based network probe fulfils the stringent criteria regarding compactness, reliability and energy consumption. QualiPoc Remote Control can be fully remotely controlled, allowing remote configuration, data analysis and reporting.

SwissQual deployed network-wide 60 measurement probes to continuously measure multiple RF parameters (including KPIs, signalling, layer 3) and run scheduled QoS and QoE tests to verify SLAs and monitor communication services. Reported to a central server, a fully featured backend application processes the data and provides a real-time overview of the network.