Spirent adds A-GNSS to hybrid location system

This A-GNSS capability provides realism and repeatability by recording GNSS signals in the field and delivering synchronised assistance data over a radio access interface to test the A-GNSS positioning performance of mobile devices in the lab.

Combining GNSS signals from multiple satellite positioning systems (such as GPS and GLONASS) with assistance data delivered by the network to the device, A-GNSS is regarded as the most universal and precise positioning technology. As such, it is used in mobile devices to support the location information required by commercial services, social media and emergency services such as E911.

Although established A-GNSS simulation tools play an important role in generating repeatable and reliable controlled environments in the lab, they can have limitations when it comes to representing the full range of challenging conditions experienced by mobile users on live networks.  The A-GNSS Record and Playback addresses these limitations by capturing conditions in the field and playing them back in a reliable and repeatable lab environment. 

This helps to reduce device time to market and control testing cost by reducing the need for extensive field testing. The HLTS now incorporates Spirent’s GSS6400 GNSS Record and Playback System (RPS), together with patent-pending SimHybrid software that generates and delivers the correct assistance data, synchronised with the recorded GNSS signals.