3G Networks are reaching mass deployment stage around the world. Meanwhile, “on the go” smart phones are emerging as on-ramps to the Internet and the target for media rich applications of the future. The journey to worldwide 4G LTE wireless has begun in earnest. With the advent of 4G wireless applications, the world will shrink even faster, drawing subscribers together in new and powerful ways. We are heading fast towards an always-on, always connected world. Engaging media-rich mobile applications will become the norm. The productivity gain from this hyper interactivity will be profound.

The transition from 3G to 4G wireless network, however, will also unleash a level of unprecedented complexity. To mitigate the risks in this 3G to 4G transition, every network equipment supplier and service provider will need to use methodic planning, simulation and network testing tools. 4G networks will usher in increased bandwidth, reduced network complexity and lower operational costs – if deployed with systematic thought to end-to-end quality.

Ixia is preparing next generation testing tools for the deployment of LTE networks and applications so as to ensure that subscribers receive outstanding experience from their 4G networks. This requires thorough verification of new generation of 4G network equipment, smart user devices and media rich applications. Ixia’s 3G/4G wireless testing tools, under the IxCatapult branding, are flexible, adaptive and very intuitive to use, testing all facets of the 4G network and media rich applications. IxCatapult can simulate hundreds of connected LTE user devices over the air interface while simultaneously playing the role of the wireless core network. By using these coordinated test solutions, eNodeB network access devices can be thoroughly tested through total exposure to full traffic capacity as well as error conditions. IxCatapult test solutions are used today by leading network equipment manufacturers and service providers in labs around the world.

The 4G LTE revolution has started, and we are focused on enabling deployment of reliable, high performance, secure 3G and 4G wireless networks around the world.