ACTON, Mass-Azimuth Systems Inc. said it launched a multiple-input-multiple-output channel emulator for testing Wi-Fi equipment.
The Azimuth Channel Emulator 400NB is a stand-alone testing platform the company said reproduces multi-path environments with channel correlation to test MIMO or single-input-single-output solutions, which allows Wi-Fi equipment vendors to measure performance in an emulated, real-world environment. The testing platform is capable of testing existing 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi products and products built to specifications in 802.11n draft proposals.
The company explained that multi-path reflections typically cause performance deterioration in today’s SISO Wi-Fi products. However, MIMO technology, which will be included in the 802.11n specification, takes advantage of multi-path signals to improve product performance. Multi-path emulation with correlated channels is required to determine whether MIMO algorithms are working properly and to predict performance of MIMO-based products in a real world environment.
“The ACE 400NB will enable vendors to introduce products that deliver data, voice and video over wireless with better performance and increased customer satisfaction,” said Ray Cronin, chief executive of Azimuth.
The company said the ACE product is set to begin shipping this quarter.
