Mapping Mobile Networks

In the cellular communications field, understanding how an existing communication system is constructed is critical. Network Operators spend a lot of time trying to optimize and make sure their network is up to the task of letting their customer’s make a call whenever they want. Our solutions are easy to use, do not require network specific knowledge, and include mobile handsets (Qp2) and completely passive tools (ICS) to characterize the most advanced mobile networks.

ICS™-550

ICS-550 is an advanced network characterization tool that surveys the environment and records the metadata of detected control channels and the information therein. These completely passive measurements are obtained without handshaking or any additional interfacing with the communications network.

ICS-550 provides its users with state-of-the-art survey solutions that support the new 5G NR technologies. This product has been designed to support both the evolution of 5G non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) networks. There are two product offerings: the ICS-550 and ICS-550 DC. The optional downconverter (DC) expands the 5G survey frequency range.

ICS-550 is capable of surveying the new mmWave frequency bands allocated for 5G NR networks while simultaneously scanning sub 6 GHz frequencies. The system form factor remains light and portable by utilizing a downconverter to survey the mmWave frequency bands. QRC will continue to develop new features to support 5G NR surveying as technologies advance.

The DCode Pro software is the user’s primary interface when taking control of the ICS-550 system, viewing real time notifications, managing data, and conducting advanced signal analysis.

Features

• Enhanced Carrier Discovery – Coming Soon!
• Fully autonomous collection
• Remote interface
• Complete decoding of control channel messages
• Self-Configuring
• Active tool configuration
• L3 logging and parsing
• Provider filtering
• Capable of surveying both fixed wireless access (FWA) and mobile access
• Windows 10 embedded operating system
• Internal GPS

Operational Configurations

• 5G NR
  • < 6 GHz
  • mmWave (with optional Downconverter)
• LTE
• WCDMA
• GSM
• CDMA (optional add-on)
• EVDO (optional add-on)
• WiMAX (optional add-on)
• Wi-Fi (with add-on Q-Fi module)

DCode Pro

DCode Pro is a feature-rich network analysis and characterization software program.

DCode Pro is a specialized software program that demodulates cellular and wireless signals, including 5G, LTE, WiMAX, WCDMA, CDMA, EVDO, GSM, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, depending on the ICS model and optional add-ons. DCode Pro includes onboard analytical tools to assist users with real-time processing and utilization of data.

DCode Pro is exclusive to the ICS family of survey and network characterization tools which pairs a feature-rich software suite with industry-leading radios in the ICS and Q-Fi systems. These tools produce network information at the speed of operations. This pairing of elite radios with the right software creates a tool that provides the operator a complete understanding of the networks.

Each protocol can be activated individually or simultaneously for specialized applications. The operator has the flexibility to set up any protocol from the Configuration Manager, which makes for a more user-friendly package. While scanning and collecting network data on protocols for the area of interest, the user can cycle from band to band at the push of a button or can select specific bands from the interface. Optimized for multi-protocol, multi-band cellular surveys at high rates of speed, DCode Pro is the ideal cellular drive test software.

Features

• Multi-Protocol, multi-band operations
• Cycle protocols and bands with the push of a button
• Complete decoding of control channel messages
• Self-Configuring
• Active tool configuration
• L3 logging and parsing
• Provider filtering
• Capable of surveying both fixed wireless access (FWA) and mobile access
• Geo-Fencing
• Logfile data decimation
• Rogue BTS detection
• Base Station location estimation

Q-Fi

The Q-Fi is an add-on module to the ICS-550, which offers a compact Wi-Fi survey capability. The Q-Fi module passively surveys the wireless environment and logs the metadata of Wi-Fi systems. The user is able to filter logged data by protocol, security type, network type as well as specific vendor information.

The Q-Fi Module utilizes QRC’s DCode Pro software as its primary user interface allowing users to manage data and receive real-time visual notifications.

Features

• Fully integrated into DCode
• IP rated case
• Seamless connection to ICS-500
• 802.11 a/b/g/n
• 2.4, 4.9 & 5.8 GHz bands supported
• Fully supports DCode band dictionary
• User defined channel scans
• User assigned channel priority
• Utilizing DCode Pro the Q-Fi measures & detects multiple parameters, including but not limited to:
  • Network identity
  • Network type
  • MAC address
  • IP address
  • Frequency
  • Bandwidth
  • Channel
  • Security used
  • Device type
  • GPS information at sample location

PBL Ground

PBL (Passive Base Station Location) is an industry-changing application that can be added to any ICS system. PBL allows a user to drive an area of interest and measure the cellular signals present to determine the physical location of the emitters for the respective signals. PBL uses proprietary location algorithms to establish the location of towers to within 10s of meters. Typically, 90% of the towers are detected within 200m or better. Denser drive patterns typically provide improved accuracy and a higher number of detected emitters. All prediction measurements are made while simultaneously collecting survey data.

Features

• Simultaneous calculations for GSM, CDMA, EVDO, WCDMA & LTE sectors
• 100% passive measurement
• Predictions are compatible with most mapping software
• Low-density driving required
• Sector azimuth estimation

PBL Air

The DCode Pro PBL for ground-based surveys feature has been extended to allow ICS systems to perform the same tower location functions using airborne surveys. This system requires the ICS-5xx family of systems, DCode Pro, and two additional supporting applications. One of these applications, the collection app, takes a list of frequencies to be scanned as input and will collect raw position estimation data. The second application, the analysis app, processes that raw data and produces a .pbl file with the same format as the ground-based .pbl files generated by DCode Pro.

As of the first release of this feature, testing and characterization have been limited to survey altitudes of less than 10,000 feet and flight speed under 150 knots. Survey patterns have been limited to a grid-style pattern with the “legs” separated by approximately 1 mile.

Features

• Simultaneous calculations for WCDMA, GSM & LTE sectors
• 100% passive measurement
• Predictions are compatible with most mapping software
• High altitude collection of data up to 10,000 feet
• Flights at 8,500 feet have produced results in which 90% of the towers were located to within 200 meters of their actual locations

Qp2™

Qp2™ is an extremely versatile hand-held cellular protocol measurement tool. Qp2™ comes pre-installed on various commercially available Android devices.* Qp2™ allows a user to perform the most thorough hand-held measurements in the industry.

Qp2-Pro™

Qp2-Pro™ introduces new methods of enabling users conducting surveys and optimizing equipment. This includes features such as remote start and Logging, real-time location monitoring, cloud-based logging and transferable licensing.

All Qp2-Pro™ products include cloud on-line service. In addition to providing storage and automatic syncing of device settings and log files, Qp2-Pro™ devices can be controlled via the cloud. The cloud service provides an easy-to-use UI for creating and managing device configurations, tests, results and maps, which can all be synchronized with Qp2-Pro™ devices.

Key Benefits

• Ultimate flexibility on license
• 5G ready
• Lossless log file
• Flexible and easy to use UI
• Voice call testing
• Data transfer testing
• IP packet capture
• Indoor/Outdoor testing

Collection Modes*

• CDMA 1XRTT/2000
• EVDO
• GSM
• GSM Layer 3
• CDMA/EVDO Layer 3
• Wi-Fi
• WCDMA
• WCDMA Layer 3
• LTE
• LTE Layer 3
• Bluetooth
• 5G

* Capabilities vary between various phone models, please contact QRC sales for more information.

Qp2-Server™

The Qp2-Server™ is a localized cloud deployment on a virtual machine, allowing for unit data integrity, operational security, and data control. All of which will significantly increase your organization’s resilience to cyber threat and ability to control the flow of information internal to an organization. Qp2-Server™ provides for a user managed localized cloud, allowing for the positive control of data and ensuring information is protected both in transit and throughout storage.

Integration With Qp2-Pro™

• Log files can be automatically uploaded to Qp2-Server™
• Push all measurement settings to Qp2-Pro™
• Push planned drive routes to Qp2-Pro™
• Load indoor maps from Qp2-Server™

Qp2-Server™ Features

• Automatic file upload and automated data storage for all drive test files, hosted locally on your server
• License management tool allows user full control on purchased licenses: Transfer licenses between phones, pull licenses, and license usage
• Remote device configuration and management of all connected Qp2-Pro™ devices
• Built in measurement file exports including: QRC DCode Log File Format, MapInfo, CSV, and others
• Designed using Oracle Virtualbox and installable on both Linux/ Windows platforms

Qp2-Connect™

Qp2 Connect™ is compatible with most Qualcomm based Android devices, including non-rooted phones and is a self-contained device which includes user guides, installation files, and license.

Qp2-Connect™ Features

• Transferable Licensing
• Support for “Off-the-Shelf” non-rooted devices
• Includes full Qp2™ license

Disclaimer: Parsons is a global company operating through various named legal entity subsidiaries. The company’s successful acquisitions have led us to become a leading disruptive technology company in the critical infrastructure, defense, and intelligence markets.‘