VIAVI RF Viewer RF Augmented Reality Interference Visualization Solution

VIAVI RF Viewer shows RF emissions in real time. It overlays signal strength data onto an image captured at a location the user selects. Before the image is captured, the camera runs in live video mode so the user can position the device and pick a suitable view. The captured image then serves as a static reference frame on which the signal strength measurements are displayed. This shows the location, intensity and distribution of RF emissions.

Interference appears as a color-coded heat map superimposed on the actual site, including antennas, equipment shelters, adjacent structures and power lines. Because the heat map is tied to the physical environment, there is no need to correlate a spectrum analyzer trace with the surroundings to estimate where the emitter is.

Application

Conventional spectrum analyzers display signal strength as a trace but give no spatial reference to the physical environment. RF Viewer addresses this by placing the measurement in the context of the site. The aim is to identify the primary interference source rather than reflections or secondary emitters, and to reduce repeat site visits, including visits to elevated sites. Passive intermodulation (PIM) sources can be located from a stationary position, which avoids the problem of probe-based methods, where walking around the site suppresses the interference being measured.

Platform and Documentation

RF Viewer runs on the VIAVI OneAdvisor 800 Wireless and comes with an antenna system that includes an RF antenna, sensors and a camera. Technicians can capture video documentation with the embedded heat map overlay directly in the app to support trouble ticket closure and knowledge transfer. The solution is intended for field technicians, RF engineers and network operations teams resolving interference in commercial wireless networks, and fits into existing spectrum analyzer workflows.