R&S®NESTOR Mobile Network Survey Software

At a glance

R&S®NESTOR is a Windows-based platform for analyzing mobile networks via the air interface. It is used primarily by the police, armed forces, and other public authorities. When combined with smartphones and Rohde & Schwarz mobile network scanners, R&S®NESTOR delivers a comprehensive picture of active mobile networks for a broad range of public authority tasks. The software can be used in vehicles, trains, aircraft, ships, and on foot.

The software combines a cutting-edge touchscreen architecture with top-of-the-line mobile radio T&M and acquisition equipment. It supports direct acquisition, visualization, and real-time analysis (online), as well as in-depth postprocessing and long-term analysis (offline).

Supported scanners include the R&S®TSME, R&S®TSMA, R&S®TSMW, and R&S®TSMQ, enabling parallel measurements across GSM, WCDMA, and LTE (FDD and TDD) technologies in all covered frequency bands.

Key Facts

• Cell surveys for public authority tasks; only essential data is collected.
• Parallel measurement of all supported technologies and bands with Rohde & Schwarz T&M equipment for comprehensive, reliable data.
• Real-time analysis during data acquisition.
• Postprocessing of data for in-depth analysis.
• Intuitive operation for complex tasks.
• Free map data and license-free replay versions available.
• Supports multiple operating system and application languages.

R&S®NESTOR Functionality

• Automatic identification of occupied mobile network channels.
• Configurable technology and band scanning.
• Position estimation of all mobile network cells (ground and air).
• Coverage analysis for technologies, network operators, and individual cells.
• Measurements and analysis for alibi verification, crime scene surveillance, and cell surveys.
• Acquisition and analysis of suspicious cells in mobile networks.
• Supports direct (live), autonomous (offline), and networked operations, including master/probe configurations.

Benefits and Key Features

Automatic Channel Detection (ACD)

R&S®NESTOR automatically identifies all occupied GSM, WCDMA, and LTE (FDD and TDD) RF channels. It analyzes technologies, bands, and channels in unknown terrain, determining which can be measured via the air interface and identifying channels and bands across all covered frequency ranges. This process combines spectrum analysis with technology information and a trial-and-error approach for rapid cell acquisition.

If network information is limited, the software scans the entire frequency range (up to 6 GHz) for occupied RF channels. It quickly measures known bands and technologies, returning channel numbers. The output includes a graphic display of occupied frequency bands and a list of measured channel numbers.

Visual Description: The ACD interface displays frequency spectrum graphs, highlighting occupied bands and channels, alongside a list of detected channels.

Mobile Network Scanning

This feature allows simultaneous mobile network surveys across all GSM, WCDMA, and LTE (FDD and TDD) bands. Measurements can be configured for entire bands or individual channels, with detailed settings for each use case. Data is accessible in real-time by other use cases for further processing.

A Top N chart is available for each use case, displaying relevant cell parameters graphically and in tabular form, weighted by signal power, quality, or UE emulation. System information from acquired cells is demodulated, displayed, and can be exported.

The software automatically sets measurement rates for synchronous measurement of all technologies, ensuring consistent time and space intervals without manual adjustment. Route and measured values are displayed on a map, with specific maps available for each use case and group, showing coverage analysis and cell position estimation data.

High-performance filters are integrated for efficient display and processing across windows, use cases, and workspaces, allowing analysis as if only filtered data were measured.

Visual Description: The Scanner Expert view includes a map showing cell locations and coverage, a TopN chart for signal strength and quality, and a detailed cell table with parameters like MCC, MNC, eNodeB, Cell ID, EARFCN, PCI, and RSRP/RSRQ values.

Mobile Network Coverage Analysis

This function acquires geographically aggregated GSM, WCDMA, and LTE (FDD and TDD) coverage data. It aggregates geographic bins summarizing signal power, UE emulation, and signal quality, displaying a single value per bin on the map. The analysis can run concurrently with scanner measurements or during postprocessing.

Aggregated data, including signal power, quality, and UE emulation, can be displayed in various formats like Top N charts, lists, or maps. This data is exportable for use with planning software.

During drive tests, geographic bins are generated, displayed, and updated live. The R&S®NESTOR filter options are crucial for efficient coverage analysis, providing statistical and geographical insights into network operators, areas, cells, and cell groups.

Visual Description: The Coverage Analysis screen features a map displaying aggregated coverage data in colored bins overlaid on a street map, along with a cell table listing provider, band, LAC/CellID, and channel cell count.

Cell Position Estimation (CPE)

CPE determines the geographic position of all GSM, WCDMA, and LTE (FDD and TDD) cells during scanner measurements. Positions are estimated rapidly using advanced signal separation algorithms, delivering accurate results even in challenging environments with weak signals or multipath propagation. A special algorithm assigns acquired cell sectors to a single tower for correlated signal processing and improved accuracy.

All cells across all bands and technologies are measured nearly simultaneously. Maps and lists display position-estimated cells with high update rates, showing continuously increasing positioning accuracy. Mathematical position estimation error ellipses are also displayed to estimate measurement quality.

Measured cells used for position estimation can be exported for further processing, such as creating or updating cell lists, identifying unknown cells, and estimating their positions. Cell lists include channel numbers, positions, error ellipses, MCC, MNC, LAC, cell identities, and system information.

The software offers comprehensive filters for CPE, enabling extensive analysis. Airborne cell position estimation is also supported, allowing estimation up to 10,000 feet using directional antennas and NASA altitude profile data. Air accuracy is comparable to ground accuracy (typically 50m for GSM/LTE, 100m for UMTS).

Visual Description: The CPE view includes a status view with cell counts, a cell list with detailed parameters and coordinates, and a map displaying cell locations with error ellipses on a street map.

Analysis of Suspicious Cells

This feature analyzes cells that deviate from typical network operator settings. Deviating cells are categorized and displayed with detailed descriptions of detected differences. This includes unknown cells or those with settings differing from stored information. An algorithm assigns a score indicating the probability of incorrect configuration.

Users can create custom profiles based on measurements to reliably analyze misconfigured cells. These profiles, which describe network operator configurations, can be continuously updated. The system allows users to classify cells as incorrectly configured based on the analysis.

The software supports both mobile and stationary deployment. Stationary measurements monitor network situations 24/7, while mobile measurements identify suspicious cells in any location. Analysis can be performed live or offline.

Visual Description: The Base Station Analysis (BSA) screen shows a map with highlighted cells and a finding view listing misconfigured cells with deviation scores. A cell details panel provides specific configuration information and reasons for deviation.

Forensic Analysis of the RF Interface

This section covers two main areas:

• Cell surveys based on specified cells (alibi verification): Used to quickly determine if a subscriber and their phone were in a specific location at a specific time, based on known communications data. Network coverage is analyzed to identify the best server cells and how adjacent cells behave, helping to establish the probability of a subscriber's presence.
• Cell surveys for determining involved cells (crime scene surveillance): Identifies cells likely used for communications by a specific mobile phone at a particular time and location. Network coverage is analyzed to display cell coverage graphically and in a table.

Results are classified to show which cells were most likely used for communications. This information can be used for reports or further processing. Live map displays show analysis results and involved cells. Online and offline analysis supports law enforcement and emergency measures.

Configurations for Mobile Use

R&S®NESTOR and its hardware components (scanners, GPS, smartphones) are used in various system configurations:

• User-specific configuration.
• Carrying bag system.
• Backpack system (open or closed).
• Test vehicle.

Visual Description: Images show R&S®NESTOR used in different mobile scenarios: a backpack system, a portable setup with a scanner and tablet, equipment installed in a test vehicle, and an outdoor backpack setup.

From Pre-Sale to Service. At Your Doorstep.

Rohde & Schwarz operates a global network in over 70 countries, ensuring optimal on-site support by qualified experts. User risks are minimized across all project stages, including solution finding, technical startup, application development, integration, training, and operation/calibration/repair.

Visual Description: A world map illustrates Rohde & Schwarz's extensive sales and service network locations worldwide, color-coded by service type.

System Requirements

Minimum Recommended Equipment:

• PC, laptop, or tablet with Intel® Core™ i7-49xx processor.
• 8 GB RAM.
• 255 GB SSD.
• (External) DVD-ROM drive.
• USB 2.0.
• 1 Gbit LAN interface (with R&S®TSME, supports 9k jumbo frames).
• Display resolution: 1440 x 900 pixels.
• Windows 7/8 x64 operating system.
• DirectX10 compatibility.

Recommended PC Hardware:

• Laptop for scanner operation: Dell Latitude E6540 with smart card slot.
• Tablet for client/server operation with R&S®TSMA: Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

Ordering Information

The following are key components and options for R&S®NESTOR:

For more information, refer to Rohde & Schwarz mobile network scanner data sheets.

About Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz electronics group provides innovative solutions in test and measurement, broadcast and media, secure communications, cybersecurity, radiomonitoring, and radiolocation. Founded over 80 years ago, this independent company, headquartered in Munich, Germany, maintains an extensive global sales and service network across more than 70 countries.

Sustainable Product Design:

• Environmental compatibility and eco-footprint.
• Energy efficiency and low emissions.
• Longevity and optimized total cost of ownership.

Rohde & Schwarz is certified for ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).

Regional Contact Information:

• Europe, Africa, Middle East: +49 89 4129 12345, customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com
• North America: 1 888 TEST RSA (1 888 837 8772), customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
• Latin America: +1410 910 79 88, customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com
• Asia Pacific: +65 65130488, customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com
• China: +86 800 810 8228 | +86400 650 58 96, customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG. Trade names are trademarks of their respective owners.