Andrew Solutions has introduced a new five-level program targeting the problem of passive intermodulation (PIM), one of the top causes of quality and performance issues faced by wireless operators.
Andrew says its “PIM Happens, Just Not on Our Watch” program is based on five approaches – awareness, prevention, identification, resolution, and support – for addressing PIM’s capacity to degrade wireless network quality. Each approach also includes a solution from Andrew and its parent company CommScope.
For example, under “awareness”, Andrew says it has created multiple tools – including a PIM and VSWR calculator, FAQ, and testing guidelines – to increase knowledge about PIM.
For “prevention”, Andrew Institute (Andrew’s installer training organization) is now offering a PIM Fundamentals course with curriculum designed to promote best practices for minimizing PIM during site installations.
PIM is the result of two or more wireless signals mixing together to create additional, undesired frequencies that cause interference or degrade transmission of desired signals in wireless networks.
“RF engineers are aware of PIM, but may not fully appreciate the degree of damage it causes to a wireless network, lumping PIM together with other performance metrics,” said Stan Catey, senior vice president and general manager of Cable Products at Andrew Solutions.