Skip to main content
  • Investors
  • Partners
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Back
  • United States
  • 中国
  • 日本
  • Brasil
  • СНГ
  • Deutschland
  • España
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Mexico
VIAVI Solutions
Back
  • United States
  • 中国
  • 日本
  • Brasil
  • СНГ
  • Deutschland
  • España
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Mexico
Search icon
    • Lab and Manufacturing
      • Lab and Manufacturing
        • Application Emulation
        • Automation and Orchestration
        • UE Emulation
        • Cloud UE Emulation
        • Core Emulation
        • Core Test
        • O-CU Simulator
        • O-CU Test
        • O-DU Test
        • O-RU Test
        • RIC Test
        • Security Validation
        • Test as a Service (TaaS)
        • Ethernet Test
        • High-Speed Networks
        • Optical Manufacturing Test
      • Compute, Storage, Transport
        • Compute, Storage, Transport
        • PCI Express
        • SAS and SATA
        • Fiber Channel, Ethernet, FCoE, NVMeoF
        • Protocol Analyzers
        • Exercisers and Generators
        • Jammers
    • Network Deployment and Maintenance
      • Network Deployment and Maintenance
        • Antenna Alignment and Monitoring
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Cell Site Installation and Maintenance
        • Cable and Antenna Analyzer
        • Interference Hunting
        • RF Analysis
      • Fiber
        • Fiber
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Attenuators
        • Bit Error Rate
        • Copper, DSL, WiFi and Broadband Test
        • DOCSIS Test
        • Essential Fiber Optic Testers
        • Ethernet Test
        • Fiber Characterization
        • Fiber Identifiers
        • Fiber Inspection and Cleaning
        • Fault Locators
        • Fiber Optic Sensing
        • Fiber Optic Light Sources
      • Fiber (cont.)
        • Fiber (cont.)
        • HFC Test
        • MPO Testing
        • Optical Multimeter
        • Optical Power Meters
        • Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)
        • OTDR Testing
        • PON Testing
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
        • Virtual Test and Activation
        • AIOps
        • Core Network Assurance
        • Ethernet Assurance
        • RAN Assurance
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
      • Service Assurance
        • Service Assurance
        • 5G Service Assurance and Analytics
        • AIOps
        • Fiber Service Assurance
        • HFC and Cable Service Assurance
        • Transport Assurance
      • Lab and Manufacturing
        • Lab and Manufacturing
        • Automation and Orchestration
        • Cloud UE Emulation
        • Core Emulation
        • Core Test
        • O-CU Simulator
        • O-CU Test
        • O-DU Test
        • O-RU Test
        • RIC Test
        • Security Validation
        • Asset and Data Management
        • Network APIs
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
        • Virtual Test and Activation
        • AIOps
        • Ethernet Assurance
        • Remote Fiber Test and Monitoring
    • Railway and Mission-Critical
      • Railway and Mission-Critical
      • Drive Test
      • ERTMS and FRMCS Monitoring
      • Mission Critical Assurance
      • Railway Cybersecurity
      • Performance and Threat Visibility
        • Performance and Threat Visibility
        • End-User Experience
        • Enriched Flow Collection
        • Packet Analysis
        • Packet Capture Collection
        • Packet Meta-Data Collection
      • Test and Certification
        • Test and Certification
        • Bit Error Rate
        • Ethernet Test
        • Fiber Identifiers
        • Fiber Inspection and Cleaning
        • Fiber Optic Sensing
        • MPO Testing
        • Optical Power Meters
    • Land Mobile and Military Radio
      • Land Mobile and Military Radio
      • Communications Service Monitors
      • Land Mobile Radio Test
      • Military Radio Test
      • Modular Instrumentation
      • Software Defined Radio and System Solutions
    • Avionics
      • Avionics
      • ADS-B Compliance
      • Aircraft Fuel Quantity Test Sets and Interfaces
      • Antenna Couplers
      • Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
      • Fiber Optic Avionics
      • GPS Signal Simulators
      • Military Avionics
      • Modular Instrumentation
      • Navigation and Communication
      • Radio Altimeters (RADALT)
      • Radio Frequency Automatic Test Equipment (RF ATE) Systems
      • Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN)
      • Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
      • Transponder and Interrogator
    • Position, Navigation and Timing
      • Position, Navigation and Timing
      • GNSS Disciplined Oscillators
      • GNSS/GEO/LEO Grandmaster Clocks
      • GNSS/GEO/LEO Receiver Modules
      • GPS Simulator
      • RF Transcoder
      • Resilient GEO/LEO Timing Services
    • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics
        • Custom Optics
        • Custom Optical Filters
        • Light Shaping Optics
        • MicroNIR Spectrometers
      • Pigments
        • Pigments
        • Brand Protection
        • ChromaFlair Pigments
        • Security Pigments
        • SpectraFlair Pigments
    • All Products
      • All Products
      • All Products
      • Products by Family
      • Discontinued Products
    • Services
      • Services
      • Instrument Care Plans
      • Refurbished Equipment
      • Repair and Calibration
      • System Maintenance and Contracts
      • Training and Certification
      • VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR)
      • Order Services
      • Wireless
        • Wireless
        • 5G Solutions
        • 5G Security
        • 5G Synchronization
        • 6G Forward
        • AIOps
        • Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN
        • Cell Site Installation
        • Cloud-Based Testing
        • Interference Hunting
        • MU-MIMO Test
        • Network Digital Twin
        • Non-Terrestrial Networks
        • Open RAN
        • Private 5G
        • RAN Intelligence Solutions
      • Wireline
        • Wireline
        • AIOps
        • DWDM
        • Ethernet Service Activation Test
        • Fiber Construction
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Network Solutions
        • Fiber Sensing
        • FTTx
        • HFC Network Test
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Passive Optical Network (PON)
        • Rural Broadband
        • Test Process Automation (TPA)
        • Transport Network Operations
        • Hyperscale
        • Data Center Interconnect
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Tier 1 (Basic) Fiber Optic Certification
        • Tier 2 (Extended) Fiber Optic Certification
    • Network Equipment Manufacturers
      • Network Equipment Manufacturers
        • 5G Security
        • 5G Network Equipment Manufacturers
        • 6G Forward
        • Analytics Enablement
        • Cloud-Based Testing
        • Non-Terrestrial Networks
        • Open RAN Security Test
        • O-RU Commercialization
        • Private 5G
        • Coherent Optics Testing
        • Field Deployment
        • Scalable Manufacturing
        • Technology and Service Introduction
        • Test and Development
      • AIOps
      • Fiber Sensing
      • Open RAN
      • Private 5G
      • Public Safety
      • Solutions for Operations Managers
      • Test Process Automation (TPA)
      • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Open RAN Security Test
        • Open RAN Security and Firewall Test
        • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Fiber Sensing
    • Government, Aerospace and Defense
      • Government, Aerospace and Defense
        • Electromagnetic Warfare
        • Field Test
        • Military Aviation Testing
        • Payload & Device Optical Elements
        • Radar
        • Research, Development and Manufacturing
        • Secure and Reliable Communications
        • Spectrum Monitoring and Signal Analysis
        • Field Test
        • Private 5G
        • Public Safety
        • Secure and Reliable Communications
        • General Aviation
    • Enterprise and Data Center
      • Enterprise and Data Center
        • Cloud Monitoring
        • End-User Experience Monitoring
        • Network Performance Monitoring
        • Private 5G
        • Unified Communications
        • Threat Forensics and Remediation
        • Cloud Workflow Management
        • Data Center Interconnect
        • Ethernet Service Activation Test
        • Fiber and Copper Test and Certification
        • MPO Connector Testing
        • Tier 1 (Basic) Fiber Optic Certification
        • Tier 2 (Extended) Fiber Optic Certification
        • WAN Performance Testing
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
        • Electric Power Operators
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
        • Fiber Monitoring
        • Fiber Sensing
    • Contractors and Integrators
      • Contractors and Integrators
      • Cell Site Installation and Commissioning
      • Data Center Contractor Solutions
      • Fiber and Copper Test and Certification
      • Residential Broadband Services Installation
      • Solutions for Field Technicians
      • Solutions for Installers
      • Solutions for Operations Managers
      • Test Process Automation (TPA)
    • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • Custom Optics and Pigments
      • 3D Sensing
      • Anti-Counterfeiting
      • Automotive
      • Biomedical Applications
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Custom Color Solutions
      • Government and Aerospace
      • Industrial
      • NIR Spectroscopy
      • Spectral Sensing
  • How to Buy
    • Request a Quote
    • Request a Demo
    • Check Order Status
    • Contact Us
    • Equipment Rental
    • Financing Options
    • How to Order Products
    • How to Order Services
    • Locate a Partner
    • Refurbished Equipment
  • Resources
    • Learning Center
      • Learning Center
      • What are Cloud Solutions?
      • What is 5G Energy Consumption?
      • What is 5G Testing?
      • What is a Hyperscale Data Center?
      • What is End-User Experience Monitoring?
      • What is Fiber Construction?
      • What is Fiber Optic Sensing?
      • What is Fiber Testing?
      • What is OTDR Testing?
      • What is Packet Capture?
      • What is PCIe 6.0?
      • What is RF Interference?
      • View All Topics
    • Literature Library
    • Blog Posts
    • Subscription Center
    • Video Library
    • Webinars
    • Customer Support
      • Customer Support
      • Customer Portal
      • Customer Service
      • Technical Support
      • Return Material Authorization (RMA)
      • How-To Videos
      • Knowledge Base
      • Quick Cards and Tech Tips
      • Software Downloads
      • Warranty, Quality and Compliance
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Awards and Recognition
      • Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG)
      • Leadership
      • Our Locations
      • Together with VIAVI
    • Careers
      • Careers
      • Career Paths
      • Search and Apply
      • Early-Career Program
      • Life at VIAVI
      • What We Value
      • Events
      • In the News
      • News Releases
      • Blog Posts
      • Subscription Center
    • Partners
      • Partners
      • Locate a Partner
      • Partner Portal Login
      • Compliance
      • Data Privacy and Data Security
      • Patents
      • Product Environmental Compliance
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Terms of Use
    • Contact Us
Search icon
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Learning Center

What is a RF Spectrum Analyzer?

Industry’s most comprehensive portable RF test solutions

  • Radio Frequency Spectrum Analyzers from VIAVI
  • VIAVI RF Test Solution Features
  • RF Spectrum Analysis Use Cases
  • How Does an RF Analyzer Work?
  • RF Spectrum Analyzer Solutions from VIAVI
  • View Products
  • View Solutions
  • Contact an Expert

Although spectrum analysis equipment and technology has been adapted for optical, audio, and other applications, the radio frequency spectrum analyser was developed specifically to characterize RF signal behavior over a given frequency range. The display convention for RF spectrum analysis has remained virtually unchanged, with the radio frequency visible on the x (horizontal) axis and the signal power (amplitude) plotted using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis. Modern RF spectrum analyzers also provide detailed insight into channel utilization, signal phase, and modulation properties.

The wireless revolution has driven higher RF spectrum utilization and channel density, along with more interference sources. Duplexing and multiplexing options squeeze more data transmission out of airwaves and mmWave shifts frequency allocation to utilize wider channel bandwidths of 100MHz or higher. Despite these advancements, the RF spectrum analyzer remains the best option for verifying and troubleshooting RF performance from the concept phase to the field.  

RF spectrum analyzers are among the most widely used and powerful wireless communication test and assurance tools, with an ever-growing list of applications and capabilities. The rollout of 5G has heightened spectrum analysis challenges throughout the network lifecycle, as the airwaves grow more crowded and advanced transmission and modulation techniques are employed.

As the landscape transforms, the familiar single-function RF spectrum analyzer no longer suffices. Purpose-built RF analysis tools are giving way to versatile, portable test platforms with the capabilities needed to unlock the complexity of 5G and emerging wireless technologies.  

VIAVI has developed the industry’s most comprehensive portable RF test solutions, building upon decades of RF spectrum analysis experience and expertise to address the evolving needs of today’s wireless networks. 

The real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) technology developed by VIAVI provides a foundation for a host of new portable RF analysis features. Along with automated workflows, cloud connectivity, and vastly simplified reporting, these advanced features address the evolving needs of RF service providers, field technicians, and contractors.  

  • Persistence Spectrum Analysis utilizes advanced algorithms to precisely measure the presence of a given frequency within the signal over time. This method allows “hidden signals” that might otherwise go undetected to be displayed and quantified. With time division duplex (TDD) transmission mandatory for 5G carriers above 3GHz, persistence spectrum analysis is an outstanding tool for characterizing 5G signals with precise uplink and downlink time slots over the same frequency.  
    Real-time Spectrum Analysis
    Real-time Spectrum Analysis
  • Signal Analysis has developed as an offshoot of RF spectrum analysis to provide detailed information on the amplitude and phase relationships between signals and their modulation characteristics. Signal analysis capabilities in a portable RF spectrum analyzer are essential for 5G and LTE modulation analysis, channel mapping, and conformance testing to 3GPP standards.
  • Interference Analysis converts spectrum data into meaningful information on the source and type of unwanted signals impacting cellular networks. RF spectrum analyzer replay features, interference hunting tools, and advanced heat-mapping software can be used to pinpoint interference sources quickly and easily.
  • RF over CPRI (RFoCPRI) capabilities pioneered by VIAVI provide a useful method of RF measurement through the fiber fronthaul, which is the link between the baseband unit (BBU) and the remote radio head (RRH) in a wireless network. RFoCPRI conveniently allows mobile device uplink signals and interference high in the tower to be analyzed seamlessly from the ground.
  • Beam Analysis is a useful handheld RF spectrum analyzer feature developed for over-the-air (OTA) performance testing in 5G beamforming applications. A 5G beam analyzer can characterize the transmission profile of each individual beam ID, including beam power and signal to noise ratio (SNR).  
  • Massive MIMO arrays enabling dynamic user-based coverage and millimeter wave transmission present unique challenges for antenna and coverage validation. 5G spectrum analysis tools designed to accurately interpret signal behavior in the FR2 (mmWave) spectrum and provide coverage mapping in real-time are essential new capabilities for 5G MIMO deployments.

RF spectrum analyzers in the field are used to measure frequency utilization and interference within and between telecommunications networks. A portable RF spectrum analyzer can also determine the accuracy of a wireless transmission by comparing the frequencies and bandwidths of an output signal to the received input signal. The spectrum analyzer has become a valuable laboratory and manufacturing tool, as new RF components and topologies are developed and deployed. 

  • Cell Tower Operations utilize advanced RF spectrum analysis to expand the reach of 5G wireless services and verify performance KPIs at turn-up. Real time spectrum analysis with persistence spectrum is a must-have for analyzing advanced 5G transmission options like time division duplex (TDD) and dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS). With miles of new fiber and scores of new antenna arrays accompanying each new installation, the best all-in-one RF test solutions from VIAVI also include useful fiber and antenna verification capabilities.  
  • RF Shielding is an ongoing concern for legacy cable networks connecting businesses and homes as well as coaxial RF antenna connections. Damaged or missing RF shielding can lead to induced interference from escaped signals (egress) or leakage into the cable that interferes with wired transmission (ingress). Each scenario benefits from purpose-built RF spectrum monitoring solutions to locate and eliminate leakage sources. A handheld RF spectrum analyzer can verify electronic equipment emissions and conformance to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.
  • Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are harmful to humans over certain thresholds. Mobile service providers must continuously take radiation measurements to ensure regulatory compliance as well as the personal safety of employees and customers. 

The RF spectrum analyzer distinguishes itself from the oscilloscope by quantifying signal behavior in the frequency domain as well as the time domain. The heterodyne (swept-tuned) type RF spectrum analyzer was industry standard for decades. The familiar amplitude vs. frequency measurement was completed by down-converting incoming signals and sweeping them through a resolution bandwidth (RBW) filter. An additional detector then calculated the amplitude value for each frequency displayed on the screen. 

  • Real Time Spectrum Analysis 
    A conventional swept-tuned RF spectrum analyzer only provides a snapshot of signal amplitude at a given point in time. This method works well for stable or consistent signals, but is less useful for diagnosing unpredictable, intermittent, or transient signal and noise components. To overcome these limitations, RTSA technology uses digital processing power to increase the sampling rate and continuously store the results, providing a more complete analysis.
  • 5G Spectrum Analysis 
    Radio frequency interference is a common 5G RAN issue leading to performance problems including reduced data throughput and compromised voice quality. The interference source can often be transient in time as well as frequency. RTSA is an effective tool for 5G spectrum analysis, along with a persistent spectrum display to present thousands of data points simultaneously. Color and brightness are used to graphically represent the probability of a given signal appearing. 

  • OneAdvisor 800 
    The VIAVI OneAdvisor 800 is multi-purpose portable RF spectrum analyzer ideal for verifying and troubleshooting RAN networks. An impressive list of RF spectrum analysis features is highlighted by real-time persistence spectrum from 9KHz up to 44GHz, RFoCPRI interference analysis, O-RAN fronthaul verification, and advanced interference location capabilities. The OneAdvisor 800 also performs cable and antenna reflection testing, fiber inspection, and OTDR testing using pre-configured test workflows.  
  • CellAdvisor 5G
    The CellAdvisor 5G is the industry’s most comprehensive and easy-to-use portable 5G spectrum analyzer, designed to confidently address the complexity of 5G spectrum analysis. RTSA, interference analysis, and persistence display features support both FR1 and FR2 (mmWave) frequency ranges. 5G carrier scanning measures up to eight carriers’ power simultaneously while 5G beam analysis characterizes individual beam ID, power level, and SNR. Fiber and coax test features compliment advanced fronthaul, interference, and PIM detection capabilities over CPRI.
  • InterferenceAdvisor 
    The InterferenceAdvisor is a fully automated RF interference hunting solution designed for seamless integration with a OneAdvisor 800 spectrum analyzer. The InterferenceAdvisor software, loaded onto an Android tablet, analyzes RF spectrum and power data while in transit. An intuitive heat-map effectively guides the RF technician to the area identified as the likely interference epicenter. 

As the landscape transforms, the familiar single-function RF spectrum analyzer no longer suffices. Purpose-built RF analysis tools are giving way to versatile, portable test platforms with the capabilities needed to unlock the complexity of 5G and emerging wireless technologies.  

VIAVI has developed the industry’s most comprehensive portable RF test solutions, building upon decades of RF spectrum analysis experience and expertise to address the evolving needs of today’s wireless networks. 

Corporate
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Investor Relations
  • News Releases
  • Partners
  • Social Responsibility
Areas of Expertise
  • 3D Sensing
  • 5G Testing
  • Avionics
  • Fiber
  • Service Assurance
Support
  • Customer Service
  • Technical Assistance
  • Technical Support Portal
  • Repair and Calibration
  • Software Downloads
How to Buy
  • Request a Quote
  • Contact Sales
  • Locate a Partner
  • Order Status
viavi logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Subscription Center

© 2025 VIAVI Solutions Inc.

  • Cookie Preferences
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Technical Assistance
  • Request RMA
  • Request a Quote
  • Locate a Partner
  • Customer Portal
  • Contact Us