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Network Testing and Emulation Solutions

CT718 LANforge-Attenuator with 8 Attenuator Channels: 50 MHz - 8 GHz


The CT718 RF Attenuator is used to attenuate (decrease) the RF signal between wireless devices. The two SMA ports for a given channel are on opposite sides of the attenuator. This is helpful when mounting the attenuator on the side of RF Chamber stacks. A summary of the technical specifications is below:

Max RF Power:+34 dBm
Impedance:50 Ω
Frequency Range:50 MHz – 8.0 GHz
Attenuation Range:0 – 95 dB
Attenuation Steps:0.25 dB increments

The CT718 may be controlled through software access over the USB-Serial port or Ethernet. The included LANforge software suite supports automated scripting as well as manual configuration of the attenuator modules.

The CT718 should be used with an RF enclosure to prevent the devices connected to the attenuator from bypassing the RF attenuator using over-the-air RF leakage.

The CT718 has no moving parts and will fit into a small travel bag or briefcase for easy portability.

The CT718 includes a USB Cable for both management and power supply. If powering many attenuators, a powered USB hub should be used. PoE Ethernet is also supported.


Larger Images: side top
NOTE: This product may have a different hardware configuration than the system pictured above.
Refer to your official quote for details.
"
NOTE: This product may have a different hardware configuration than the system pictured above.
Refer to your official quote for details.


Candela Technologies Inc., 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, P.O. Box 3285, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1 360 380 1618


Example Network Diagram


The LANforge attenuator sits between two RF systems, often a WiFi AP on one side and WiFi Station on the other. The attenuator and WiFi stations are connected by shielded SMA-Male cables. Adjust the attenuation as desired either with the LANforge GUI or direct access over serial.


Candela Technologies Inc., 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, P.O. Box 3285, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1 360 380 1618

Quick Start Guide

  1. Connect the CT718 to a Linux system running LANforge with the included USB cable. The USB cable allows control of the CT718. The USB cable also provides power so no other power cable is required. PoE Ethernet connectivity may also be used.
  2. Connect the attenuator pairs: One side to one system and the other side to another system or antennas.
  3. Open a LANforge GUI and connect to the Linux system with the CT718.
  4. If using USB, the attenuator should be automatically discovered. If using Ethernet, then click the Discover button. In the Attenuator tab, you should see the CT718 device appear. Modify it to set attenuation values manually and/or configure a script to change attenuations automatically.
  5. One useful feature for the CT718 is the Rate vs Range test in Chamber View. The second screenshot below shows the possible options this feature gives. For more information, please see Testing Rate vs Range throughput for a WiFi Device.


Candela Technologies Inc., 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, P.O. Box 3285, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1 360 380 1618


LANforge-Attenuator Related Images

LANforge Attenuator Configuration Screen

LANforge-GUI Attenuator Configuration Screen

LANforge Attenuator Rate vs Range Test


Candela Technologies Inc., 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, P.O. Box 3285, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1 360 380 1618

Software Features


  1. Using Rate vs Range, an AP can be tested how well it can transmit packets at different signal levels for transit and receive.
  2. Emulate mesh node distance.
  3. Test device roaming between APs.
  4. Test how well the AP can receive packets with different MCS at different RF Signal levels.

Hardware Specification


  1. RF Attenuator with 0.05 Ghz to 8 Ghz.
  2. USB-Serial console (115200 8 N 1) for scripting and automated control. PoE Ethernet also supported.
  3. SMA port pairs are on opposite sides, good for mounting on the sides of chambers.
  4. Weight: 3 lbs or 1.36 kg.
  5. Dimensions: 11.7 x 3.5 x 1 inches   Metric: 296 x 89 x 24 mm.
  6. Operating Temperature: 0 ~ 60°C.
  7. Operating Humidity: 10 ~ 90%.
  8. Certification: RoHS.

Max RF Power:+34 dBm
Impedance:50 Ω
Frequency Range:50 MHz – 8.0 GHz
Attenuation Range:0 – 95 dB
Attenuation Steps:0.25 dB increments
Insertion Loss (dB):FrequencyTypicalMax
50 Mhz4.24.5
2400 Mhz6.16.5
6000 Mhz8.510.0
8000 Mhz10.010.8
Attenuation Accuracy (dB):FrequencyConditionsTypicalMax
50 - 2000 Mhz0.25 - 20±0.25±(5.5% of Atten. + 0.25)
20.25 - 60±0.50±(2.0% of Atten. + 0.90)
60.25 - 90±0.75±(3.5% of Atten. + 0.70)
2000 - 4000 Mhz0.25 - 20±0.20±(5.5% of Atten. + 0.25)
20.25 - 60±0.30±(2.0% of Atten. + 0.70)
60.25 - 90±0.40±(3.0% of Atten. + 0.90)
4000 - 8000 Mhz0.25 - 20 ±0.15±(6.5% of Atten. + 0.15)
20.25 - 60±0.35±(3.5% of Atten. + 0.45)
60.25 - 90±0.65±(3.5% of Atten. + 0.90)

List Price: $9,495     List Price with 1 Year support (17%): $11,109


Additional Feature Upgrades

Unless otherwise noted in the product description, these features usually cost extra:


Candela Technologies Inc., 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, P.O. Box 3285, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1 360 380 1618


Candela  Technologies, 2417 Main Street, Suite 201, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA
www.candelatech.com | sales@candelatech.com | +1.360.380.1618
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Last modified: Mon Dec 16 18:13:27 PST 2024