Welcome to Line Sweeping and PIM Testing

Welcome to Line Sweeping and PIM Testing, a course developed by the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC) to provide a practical understanding of how RF transmission paths are verified, maintained, and optimized in modern wireless networks.

Even the most advanced wireless technologies can be undermined by poor installation, hidden faults, or interference within the RF path. Line sweeping and Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing are essential practices used to ensure signal integrity, identify issues, and maintain the performance standards required for reliable coverage and capacity across macro towers, small cells, and in-building systems.

This course focuses on how these tests are performed, how to interpret results, and how to apply structured troubleshooting workflows in real-world environments. It is the e-learning version of TEC’s instructor-led, hands-on training, designed to provide the same foundational knowledge in a flexible, self-paced format.

No prior field testing experience is required, though a basic understanding of wireless concepts is helpful.

Who This Course Is For

This course is intended for:

• Field technicians and engineers involved in wireless site installation, testing, or maintenance
• Professionals in operations, project management, or network support roles who work with RF infrastructure
• Learners seeking to build practical troubleshooting skills in wireless environments

The emphasis is on applied, real-world understanding—how testing is used to verify performance, identify faults, and support reliable network operation.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and importance of line sweeping and PIM testing in wireless networks
• Identify key components within the RF path and common failure points
• Interpret return loss, insertion loss, gain, and PIM test results
• Use Distance-to-Fault (DTF) concepts to localize issues within transmission lines
• Distinguish between system-level and component-level testing approaches
• Recognize how PIM is generated and how it impacts network performance
• Apply structured workflows to troubleshoot and resolve RF performance issues
• Understand best practices for installation, testing, and quality assurance

Course Format and Structure

The core instructional content is delivered as a self-paced, interactive e-learning module in the next section of the LMS.

The course includes:

• Step-by-step testing workflows and real-world scenarios
• Technical diagrams and measurement examples
• Guided interpretation of test results and traces
• Knowledge checks to reinforce understanding

You may complete the course in one session or return to it as needed. Progress is saved automatically.