Munich 18-Oct-2021

Rohde & Schwarz validates 10 Gbps end-to-end (E2E) peak downlink IP data throughput

Rohde & Schwarz announced today the next breakthrough in 5G data performance: With support of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Rohde & Schwarz has validated 10 Gbps end-to-end (E2E) IP data performance using its R&S CMX500 5G radio communication tester platform. The setup was powered by Snapdragon® X65 5G Modem-RF System, the world’s first 3GPP Release 16 modem-RF system with Qualcomm® QTM545 mmWave Antenna Module.

Rohde & Schwarz achieved the milestone results based on a 3GPP Release 16 5G New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) network simulation, provided by its R&S CMX500 5G radio communication tester. In the simulation, two cell groups were simultaneously connected, one using spectrum in frequency range 1 (FR1) and the other in frequency range 2 (FR2; mmWave). The FR1 carrier spans over full 100 MHz bandwidth using an antenna configuration of MIMO 4x4 and 256QAM modulation. Eight additional component carriers are combined in FR2, using MIMO 2x2 and 256QAM modulation.

The demonstration covered several test cases that verified high data throughput in downlink over IP layer, using different configuration modes of the 5G protocol stack’s lower layers such as Radio Link Control (RLC) in Unacknowledged Mode (UM) and Acknowledged Mode (AM). These configuration modes made it possible to push real IP data over the wireless communication link, making this the first time ever that real IP end-2-end data was used in a performance of this kind. Previously, throughput had simply been verified on the modem’s lower layer 5G protocol stack. This opens up a new era of 5G data performance, which eventually will enable eMBB use cases like 4K and 8K video streaming or augmented reality applications.

Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership position in advanced modem architecture helped us to validate the capabilities of our hardware. By testing the R&S CMX500 against real modem implementation, we accomplished a new milestone in IP data throughput. 10 Gbps pave the way for much discussed 5G features, which end users are already waiting for.”

For further information on wireless communications testing solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/wireless.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Snapdragon and Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave Antenna Module are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.