Munich 2월 05, 2026

Rohde & Schwarz at MWC Barcelona 2026: Enabling connections, empowering innovations

As leading solution provider for the mobile industry, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its broad portfolio at MWC Barcelona 2026, designed to make emerging network technologies from 5G to 6G measurable, reliable and ready for the real world. Here are the highlights to be explored by event visitors.

Rohde & Schwarz invites attendees to Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona to stop by the company’s booth to connect with its experts and to explore solutions for the next generation of wireless technologies. The company’s portfolio will be on display under the motto “Enabling Connections, Empowering Innovations” at Fira Gran Via, hall 5, booth 5A80 from March 2 to 5, 2026.

The path from 5G to 6G

For a seamless evolution from 5G to 6G, Rohde & Schwarz offers future-ready test solutions for mobile devices and networks. Among the many innovative solutions, the CMX500 stands out throughout multiple demos addressing today’s and tomorrow’s testing challenges.

• Paving the way for 6G, Rohde & Schwarz showcases carrier aggregation combining FR1 and FR3 frequency ranges with its CMX500 one-box signaling tester. The demonstration validates end-to-end device behavior across aggregated spectrum. FR3 (7.125 to 24.25 GHz) has been identified by industry and research as a "sweet spot" for combining wide-area coverage with high capacity. Equipped with the new, upgradeable RFU18 board for the CMX500, the tester covers up to 18 GHz, giving users enough headroom for FR3 evolution and a future-ready path for testing next-generation networks.

• Another setup addresses virtual signaling testing. Based on the CMX500, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates a new approach of shift-left testing, allowing R&D engineers to find design flaws early in their mobile radio modem chips before costly silicon fabrication. This early SDR-based validation will significantly cut time-to-market for 6G devices.

• Ray tracing simulates real-world signal propagation environments, making it a valuable technique for AI receiver testing for future 6G devices. Rohde & Schwarz will showcase the CMX500 as it creates a digital twin of signal propagation within its test environment by leveraging the VIAVI™ ray tracing engine. This enables controlled and reproducible validation of complex scenarios with high measurement precision, facilitating site-specific optimization of radio links and reducing the need for tedious field tests.

• Rohde & Schwarz also advances 5G and emerging 6G testing with its AI-based toolset AI Workplace for the CMX500, massively enhancing testing productivity. TechAssist uses natural language to control the CMX500, enabling rapid test-scenario setup and status/configuration queries, while an upgraded ScriptAssist with new interface simplifies and accelerates scripting for R&D protocol and application testing as well as instrument automation. Visitors can experience these AI-powered tools in action within various setups at MWC 2026.

• Mobile XR and personal AI devices like smart glasses and wearables are key for 5G-Advanced and 6G enabled immersive 3D communications. Delivering compelling, low-latency experiences will require rigorous, realistic testing. Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate an end-to-end testbed centered around the CMX500, addressing AI on RAN and XR testing challenges with its ability to emulate 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi networks, applying both RF and IP impairments to reproduce real-world conditions such as interference and congestion.

• 6G ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication), which leverages mobile networks for object detection, is rapidly gaining traction. Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate new capabilities of its R&S®AREG800A , including the emulation of micro-Doppler signatures – in addition to distance, speed and RCS – to support object classification, such as drones.

• For testing base stations and network infrastructure, Rohde & Schwarz showcases the PVT360A . It meets the requirements for testing FR1/FR2, small cells and O-RU in a single box. For the verification of frequency converting antennas used in SATCOM, NTN or 5G and 6G applications, visitors can learn about CATR-based over-the-air test chambers, enabling fast OTA-testing of phased antenna arrays.

• With the first off-the-shelf commercial mobile devices now available for 5G broadcast, Rohde & Schwarz lets visitors explore seamless rich data distribution transmission to mobile devices, innovative applications like venue casting, emergency alerts and advanced solutions for terrestrial positioning, navigation and timing.

From ground to orbit with NTN

As terrestrial and satellite-based networks converge, it becomes increasingly complex to simulate real-word conditions while meeting 3GPP requirements, for instance when it comes to handovers within orbits, between orbits or from space to ground. As NTN technology matures alongside 5G and towards 6G, overcoming significant technical hurdles is key to realizing NTN’s potential.

• Rohde & Schwarz has upgraded its CMX500 one-box signaling tester, supporting NR-NTN, NB-NTN and Direct-to-Cell (D2C/DTC) technologies in a single platform. The tester creates a digital twin of the sky, simulating orbits, bands and impairments like Doppler shifts and fading. Combined with smart features like the Constellation Insights Tool it allows engineers to visualize satellite constellations, analyze coverage gaps and observe trajectories.

• Rohde & Schwarz also supports NTN conformance and carrier acceptance testing, offering the highest number of validated test cases for NR-NTN according to 3GPP Rel.17. In cooperation with Samsung, validations were conducted across all three test domains: RF, RRM and PCT. At MWC 2026 visitors will not only be able to experience these test cases but also see a demonstration of Viasat’s test plan for NB-NTN, covering protocol, performance and RF test scenarios.

Industry collaborations to accelerate AI-RAN

AI is becoming integral part of the RAN, enabling performance optimization, improved energy efficiency and more autonomous operations. As member of the AI-RAN Alliance, Rohde & Schwarz continues industry collaboration and provides reliable test equipment for navigating interoperability in this evolving landscape.

• Rohde & Schwarz and Nokia Bell Labs have collaborated on an AI/ML-based 6G base station radio receiver employing Digital Post Distortion (DPoD) to recover distorted uplink signals. DPoD improves link budget, preserves coverage and reduces the need for dense site deployments, lowering costs. DPoD also reduces mobile device complexity and power consumption. The testbed at the Rohde & Schwarz booth comprising the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator and the newly launched FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer will showcase the improved performance of Nokia’s AI receiver for uplink signals with different distortion levels.

• In collaboration with NVIDIA, Rohde & Schwarz will exhibit their latest proof-of-concept also leveraging digital twin technology and high-fidelity ray tracing. This approach creates a robust framework for testing AI-enhanced base stations for both 5G-Advanced and 6G under realistic propagation conditions. This integration aims to bridge the gap between AI-driven wireless simulations and real-world deployment, facilitating more efficient and accurate testing of next-generation receiver architectures.

Next-generation Wi-Fi experience

Wi-Fi 8 sets new expectations for consistent, ultra-high-reliability and quality connectivity. Designed to handle a growing number of connected devices and demanding applications like XR or industrial IoT, IEEE 802.11bn employs ever more complex MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) scenarios. Rohde & Schwarz enables manufacturers with its solution portfolio, from R&D to production.

• The CMX500 one-box signaling tester is now equipped with comprehensive Wi-Fi 8 capabilities. The tester’s flexibility and embedded IP test capabilities make it a versatile solution for a broad range of Wi-Fi 8-specific tests such as dRu (distributed resource unit), introducing distributed resource allocation, and UEQM (unequal modulation) where different MIMO layers use different modulation schemes, as well as 320 MHz channel bandwidth.

• To navigate the technical complexities of Wi-Fi 8 throughout the entire device lifecycle – from development to production – Rohde & Schwarz will exhibit the CMP180 radio communication tester, designed for testing in non-signaling mode with advanced capabilities and broad bandwidth support. The CMP180 combines two analyzers and generators for efficient testing of 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi 8 devices.

• For high-end MIMO signal generation and analysis tasks in R&D, Rohde & Schwarz will display the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the newly launched FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer. With its outstanding standard EVM performance and in combination with its cross-correlation feature, the FSWX discovers details of Wi-Fi 8 signals that have been hidden up to now and offers new margins for optimization. Its multichannel architecture makes the FSWX well suited for analyzing complex scenarios like multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO).

Automotive connectivity testing

Vehicle manufacturers are integrating increasing levels of wireless connectivity to enable new user experiences, safety features and higher levels of autonomous driving. Rohde & Schwarz offers precise test solutions that cover all wireless technologies used in the automotive industry from 5G and ultra-wideband to C-V2X and GNSS.

• With NG eCall becoming mandatory for vehicles sold in Europe starting in 2026, Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate compliance testing capabilities using the CMX500 one-box signaling tester and R&S®SMBV100B vector signal generator. The test solution also supports the upcoming Chinese automotive GNSS test standard, GB/T 45086.1 2024, expected to be mandatory for the Automotive Emergency Call System in 2027, with automated testing.

• Non-terrestrial networks have the potential to provide ubiquitous automotive connectivity and require enhancements to key components such as the chipsets, TCU and antennas. Trade show visitors can discover at MWC 2026 how the company’s comprehensive NTN test solutions can help the automotive industry create the always-connected vehicle.

Solutions for mission-critical communications and spectrum monitoring

Mission-critical communications (MCX) support public safety, first responders and emergency services by providing extremely reliable, low-latency and secure communications even in adverse conditions. Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its integrated solutions for testing devices and mobile networks, facilitating the ongoing migration to 3GPP-compliant broadband mission-critical services.

• The QualiPoc platform will be demonstrated with new capabilities for MCX testing. This smartphone-based solution allows detailed performance assessment of MCX private and group calls, including measurement of 3GPP-defined MCX KPIs. New features include direct MCX app control and the ability to measure quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for public safety communications. The R&S LCM, an autonomous monitoring probe, and the R&S TSMS8, the fastest network scanner, will also be on display, further expanding capabilities for both business and mission-critical networks.

• Rohde & Schwarz will also exhibit a protocol conformance test solution to verify that MCX devices and client software implementations adhere to 3GPP specifications

• Expanding its spectrum monitoring portfolio, Rohde & Schwarz will launch two new products at MWC Barcelona 2026: These solutions will enable regulatory authorities, network operators and public services in over 100 countries to actively protect the electromagnetic spectrum and address evolving monitoring challenges. The new devices will enhance capabilities in interference hunting and regulatory compliance.

Endpoint security, network visibility and secure network solutions

Robust security solutions deliver seamless and reliable communications experiences. Rohde & Schwarz subsidiaries will also present their innovative solutions supporting the wireless ecosystem.

• The Rohde & Schwarz Networks & Cybersecurity division, comprising the subsidiaries Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity and LANCOM Systems, provides endpoint security, secure networks and high-quality cryptography. With products “Engineered in Germany”, they ensure trustworthy, reliable and secure data transfer, specializing in the public, critical infrastructures, defense, health, retail and SME verticals. At MWC 2026, Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity will showcase the Layer 2 encryptor and the R&S ComSec solution enabling secure mobile working with sensitive data on iPhones and iPads. LANCOM Systems will present an overview of its Wi-Fi 7 access point portfolio, the latest 5G router models and firewalls.

• As networks become more distributed, encrypted and dynamic, network visibility becomes indispensable. At the Rohde & Schwarz booth, visitors will experience how the ready-to-deploy, DPI-powered R&S Probe Observer delivers deep network visibility, precise real-time traffic analytics and actionable intelligence. Developed by ipoque, a Rohde & Schwarz company, this deep packet inspection (DPI) software probe analyzes network traffic at the application level, enabling operators to understand, optimize and control their networks while supporting faster detection, diagnosis and resolution of network and service issues.

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of test and measurement and industry solutions at Mobile World Congress 2026 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80. Trade magazine editors and press representatives visiting the event are invited to schedule briefings with their press contact at Rohde & Schwarz.

For further information, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/mwc

Press & media contact

Christian Mokry
PR Manager Test & measurement
+49 89 412913052
press@rohde-schwarz.com

More information

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 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 3.16 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2025, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 15,000 employees worldwide.

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