5G network testing

Your 5G network testing challenges

Testing 5G networks presents unique challenges that demand strategic solutions. Key challenges associated with 5G network testing include:

• 5G network coverage: The initial rollout of this advanced technology is concentrated within closed coverage areas. Regulators now consider both reference signal received power (RSRP) and expected data throughput.
• Achieving optimal 5G network performance: The high degree of flexibility in 5G necessitates thorough performance tuning during rollout to achieve intended performance. It is crucial to verify the handover area between sites, cells and beams to ensure the best possible network capacity.
• Interference: Predominant use of time division duplex (TDD) mode in 5G networks introduces interference concerns. Strict network synchronization is necessary to prevent interference between base stations and between networks of different operators.

Our 5G network testing solutions

Navigating the complexities of 5G networks necessitates testing during all phases of the network life cycle. 5G NR network measurements allow operators to deploy and operate networks faster and provide superior network quality. Rohde & Schwarz offers a comprehensive 5G mobile network testing portfolio, with solutions for both passive and active tests:

• The R&S®TSMx6 network scanner family and the R&S®5G Site Testing Solution (STS) support the passive testing method. With this method, it is possible to get an overview of all “always-on” DL signals in the area using automatic channel detection (ACD), which involves decoding broadcast channel information and RF parameters such as signal strength and quality. All base station signals (cells and beams) can also be analyzed. SIM cards are not needed for passive tests with network scanners.
• The QualiPoc Android software supports active tests. This requires a network connection. The network performance can be measured in terms of application quality of experience (QoE) or quality of service (QoS), which includes data throughput and latency.

Rohde & Schwarz also offers software for data analytics and quality monitoring:

• SmartAnalytics : software suite for data analytics
• SmartMonitor : software for quality monitoring and fleet management

Your 5G network testing benefits

Rohde & Schwarz 5G network testing solutions offer many advantages for streamlined and effective network optimization.

Network scanners - R&S®TSMx6 family and R&S®5G STS:

• Signal overview: quickly identify all signals on the air interface with automatic channel detection (ACD) and high-speed 5G NR measurements
• Signal details: analyze 5G base station signals (cells and beams) at high sensitivities, ensuring the presence of a dominant signal at every location to prevent intercell interference caused by pilot pollution
• Interference reduction: verify 5G TDD network synchronization during 5G drive testing to ensure optimum network capacity

Handheld mobile network testing solution - QualiPoc Android SW:

• User-perceived quality measurement: measure network performance in terms of application quality of experience (QoE) or quality of service (QoS)
• Interactivity Test: employ standard test methods (ITU-T G.1051) to measure round-trip latency with various traffic patterns

Analytics software - SmartAnalytics:

• Aggregation and trending: get high-level aggregation of benchmarking campaigns for easy trend identification
• Statistical analysis: analyze benchmarking campaigns based on the network performance score
• Drill-down capability: troubleshoot issues by drilling down into single samples of a measurement campaign