The cooperation between Viavi Solutions and Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) has expanded to include cutting-edge O-RU testing. These solutions are perfect for radio manufacturers who intend to submit a bid for the Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation-focused National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF) Second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO 2) of the US Department of Commerce.
Since the beginning of this collaboration, VIAVI and R&S have built a solid reputation for providing seamless user experiences through small, adaptable solutions that use the capabilities of both businesses.
Viavi Solutions and Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) to Jointly Offer:
O-RU Conformance Test. O-RAN ALLIANCE-defined fronthaul conformance tests makes O-RUs and the O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU) interoperable. The combined test solution consists of:
Through the generating, capturing, and analyzing of RF signals, expanded for O-RAN applications, the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyzer, and R&S VSE signal analysis software from Rohde & Schwarz can simulate a real-world radio environment.
The O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) side of the M-plane and C/U-plane capabilities required to set up the interface with the O-RU and exchange of I/Q data via the Open Fronthaul are implemented by the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester.
The O-RU Test Manager application streamlines testcase workflow and allows deeper data examination and analysis when necessary by acting as a single point of control for the integrated system.
For 5G/LTE base stations (BS), the same configuration may be utilized to carry out the conformance scenarios specified by 3GPP TS 38.141/36.141.
Test Scalability. Development testing for O-RAN radios must go from lab validation of conformity to more extensive use case and functionality testing inside R&D when the technology enters the commercial market. Testing cost-effectiveness, speed, and simplicity are given top priority in these more recent use cases.
Together with the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester and VIAVI O-RU Test Manager Application, the R&S PVT360A is a small, single-box vector signal analyzer (VSA) and vector signal generator (VSG) that offers a more scalable solution.
This simpler, more affordable setup is ideal for research and development teams that need multiple test lines to expedite time to market. Additionally, the TM500 O-RU Tester may be expanded to offer direct performance testing, including capacity testing and testing of uplink and downlink data performance.
Network Energy Saving. In 5G radio access networks, the bulk of power is used by O-RAN radio units (O-RU). O-RU energy efficiency is being prioritized by network equipment makers and service providers without compromising performance.
With the help of VIAVI and R&S, a fully automated testbed including the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester, the R&S NGP800 power supply, and the RTO6 oscilloscope has been designed to validate O-RU energy efficiency.
The TM500 O-RU Tester provides many test scripts to confirm O-RU energy efficiency under various load scenarios, synchronizes and configures the O-RU, and emulates the DU. Then, the R&S apparatus can keep an eye on the dynamic device actions in relation to power consumption:
By measuring power changes over time, the oscilloscope tracks energy dynamics under a variety of traffic situations, and the power supply not only powers the O-RU but also maintains excellent measurement precision and accuracy over an extended length of time. Throughout the testbed, a flawless user experience is guaranteed by the O-RU Test Manager Application.
“Our joint O-RU conformance test solution has been used to test a wide range of different O-RUs at global plugfests of the O-RAN ALLIANCE over the last years. It has a solid presence at Open Testing and Integration Center (OTIC) labs worldwide and was instrumental in initial O-RU certifications in Asia and most recently also in the first certification in Europe,” said Alexander Pabst, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz. “With this long track record, we are now set to serve the efforts of the NTIA to bring forward Open Radio technology. This is putting the successful collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI to the next level.”
“Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI are proud to support the NTIA Open RAN Innovation and Commercialization based on our best-of-breed approach with a unified customer experience,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “Since we first began offering O-RU conformance testing, open radios have advanced significantly, and test requirements – from scalability for use across the development cycle, to energy saving, have become critical. We are pleased to expand our partnership into these new areas.”
For Further Info: CLICK HERE
