Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions Unveil Open RAN and Non-Terrestrial Network Test Solutions
Rohde & Schwarz and Viavi Solutions have announced an expanded partnership focused on wireless lab test solutions tailored for Open RAN and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). This collaboration aims to address critical 3GPP and O-RAN specifications, providing compact, flexible solutions.
Key highlights include automated testbeds for O-RU energy efficiency and scalable test solutions for R&D. Additionally, the partnership introduces an NTN digital twin testbed for satellite network performance evaluation.
These solutions are designed to enhance energy efficiency, test scalability, and performance validation, supporting the growing demands of network infrastructure and emerging satellite applications.
- Expansion of partnership with Rohde & Schwarz enhances joint capabilities in wireless lab test solutions.
- Introduction of automated testbeds for O-RU energy efficiency addresses industry energy-saving priorities.
- Scalable test solutions enable faster, cost-effective R&D for Open RAN deployment.
- Development of NTN digital twin testbed supports comprehensive satellite network performance evaluation.
- Collaboration leverages market-leading products for innovative, compact solutions.
- No immediate financial figures or impact on revenue disclosed.
- Unclear timeline for commercial availability of new test solutions.
- Potential high costs associated with implementing new testbeds and equipment.
Insights
The announcement of new test solutions by Rohde & Schwarz and Viavi Solutions represents a significant advance in the realm of wireless communication and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Given the rapid evolution and increased deployment of Open RAN (O-RAN) and NTN, these advancements are crucial. The emphasis on O-RU energy efficiency aligns with the industry's growing focus on reducing operational costs without sacrificing performance. The innovative use of the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope and NGP800 power supply with the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester is noteworthy for its ability to simulate real-world traffic scenarios and monitor power dynamics. This kind of efficiency testing is not just about compliance but also about ensuring sustainability and operational cost savings.
Moreover, the development of a fully automated testbed to verify energy efficiency indicates a move towards more sustainable network operations. This can help network equipment manufacturers and service providers achieve better cost efficiency, which could potentially improve their financial health in the long-term.
In the context of NTNs, the introduction of a digital twin testbed covering different orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) is a game-changer. The ability to validate end-to-end connectivity and measure Quality of Service (QoS) over large coverage areas is essential as the industry looks to enhance global communication networks. The integration of the R&S CMX500 and VIAVI TM500-AS2 underscores the commitment to delivering comprehensive and realistic testing environments.
For retail investors, these developments suggest that both companies are well-positioned to capture new market segments and meet emerging demands. It speaks volumes about their proactive approach to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
From a financial perspective, the expanded partnership between Rohde & Schwarz and Viavi Solutions is a strategic move that could lead to considerable market gains. The focus on Open RAN and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) aligns well with current industry trends, which may translate into increased demand for the companies' products and services. Specifically, the emphasis on energy efficiency in O-RU testing addresses a critical cost component for network operators. Mitigating energy costs can lead to better margins, making network solutions more attractive to budget-conscious providers.
Furthermore, the scalability and ease of use of the new testing solutions, such as the PVT360A, are likely to appeal to R&D teams aiming to expedite time-to-market. This can drive sales and foster long-term client relationships. As O-RAN moves from lab validation to commercial deployment, these solutions could see higher adoption rates, translating into robust revenue streams.
On the NTN front, the development of a digital twin testbed enables broader market opportunities. The ability to validate end-to-end connectivity and assess QoS over various orbits could attract a wide range of clients, from satellite operators to mobile network providers. This diversification can mitigate risks by broadening the customer base.
For retail investors, the financial outlook remains strong. The strategic alignment with industry trends and the potential for expanded market share make this partnership a positive development for both companies.
Open RAN
With several major deployment announcements by Tier-1 service providers, Open RAN has entered the mainstream of network infrastructure. While subsystem and end-to-end conformance, performance and interoperability remain critical, test needs have grown.
Network Energy Saving. O-RAN radio units (O-RU) consume the majority of power in 5G radio access networks. Network equipment manufacturers and service providers are prioritizing O-RU energy efficiency without sacrificing performance. Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI have developed a fully automated testbed to verify O-RU energy efficiency, including the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope, R&S NGP800 power supply and the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester. The TM500 O-RU Tester emulates the DU, synchronizes and configures the O-RU and offers several test scripts to verify O-RU energy efficiency under different load conditions. The R&S equipment can then monitor dynamic device activities versus power consumption: The oscilloscope monitors energy dynamics under various traffic conditions by tracking power changes over time, while the power supply – besides powering the O-RU – also provides high measurement resolution and accuracy over a long period of time. The VIAVI O-RU Test Manager Application ensures a seamless user experience across the testbed.
Test Scalability. As O-RAN radios move to commercial deployment, development testing needs to move beyond lab validation of conformance to greater use case and functionality testing within R&D. These newer use cases prioritize simplicity, speed and cost effectiveness in testing. The R&S PVT360A is a compact, single-box vector signal analyzer (VSA) and vector signal generator (VSG) that combines with the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester and VIAVI O-RU Test Manager Application for a more scalable solution, providing a cost-optimized and simpler setup that is well-suited for R&D teams that require multiple test lines to accelerate time to market.
Non-Terrestrial Networks
Satellite operators, mobile network operators, equipment vendors and end-user application providers need to be able to evaluate the performance of NTN networks and the traffic that runs across them. To support a variety of use cases, Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI have developed an NTN digital twin testbed covering Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). Use cases include validating end-to-end connectivity and performance; measuring Quality of Service over large coverage areas with different types of UEs; end user application performance while coping with distance, speed and mobility of both satellite and UE; and reliability and stability. The testbed includes:
- The R&S CMX500 mobile communication network tester, with channel emulation and fading in a single box, including all 3GPP fading profiles
- The VIAVI TM500-AS2, a streamlined version of the flagship used by global network equipment manufacturers for base station testing, fully supporting the 3GPP protocol including Doppler and delay pre-compensation
- The VIAVI TeraVM Real Data Applications (RDA) engine, enabling rich and realistic application and traffic scenarios to test system performance under varying conditions.
"It feels great to work with experts," said Alexander Pabst, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz. "Combining our market leading products to create solutions that address our customers' problems in smart ways. Energy efficiency tests hit the nerve of the industry, and our smaller footprint setup meets the needs of new segments that are popping up left and right of conformance. In addition, I am extremely pleased to see our collaboration expanding into space with the most compact digital twin solution for NTN. Here, not even the sky is the limit!"
"Since we introduced joint O-RU conformance testing, R&S and VIAVI have been delivering on our vision of best-of-breed approach with a unified customer experience," said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. "We are pleased to expand our partnership into new areas of demand, as O-RAN equipment enters commercial deployment and evolution, and the industry incorporates NTN to augment coverage in mobile communications."
About 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,
About VIAVI
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. Learn more about VIAVI at www.viavisolutions.com. Follow us on VIAVI Perspectives, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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