5G Impact on Wireless Device Lab Testing

White Papers

Few technologies have arrived with more fanfare and greater promise than 5G. Fifth generation (5G) cellular promises a list of impressive numbers that far exceed today’s 4G LTE specifications. The 5G network of the 2020s is slated to deliver us: 

 

  • Download peak speeds of up to 20 Gbps, upload peak speeds of 10 Gbps

  • 99.999% reliability

  • 1 millisecond latency

  • Sub-meter level of location accuracy

  • Support for up to 1 million devices per square kilometer

 

This paper discusses why 5G is inherently more complex than 4G and how that additional complexity has created new test challenges and considerations for operators, device OEMs, test labs and chipset manufacturers. It covers both expected and unexpected test challenges along with insight on a 5G test strategy that meets immediate high-priority needs while laying the foundation to support future requirements.