Emulating a 5G network environment requires characterizing the behavior of the latest 5G New Radio (NR) devices accurately. This emulation validates device performance in power-saving modes, over-the-air (OTA) connections, and multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) testing under real-world operational conditions. Devices that support mmWave (millimeter-wave) frequencies are complex and have integrated antenna arrays that necessitate OTA testing. Engineers must configure various OTA testing scenarios, including beamforming and MIMO testing.
During beamforming testing, devices undergo testing using emulated synchronization signal block (SSB) detection, beam acquisition, reporting, and switching. Additional functional testing, such as throughput and voice and video connections under faded conditions, can be managed using multiple fading channels to simulate real receive conditions, selecting from multiple 5G NR baseband fading model packages for FR1 and FR2. Together, these capabilities enable engineers to emulate a real 5G NR network environment in the lab.
5G NR network emulation solution
Characterizing 5G devices and chipsets demands a scalable solution that covers the entire 5G device workflow, from development to acceptance. The Keysight UXM 5G wireless test solution serves as a highly integrated signaling test and network emulation system. Paired with the 5G test application software, it emulates a 5G new radio (NR) network and simplifies the configuration of 3GPP standards-compliant radio frequency (RF) parametric, functional, and application-level testing.
