Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks

Introduction

5G is moving fast. Mobile network operators and network equipment manufacturers must effectively overcome the challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies to reach commercialization faster than the competition.

Understanding 5G device and network equipment performance prior to deployment in a live production network is vital in order to ensure a timely and smooth roll-out. However, a standardized method to acquire and compare performance benchmarking results may be missing, which makes it difficult to compare results reliably and to understand how performance is developing. Frequent updates to devices and base stations as well as the introduction of new models and versions drives the need for a simple, workflowconnected solution that generates a single performance score for each device or base station under test.

Keysight’s Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks (PBM) enables mobile network operators to automatically benchmark and evaluate the performance of 5G devices and base stations in a laboratory environment. It offers an end-toend automation framework, from test plan definition and execution to reporting and analytics, in a single user interface. The solution will accelerate performance validation and allow you to reach first-to-market status with high-quality devices and networks.

What is Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks?

Keysight’s Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks (PBM) is an endto-end test automation solution that enables mobile network operators (MNOs) and network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) to efficiently evaluate and benchmark the performance of their 5G devices and base stations (gNodeBs) in a laboratory environment. It delivers an integrated lab-based test solution that cost-effectively enables users to benchmark device and base station performance, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and, ultimately, enhance product and service quality.

With PBM, mobile network operators can evaluate multiple devices in a single test campaign using live base stations in the lab or evaluate a 5G base station (gNodeB) using a reference 5G device. The solution offers predefined test cases and customizable test scripts to meet specific customer requirements.

With PBM, you will gain objective insight into comparable 5G product features and selected KPIs. The solution comes with test automation capabilities that enable highvolume testing and repeatability – directly improving product quality, achieving efficiency and consistency in testing, and minimizing the risk of human error.

Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks Features

The Performance Benchmarking Solution for Lab Networks enables standardized lab-based end-to-end automation of 5G device and base station performance benchmarking with a predefined set of test cases, customizable scripts, reports, and analytics.

The solution enables automated regression testing to benchmark software builds, hardware builds, and competitor devices, and test automation capabilities to reproduce test campaigns on a daily basis.

The solution offers:

• Single user interface for test plan execution, analysis, report generation, and access to historical records for trending and analytics

• Fully automated end-to-end test environment for benchmarking devices and base stations from different vendors

• High-volume testing and repeatability

• Single performance score across multiple test cases and KPIs for objective and seamless performance comparison

• Automated benchmarking reports showing the rank, scores, and KPIs from a range of devices and base stations reinforcing objective comparisons between the different models or versions under test

• Predefined test cases to quickly obtain KPIs for performance benchmarking

• Possibility to expand and adapt test campaigns and advanced scenarios, such as mobility, by using the OpenTAP platform to integrate external instruments (e.g. attenuators) as part of the solution

• Ability to analyze, benchmark, and regressively test different O-RAN blueprints and test conditions with pre-defined test case package defined according to O-RAN Alliance TIFG end-to-end test specification