5G Testing
The proper testing of 5G networks will play a vital role in its development, deployment, and operation as 5G expands into its full potential. 5G testing will need to encompass more than just verifying the coverage density and download speeds.
New 5G networks will need to meet testing and characterizing demands that are unparalleled with respect to network speeds, bandwidth, and synchronization. This will require the testing of new technologies, components and including multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna arrays and the testing and generation of high GHz, millimeter-wave frequencies.
Various types of Vector Signal Analyzers and other Signal and Spectrum Analyzers/Generators will be the main instrument types to test the performance of 5G systems. This equipment will be able to test and characterize the wideband components and wireless communication systems that support the 5G bandwidth requirements and can set up complex measurements quickly and easily. With bandwidths and output capabilities over 50GHz, the testing equipment used to evaluate and calibrate the 5G networks will need to push the boundaries of the testing equipment available on the market today.
As future 5G capabilities and the network equipment are being developed, new measurement requirements and technologies must be identified to anticipate the future operational needs of the 5G infrastructure. The use of cloud-based test equipment and software automation will bring added complexity and technical challenges to developing network test solutions. MIMO will require a large number of antennas and special robotics are also being developed for precise antenna positioning to provide new levels of measurement precision for 5G system testing.
