S8801A MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset

Introduction

5G promises a huge data throughput capacity to end users. However, compared to 4G networks, optimizing, parametrizing, and issue solving of 5G networks is more complex. To deliver on the promises of 5G, traditional and new Open RAN  (O-RAN) Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) need advanced tools to validate and optimize the real-world performance of their 5G designs.

As 5G optimization is starting, both NEMs and MNOs are working hard to optimize 5G network performance. To ensure a high-quality user experience, 5G capable base stations must perform smoothly under real-world RF fading channel conditions. Therefore, the existing NEMs and new O-RAN challengers need tools for quick interoperability and performance validation with real user equipment (UE). MNOs, on the other hand, need to validate the optimal operation of their network in a multivendor field environment.

The industry has been lacking a fully automated turn-key solution for testing and optimizing 5G and LTE network equipment performance under realistic fading, interference, and mobility conditions prior to product and feature launches. Keysight’s S8801A MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset solves this challenge by enabling you to reliably and cost effectively test your designs starting from RF performance validation to tests with real UEs under real-world conditions in a laboratory.

Validate and optimize your base station designs prior to market launch with the S8801A toolset:

•Emulate up- and downlink FR1 MIMO channels in real time

The toolset is extendable to:

•Measure SU/MU-MIMO downlink RF beams with an embedded multi-port signal analyzer

•Test SU/MU-MIMO uplink RF beams with an embedded multi-port signal generator 

•Analyze and debug up- and downlink SU/MUMIMO L1/L3 signaling with an integrated RF sniffer 

•Test key performance indicators, such as multiuser data throughput, in an instant

What is the S8801A MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset?

Keysight’s S8801A MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset provides a fully integrated and automated turn-key testing solution for 5G FR1 base stations’ MIMO TX (transmit) and RX (receive) RF measurements and full protocol stack interoperability, as well as data throughput performance verification and optimization with real UEs. 

The toolset supports single- and multi-user UL/DL (uplink/downlink) data performance testing and MIMO technologies, such as PMI feedback, Uplink Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), and open loop testing. It enables NEMs and MNOs to test and optimize network equipment functionality against ready- and custom-made test cases as well as field measurement -based test scenarios in a laboratory environment.

The S8801A MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset is a part of Keysight’s comprehensive portfolio of base station testing solutions.

Who benefits from using the S8801A toolset?

• NEMs including O-RAN radio unit manufacturers to

-       test and validate new 5G features and fix bugs before field deployment

-       test, validate, and optimize base station performance in real-world and 3GPP-specified fading RF channel conditions

• MNOs to

-       validate and optimize NEMs’ base station functionality and performance parameters in fading RF channel conditions

-       benchmark base station manufacturers’ product performance

-       verify new network radio units prior to market launch and assure radio units’ interoperability with the local network configuration