As 5G technology evolves, non-3GPP networks such as public, home, and enterprise WLAN hotspots will be increasingly interlinked with the 5G core. This integration will demand that tomorrow’s smartphones rely more on the next generations of WLAN technology, which promise to be more powerful and efficient, albeit more complex. At Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its latest Wi-Fi 7 test solutions for R&D and production, addressing the growing test challenges posed by this advanced technology and its operation alongside LTE and 5G cellular standards.
Caption: The R&S CMX500 one-box tester now with Wi-Fi 7 testing capabilities.
Rohde & Schwarz will feature its R&S CMX500 multi-technology multi-channel signaling tester at MWC 2024, now equipped with Wi-Fi 7 testing capabilities. This enhancement allows R&D engineers of wireless devices to comprehensively test their designs’ operation across both cellular and non-cellular standards of the latest generation within a single instrument setup. Moreover, the R&S CMP180 radio communication tester will be demonstrated, verifying a signal waveform of 480 MHz bandwidth in loopback mode, showcasing a future-proof solution for users in R&D and production beyond Wi-Fi 7 requirements.
Challenges of Next-Generation WLAN Testing
While the market for the sixth generation of Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11ax, continues to grow, development of Wi-Fi 7, or IEEE 802.11be, is underway. Wi-Fi 7 aims to support extremely high data throughputs, with capabilities reaching tens of gigabits per second and low latency, catering to the demands of ultra-high-definition video streaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality applications. Achieving higher throughput involves increased channel bandwidth of 320 MHz, up to 16 spatial streams, and 4096 QAM modulation. Discussions are also ongoing for a Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) standard, considering even wider channel bandwidths. Rohde & Schwarz meets these challenging characteristics with its solutions for testing Wi-Fi 7 and beyond, showcased at MWC Barcelona.
R&S CMX500 Features New Wi-Fi 7 Capabilities for R&D
The development of WLAN devices requires testing the RF TX and RX characteristics under real-world conditions in signaling mode. The R&S CMX500 one-box tester, now available with integrated Wi-Fi 7 test functionality, is essential in environments where Multi-Link-Operation (MLO) is a key feature, necessitating a test setup that supports multiple RF chains. Its versatility, support for multiple radio technologies, and embedded IP test capabilities make it a comprehensive solution for a wide range of Wi-Fi 7-specific tests.
Testing WLAN Offloading with Voice over WLAN in a Single Box
WLAN offloading, the process of transferring data originally intended for cellular networks over WLAN, is crucial for reducing cellular bandwidth usage and ensuring service continuity. The handover between cellular networks and WLAN during voice calls, or Voice over WLAN, aims to provide an uninterrupted voice call experience. At MWC, Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate the R&S CMX500 and its capability to test seamless traffic offloading and interworking between cellular 5G and WLAN with a single box solution. The integration of the Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) gateway in the R&S CMX500 facilitates efficient testing of WLAN offloading with Voice over WLAN.
Future-proof R&S CMP180 R&D and Production Tester
In the production phase of WLAN devices, RF measurements are performed in non-signaling mode to expedite the process. The R&S CMP180 radio communication tester, optimized for this purpose, supports various cellular and non-cellular technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G NR FR1 up to 8 GHz in frequency with bandwidths up to 500 MHz. Demonstrated at MWC, its ability to verify a WLAN waveform with 480 MHz bandwidth in loopback mode indicates its future-proof capacity for not only production but also R&D.
Rohde & Schwarz will present its comprehensive test solutions for next-generation WLAN at the Mobile World Congress 2024 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80. For more information on WLAN test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/wlan
Press contacts:
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- Asia Pacific: Sze Ming Ng (phone: +603 5569 0011; email: press.apac@rohde-schwarz.com)
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Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company’s leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory, and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich-based company acts independently, long-term, and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.
