Rohde & Schwarz and HEAD acoustics present test solution for 5G network

Rohde & Schwarz headquartered in Munich recently partnered with HEAD acoustics GmbH to successfully verify voice services over 5G NR (VoNR). The latest generation of R&S CMX500 wideband radio communication tester was combined with HEAD acoustics’ labCORE hardware platform backed by their ACQUA measurement and analysis software. This setup simulates a voice connection in both 5G (VoNR) and 4G (VoLTE) networks. With this solution, the manufacturers will be able to test the voice quality of their devices of 5G capable telecommunications at the initial stage of the development. The Mobile World Congress in Shanghai in February 2021 was the first demonstration ground of the solution. 

Together with HEAD acoustics, Rohde & Schwarz has successfully verified 5G VoNR. Thanks to the interoperability of the test solutions, manufacturers are able to test the voice quality of their 5G devices at an early stage. Read more: https://t.co/1R9BRPdXyh#5G

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According to the press release by Rohde & Schwarz, the test solution is based on the conventionally used R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester for 2G/3G/LTE and WLAN. The test scope for 5G NR can be scaled up with an R&S CMX500 radio communication tester. This allows 5G NR devices to be tested in both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) TDD and FDD mode. The sub6 GHz (FR1) and mmWave (FR2) frequency bands are supported by R&S CMX500.   It also serves technology requirements for VoLTE and VoNR calls in both SA and NSA mode.

To register for the test, mobile phones access the integrated IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server of the R&S CMX500 platform via the simulated 4G or 5G mobile network. The labCORE system is connected through wired Ethernet using the integrated IP forward mode of the IMS server, which is specifically developed for this purpose. It enables users to forward the voice data of a call established with the R&S CMX500 directly to the labCORE system for detailed voice quality analysis. The system fully supports the 5G speech codecs EVS (Enhanced Voice Service), AMR-WB and AMR-NB. The system fully covers all significant acoustical requirements using the test suite of the ACQUA measurement and analysis software developed by HEAD acoustics for TS 26 131-32. 

HEAD acoustics GmbH is one of the world's leading companies offering holistic solutions for sound and vibration analysis. Christian Schüring, Sales Manager Telecom at HEAD acoustics, says: "The interoperability between our labCORE platform and the radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz is another milestone for our customers with regard to testing and optimizing the quality of the communication of 5G devices." The company’s services cover sound engineering for technical products, investigation of environmental noise, speech quality engineering as well as consulting, training, and support. The new reliable solution enables manufacturers of 5G telecommunications devices for testing the voice quality of their devices at an early stage and prepares for the rollout of 5G voice services.

Rohde & Schwarz has been working with challenges of future 5G and 6G functions with industry partners. The company’s objective of the early initiatives to this end is to offer comprehensive test solutions across the communications industry. Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, adds: "The successful collaboration between the two companies in the field of voice quality analysis for 2G, 3G, and 4G, based on the R&S CMW500 platform, is extended to 5G with our R&S CMX500. The jointly verified test solution enables reproducible test results and allows device manufacturers and network operators to ensure an optimized 5G voice experience at an early stage." As per the reports, the group earned net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June).

For more details, visit https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/_229437.html