Rohde & Schwarz is set to unveil its cutting-edge R&S CMX500 multi-technology multi-channel signaling tester at the MWC 2024 event. This tester now boasts enhanced Wi-Fi 7 testing capabilities, marking an advancement in the field. By incorporating this feature, the all-in-one tester empowers R&D engineers working on wireless devices to conduct thorough assessments of their designs across both cellular and non-cellular standards of the latest generation, all within a singular instrument setup.
Rohde & Schwarz, through its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions, is dedicated to fostering a safer and interconnected world. Over the span of 90 years, this technology conglomerate has pushed the boundaries of innovation, advancing technologies. With its forefront products and solutions, it empowers industrial, regulatory, and governmental clients to achieve technological and digital independence.
Operating from its headquarters in Munich, the privately held company possesses the autonomy to act independently, with a focus on long-term sustainability. In the fiscal year spanning July 2022 to June 2023, Rohde & Schwarz reported a net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion, supported by its workforce of approximately 13,800 employees worldwide as of June 30, 2023.
Furthermore, the R&S CMP180 radio communication tester is equipped to validate a signal waveform boasting a bandwidth of 480 MHz in loopback mode, ensuring its suitability for users engaged in R&D and production, surpassing the demands of Wi-Fi 7 and positioning itself as a forward-looking solution.
While the market for the sixth iteration of Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11ax, continues to expand, the progression towards Wi-Fi 7, or IEEE 802.11be, is actively underway. Wi-Fi 7 represents the next evolutionary step in wireless technology, tailored to deliver exceptional data throughput. With capabilities of handling tens of gigabits per second and minimizing latency, it addresses the surging need for high-definition video streaming, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality applications.
Critical components in achieving enhanced throughput include an augmented channel bandwidth of 320 MHz, support for up to 16 spatial streams, and the implementation of 4096 QAM modulation. Furthermore, discussions surrounding an as-yet-unspecified Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) standard suggest even broader channel bandwidths on the horizon. Rohde & Schwarz stands prepared to tackle these formidable challenges with its cutting-edge solutions tailored for testing Wi-Fi 7 and beyond, as demonstrated at MWC Barcelona.
During the development of WLAN devices, it’s essential to evaluate RF TX and RX characteristics in actual operating conditions using signaling mode. The R&S CMX500 one-box tester stands out as a versatile solution, now equipped with integrated Wi-Fi 7 test functionality. Particularly in the realm of Wi-Fi 7, where Multi-Link-Operation (MLO) plays a vital role, having a testing environment that offers multiple RF chains becomes indispensable.
This tester’s adaptability, support for various radio technologies, and built-in IP test capabilities render it highly flexible for conducting a broad spectrum of Wi-Fi 7-specific assessments. These include tasks like 2×2 MIMO, exploring the 6 GHz band with out-of-band discovery, assessing coexistence, and facilitating end-to-end testing capabilities.
WLAN offloading facilitates the transmission of data initially designated for cellular networks via WLAN, thereby alleviating congestion on cellular bands and allowing for increased bandwidth availability. This process is particularly beneficial in areas with inadequate cellular coverage, where WLAN hotspots can seamlessly take over connections to ensure uninterrupted service, such as during voice calls known as Voice over WLAN.
At MWC, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase the R&S CMX500, highlighting its capability to test the smooth transition of traffic between cellular 5G networks and WLAN using a unified solution. The integration of the Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) gateway within the R&S CMX500 simplifies testing for WLAN offloading, especially for Voice over WLAN applications, streamlining the evaluation process for device manufacturers and operators.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the POLQA voice quality measurement feature in the R&S CMX500 provides a comprehensive and cost-efficient means of assessing the quality of voice over WLAN services during the developmental phase. During the production phase of WLAN devices, RF measurements are conducted in non-signaling mode for time efficiency. Rohde & Schwarz has enhanced the R&S CMP180 radio communication tester to cater to this need.
This instrument accommodates various cellular and non-cellular technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G NR FR1, operating up to 8 GHz frequency with bandwidths reaching 500 MHz. Utilizing its broad bandwidth capability, the R&S CMP180 will showcase its capability to validate a WLAN waveform with a 480 MHz bandwidth in loopback mode, a potential waveform candidate for the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) standard, at MWC.
Integrated within the R&S CMP180 are two analyzers, two generators, and two sets of eight RF ports, facilitating 2×2 MIMO testing within a single unit. Furthermore, by combining two R&S CMP180 instruments, users can scale up to support four analyzers and generators, enabling efficient testing of 4×4 MIMO access points. Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its comprehensive test solutions for next-generation WLAN at the Mobile World Congress 2024, located at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, booth 5A80.
