Keysight’s 5G protocol conformance test case based on 3GPP Rel-16 is the first to be approved by GCF

Accelerate verification of self-organizing networks and minimize drive tests

November 3, 2021, Beijing, China-KeysightThe company (NYSE: KEYS) recently announced that the company’s 5G NR protocol conformance test cases based on the 3GPP Rel-16 specification were the first to be approved by the Global Certification Forum (GCF). Keysight provides advanced design and verification solutions aimed at accelerating innovation and creating a secure and interconnected world.

At the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) meeting held in October, this industry milestone was confirmed. Device manufacturers can use this test case to quickly verify designs that support 3GPP Rel-16 features. The implementation of 3GPP Rel-16 can expand the coverage and capacity of 5G networks, improve security, and reduce latency. At the same time, it can also reduce the power consumption of 5G equipment and improve mobility and reliability. Keysight has been providing support for a large number of 5G RF, RRM and protocol conformance test cases required by GCF.

Muthu Kumaran, General Manager of Keysight’s Equipment Verification Solutions Division, said: “The first batch of 5G NR protocol test cases based on the 3GPP Rel-16 specification have been approved by GCF, which demonstrates Keysight’s unremitting efforts to promote cutting-edge technologies. Our contribution and contribution signify that we are able to deliver advanced connectivity use cases to consumers and enterprises. By providing GCF test cases as soon as possible, we support manufacturers to launch products that comply with 3GPP specifications for markets such as smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and smart city applications.”

Keysight used its own S8704A protocol conformance tool suite to obtain GCF approval. In early 2021, Keysight and leading modem manufacturers joined forces to establish the industry’s first 5G data call based on the 3GPP Rel-16 specification using the 5G protocol R&D tool suite, which is also a Keysight 5G network simulation solution a part of.

Users can use the initial test cases approved by GCF to verify the characteristics of the self-organizing network (SON). Due to the increasingly complex network structure and the need to reduce the operating costs of the entire mobile network life cycle, service providers have implemented self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-repair SON functions. These test cases can also be used to test Minimized Drive Test (MDT) features.In the networkActive deviceCan use such characteristics to obtain customer experience values, and mobile operators can use these values ​​to optimize network performance.

The CAG meeting also confirmed that the 5G NR Rel-15 protocol conformance test case created for the FR2 SA model passed the GCF verification, which means that Keysight has become the first test equipment manufacturer to receive this honor. After deploying 5G NR in SA mode and FR2 spectrum, it is expected to support advanced 5G applications such as fixed wireless access (FWA). FWA will use CPE to provide wired broadband data speeds for homes and businesses. As the only manufacturer that provides GCF-approved test cases, Keysight’s test cases enable suppliers to verify the radio frequency (RF) performance of 5G FR2 devices in SA mode in accordance with the 3GPP Rel-15 specifications.

About Keysight

Keysight provides advanced design and verification solutions aimed at accelerating innovation and creating a secure and interconnected world. While focusing on speed and accuracy, we are also committed to achieving deeper insights and analysis through software. Throughout the product development cycle, from design simulation, prototype verification, automated software testing, manufacturing analysis, to network performance optimization and visualization, Keysight is able to push forward-looking technologies and products faster To the market, fully meet the needs of enterprises, service providers and cloud environments. Our customers span the global communications and industrial ecosystems, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy,semiconductorAnd general electronics and other markets. In fiscal year 2020, Keysight’s revenue reached 4.2 billion U.S. dollars.