Rohde & Schwarz bundles test tools for 5G troubleshooting
Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the 5G Site Testing Solution (5G STS), an integrated package of proven test equipment that combines all the necessary functional, RF and signalling tests for 5G installation and troubleshooting.
Site acceptance and troubleshooting of each new cell site must test new capabilities, such as beamforming and 5G/LTE dual connectivity, to verify the correct installation and performance and to ensure that the required quality of service (QoS) is delivered to end users. The 5G STS is a powerful test kit, says Rohde & Schwarz to support network field service engineers and accelerate the process of site acceptance and troubleshooting new cell sites.
The 5G STS comprises theTSMA6 receiver and the TSME30DC down converter, the handheld network troubleshooter QualiPoc Android, and the Cable Rider ZPH analyser.
The TSMA6 autonomous receiver uses automatic channel detection (ACD) to show all LTE and 5G signals, identify channel frequency and decode the PCI/SSBs information to provide signal analysis.
The QualiPoc Android smartphone enables field service engineers to detect the presence of a 5G carrier and to verify the fundamental parameters of uplink speed, downlink speed and latency. QualiPoc Android can conduct cell and beam quality measurements and verify the presence and quality of the LTE anchor cell, which is essential in 5G non-stand-alone (NSA) mode.
The optional Cable Rider ZPH which combines spectral analyser and cable and antenna tester functionality. It can measure the occupied bandwidth of the 5G carrier. Using a time gate, it isolates the uplink signal, which is important for interference hunting in TDD networks. The zero span feature enables the SSB to be viewed in the time domain and to determine how many beams there are. The Cable Rider ZPH can also measure optical power and RF-conducted measurements of VSWR and distance-to-fault at the cell site.
The 5G STS’ automated channel detection (ACD) automatically configures the receiver with the correct measurement settings rather than manually entering them into the instrument. The solution is also significantly faster and more sensitive than a traditional spectrum analyser, claims Rohde & Schwarz. It can run 5G and LTE tests simultaneously, and it executes all necessary tests for efficient 5G site verification and troubleshooting in one integrated package.
