Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing is paving the way for the emergence of 5G by providing the world’s first field and coverage measurement solution at 28 GHz. Rohde & Schwarz has recently presented its new demonstrator drive test solution for over-the-air characterization of 5G network coverage to key customers.

The world’s first 5G network deployments will be in the 28 GHz band, with US- and South Korean-based operators leading the timeline. Given the jump in frequency, bandwidth, and complexity – for example, beamforming of the next generation Radio Access Network – testing its performance in the field will be critical to allow the progression of the technology. Now, a new 5G coverage measurement demonstrator solution from Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing makes this possible.

Based on 5G technical specifications created by industry leaders and published under www.5gtf.org, the new demonstrator solution makes use of the R&S TSME ultracompact drive test scanner and the R&S ROMES drive test software to enable over-the-air characterization of 5G network coverage. Furthermore, data gathered by this test solution on the propagation of signals at 28 GHz can be used to determine the optimum position of receiving CPE (customer premises equipment) antennas and also to validate and improve network planning tools.

Hanspeter Bobst, Vice President of Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing and CEO of SwissQual AG, a Rohde & Schwarz company, commented: “With operators starting to firm up their applications, timelines and implementations of 5G, we are seeing demand to verify the performance of early 5G networks. By making use of a field-proven drive test scanner and software, which is used today to optimize and troubleshoot mobile networks up to LTE-Advanced, and developing an accurate and pioneering 5G solution, Rohde & Schwarz again demonstrates technological leadership in mobile network testing. We are delighted to support the industry with a demonstrator 5G coverage measurement solution in this early stage and the initial reaction from partners in the pre-5G ecosystem has been positive.”

The demonstrator 5G field measurement solution will be presented during the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2017 at the Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing booth (6B50). More information about Rohde & Schwarz at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2017 can be found at www.rohde-schwarz.com/mwc. For more information on Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing solutions for mobile network operators, infrastructure vendors, testing service providers and regulators, visit our website at http//:www.mobile-network-testing.com and our blog at https://blog.mobile-network-testing.com.