Governmental agencies and international bodies have set limits on human exposure to RF energy to ensure the safety of anyone working near wireless antennas. Antenna manufacturers need to verify the strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G antennas using spectrum analysers during pre-deployment. Once deployed, carriers run frequency-selective or code-selective EMF measurements using portable equipment to verify that the site’s EMF emissions meet the regulatory requirements.

Carriers need to perform live testing of 5G NR networks to ensure network coverage and QoE for customers. In the field, beamforming introduces a new testing methodology using scanning receivers—for Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) reference beam coverage measurements. Known as Drive Testing, test User Equipment (UE) is used for active measurement of traffic channel beams, Quality of Service (QoS), QoE, mobility and LTE interoperability.

Quality of Experience is assured by validating the performance of new slices, proactively monitoring service levels and isolating faults. Automated assurance testing relies on virtual test agents (VTAs) that emulate UEs and 5G base stations (called “gNBs”) and perform tests across the network. This way, the NEM and carrier can measure key performance metrics such as throughput, packet loss, latency and jitter from a user’s perspective. Register to view our webinar on demand and learn how digital twin technology can make network assurance simpler and more efficient.

The co-existence of 4G signals with 5G services, including mmWave, creates interference and handoff issues that require accurate analysis and characterisation. Base station analyzers augmented to analyse the spectrum and interference of 5G signals in the mmWave and other key instruments help address these challenges. Software to monitor network performance and verify Service Level Agreements also simplifies 5G activations, performance monitoring and troubleshooting tests. Speak to our experts to learn more.

Governmental agencies and international bodies have set limits on human exposure to RF energy to ensure the safety of anyone working near wireless antennas. Antenna manufacturers need to verify the strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G antennas using spectrum analysers during pre-deployment. Once deployed, carriers run frequency-selective or code-selective EMF measurements using portable equipment to verify that the site’s EMF emissions meet the regulatory requirements.