Optimize Your Network: Solving 5G NR Field Testing Challenges
White Papers
Navigating Challenges in 5G NR
The deployment of 5G New Radio (NR) technology presents unique challenges and opportunities. This white paper explores:
· Propagation characteristics
· Path loss measurements
· Massive multiple-Input, multiple-output (mMIMO)
· Beamforming technologies
· Fixed wireless access (FWA)
· Field verification tools
Propagation Characteristics and Path Loss Measurements
5G NR deployments in the 3.5 GHz and 28-39 GHz ranges require new propagation models due to higher signal blockage and reflectivity at mmWave frequencies. Accurate path loss measurements are essential for fine-tuning propagation models and calculating link budgets, required for 5G NR deployments. Learn how to perform path loss measurements using Keysight’s FieldFox handheld spectrum analyzer paired with Keysight’s Nemo Outdoor software.
Massive MIMO and Beamforming
Massive MIMO (mMIMO) and beamforming are pivotal technologies for enhancing 5G NR performance. While mMIMO enhances signal quality and network capacity, beamforming optimizes signal strength and reduces interference. Learn about various types of beamforming, including digital, analog, and hybrid beamforming, and their applications in 5G NR. Explore the difference between Single User MIMO, Multi-User MIMO, and mMIMO and how to test capacity gain in the field.
Fixed Wireless Access
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provides broadband connectivity between a cell tower and a fixed device. FWA offers an alternative to traditional wired broadband, especially for rural and underserved areas, where the cost and logistics of deploying wired infrastructure can be prohibitive. Learn how technologies such as mMIMO and beamforming can help address FWA challenges.
Field Verification Tools
Nemo Cloud and Nemo Analyze facilitate centralized control, real-time monitoring, and detailed performance insights. Learn how these tools are essential for comprehensive field verification, providing insights into network performance, and ensuring successful 5G NR implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why are path loss measurements important in 5G NR?
Path loss measurements are crucial for fine-tuning signal propagation models and accurately calculating link budgets. These measurements help estimate the capital expenditures (CapEx) required for 5G NR Radio Access Network (RAN) deployments, ensuring efficient and cost-effective network planning.
2. What is massive MIMO, and how does it enhance 5G NR performance?
Massive multiple-input, multiple-output (mMIMO) involves deploying a large number of antennas, typically exceeding the number of users, to improve signal quality and network capacity. Using mMIMO enhances 5G NR performance by increasing the number of simultaneous data streams and optimizing signal strength through advanced beamforming techniques.
3. How does beamforming work in 5G NR?
Beamforming uses multiple antennas to direct signal wavefronts toward specific users, optimizing signal strength and reducing interference. Beamforming can be implemented in various forms, including digital beamforming (baseband processing), analog beamforming (RF domain adjustments), and hybrid beamforming (combining both techniques).
4. What is fixed wireless access (FWA), and how does it benefit from 5G NR?
Fixed wireless access (FWA) provides broadband connectivity between two fixed points – a mobile network cell tower and an FWA device in a home or business. FWA offers an alternative to traditional wired broadband, especially for rural and underserved areas, where the cost and logistics of deploying wired infrastructure can be prohibitive. FWA uses the high bandwidth and low latency of 5G NR to deliver high-speed internet access and ensures robust connectivity, supporting activities like remote work and cloud services.
5. What major challenges does FWA face?
FWA faces challenges such as signal blockage from buildings and trees and changing weather conditions. Technologies such as massive MIMO and beamforming help address these challenges. Massive MIMO enhances signal strength and coverage, which is crucial for delivering consistent high-speed internet in FWA deployments. Beamforming techniques direct signals to fixed locations, ensuring they receive strong and reliable signals.
6. How is the capacity gain of massive MIMO tested in 5G NR?
Testing the capacity gain of mMIMO involves distributing multiple user equipment to test across the cell area. These tests assess various scenarios, including spatial separation, signal-to-noise ratio, and multipath propagation profiles. Performance verification ensures that the mMIMO implementation meets the required standards for vendor selection and network acceptance.
7. What tools verify field performance and analyze in 5G NR?
Nemo Active Probe and Nemo Industry Probe perform automated, unattended, large-scale measurements. Nemo Handy is a smartphone-based measurement tool for verifying network quality of experience (QoE). Centralized control tools such as Nemo Cloud and Nemo Analyze perform real-time monitoring and detailed performance analysis. These tools, paired with a FieldFox handheld spectrum analyzer, facilitate comprehensive field verification, providing insights into network performance and ensuring successful 5G NR implementation.