5G Deployment: The 3 Key Testing Phases.
The rollout of 5G is much anticipated, with end-users already planning how to apply the quicker speeds and lower latency of 5G services and applications to their benefit. 5G technology is more than the latest update to existing communications, and as such, requires significant infrastructure and connectivity changes. In order to ensure 5G can provide consistent performance for its users and the innovative applications it will power thorough testing will be required at every phase of deployment.
The Challenges with 5G Testing
In contrast to the straightforward progression of 3G into 4G technology, the requirements of 5G expansion are much more complex, which presents several challenges for testing. First, 5G uses significantly more RF channels, which makes it more difficult to emulate channels. Secondly, the infrastructure of 5G comprises huge MIMO (multiple-input/multiple-output), the use of new frequency bands such as millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, larger carrier bandwidths, and beamforming. The technology used in 5G testing equipment must advance rapidly to accommodate for these new challenges.
Due to this unprecedented level of intricacy, the testing of 5G networks is proving to be complicated and challenging. However, the success of 5G deployment is dependent on having thorough testing processes in place. There are three individual phases of the testing process, each requiring an optimized test toolkit.
Phase 1: Before 5G Deployment
Before 5G can be deployed, rigorous technology verification and validation (V&V) are necessary. Virtual network functions (VNFs) and network services are verified during this stage of testing to ensure the quality and reliability of the network when it is operational.
In order to measure the whole performance of the network in 5G trials, scalable 5G test systems must be applied. These test systems must have integrated data services with the ability to simulate real-life user behavior. This also applies to 5G V&V, which must replicate millions of unique data flows to measure performance, improve load and capacity testing and benchmark network capabilities.
Phase 2: Operational 5G Networks
Once the 5G network has been deployed, a network technician should test activation and scalability with a suitable set of test tools. Base station analyzers are used to analyze the spectrum and interference of 5G signals in the millimeter wave range, while complementary testing software can monitor and confirm network performance while authenticating service level agreements (SLAs). These types of testing supplement the standard processes for 5G activation, performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
Advanced fiber testing is also vital to the overall performance of the 5G network. Centralized radio access network (C-RAN) programs can assist with facilitating the real-time coordination of radio resources through co-locating baseband units in locations that are remote from busy antenna sites.
Phase 3: Opportunities for Monetization
After the successful deployment of the 5G network, there are a wide-reaching number of opportunities for operators to monetize the network. For example, 5G operators may charge a subscription fee for users to access the range of new services and applications offered by 5G, such as ultra-fast mobile broadband, VR and AR gaming, mobile HD video streaming, and a myriad of IoT applications.
However, the ability to monetize the 5G network through provision of these services and applications is dependent on delivering an excellent quality of experience (QoE). QoE relies upon meeting the demands of high 5G traffic, while providing an optimized experience, for example through connecting a real-time intelligence platform to virtual agents throughout the network.
Network slicing presents another opportunity for network operators to monetize 5G technology. Network slicing powered by 5G technology enables operators to create multiple virtual networks that all share one physical infrastructure. Each virtual network (slice) can then be utilized for a specific use case, which will be dependent on several factors, such as quality of service (QoS) and latency. In order to successfully monetize a slice, it is necessary that the network is properly tested and validated to assure consistent performance.
In Conclusion
The rollout of 5G is gathering pace, and the potential of the 5G network continues to be realized. It is necessary for network operators to utilize a range of quality testing tools throughout all stages of network deployment to ensure it is suitable for powering the bandwidth and latency improvements of 5G. It will be necessary for 5G network testing tools to continue to innovate and become more cost effective in order to service the ongoing development of new 5G applications and services.
VIAVI Solutions is the industry leader in network testing and measurement, wireless and avionics solutions, and security and authentication. In this rapidly changing landscape of network and technology, you can trust VIAVI with any 5G validation, 5G testing, and 5G visibility needs you may have. Our industry-leading offerings deliver end-to-end network solutions. Contact us today to learn more.
