Huawei has chosen a test solution from Rohde & Schwarz based on the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer to perform NB-IoT base station tests in line with Release 13 Cat-NB1.
In response to the growing demand for low-power services and applications as part of the Internet of Things (IoT), 3GPP has developed narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), a new cellular air interface that is fully adapted to the requirements of machine type communications. The new 3GPP standard NB-IoT, which is based on 4G technology, fulfills the general requirements for cellular IoT networks such as wide coverage, improved reception indoors, very low power consumption, low device cost and support of massive numbers of devices, said Rohde & Schwarz.
In October, Huawei and Rohde & Schwarz finished a test session for NB-IoT capable base stations, successfully verifying their air interface characteristics and RF performance in line with 3GPP.
The Huawei eRAN 12.0 wireless version is tested using the Rohde & Schwarz solution in compliance with 3GPP TS 36.141. The air interface performance test includes 52 test cases covering power, EVM, spectrum emission, receiver sensitivity, coverage capability, and a multitude of other aspects. All test cases were passed with satisfactory results. In a next step, receiver performance tests with fading scenarios will be added, an easy enhancement thanks to the built-in channel emulation capabilities of the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator. The solution also supports operator-specific test cases.
Lifang Kirchgessner, Vice President of the Rohde & Schwarz Wireless Communications Market Segment
NB-IoT is one the most exciting emerging cellular IoT standards, which are paving the way to 5G massive machine type communications. The successful collaboration with Huawei shows that both companies are making great contributions to the NB-IoT industry.
