End-to-end Testing Required for 5G RedCap Deployment Optimization

5G networks and devices that are being rolled out are expected to support high data rates, low latency, greater connectivity, and more sophisticated applications. With these parameters, early success and usage have centered on fixed wireless access. To optimize 5G, enterprise use cases must grow, which is one reason GPP Release 17 established 5G RedCap (Reduced Capacity) to address certain IoT use cases more effectively. Ensuring device operation in these environments, as well as maintaining network quality requires an end-to-end testing approach. 

Figure 1: RedCap efficiently addresses mid-tier use cases (Image courtesy of 3GPP).

 Also known as NR-Light, 5G RedCap (figure 1) is focused on mid-tier use cases and addresses an increased demand for 5G devices with reduced capability. Unlike 5G enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) devices that support gigabits per second of throughput in the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), RedCap devices efficiently support 150 Mbps DL and 50 Mbps UL.

 Beyond throughput, 3GPP Release 17 has established different specifications for 5G NR-Light devices, compared to 5G NR devices. Among the other spec differences are:

• • • More narrow bandwidths of 20 MHz in sub-7 GHz Frequency Range 1 (FR1) or 100 MHz in Frequency Range 2 (FR 2) millimeter wave (mmWave) bands
    • One transmit and receive antenna, respectively (as an option, two receive antennas can be designed)
    • Optional support for half-duplex Frequency Division Duplex (FDD)
    • Lower-order modulation, with 256-QAM available
    • Support for lower UL transmit power of 20-23 dBm 

 5G RedCap Benefits

By altering the specifications, 5G NR-Light devices are more cost-efficient. They also consume less power which extends battery life. A third but equally important benefit is they have smaller footprints to suit a wider range of use cases, such as industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance, and wearables. Table 1 outlines key specifications of each of these applications. 

Table 1: Key 5G RedCap use cases and specifications.

 As mentioned, 5G NR RedCap is geared towards enterprise use cases, including IoT. It delivers multiple advantages in these applications. Its lower price and improved power efficiency makes 5G NR-Lite appealing in relation to the other 5G technologies. When compared to non-5G technologies, it provides improved performance:  

• • • Peak Data Rate – The 100 Mbps DL and 50 Mbps UL of 5G RedCap are much higher than LTE, making it a better choice for use cases with high data throughput, such as video surveillance.
    • Lower Latency – 5G RedCap offers much lower latency than LPWA technologies such as NB-IoT, making it better suited for near real-time data communication.
    • More Power Efficient – 5G RedCap typically extends the battery life of devices. Wearables, sensors and other portable and/or remote devices benefit from the improved power efficiency. 

 End-to-end Testing

In IoT use cases, testing must be done end-to-end. There must be an understanding of the 5G RedCap devices that require connectivity and the network on which they will operate. Without the comprehensive end-to-end approach, any enterprise use case – automotive, healthcare, factory, etc. – is prone to issues. Understanding the use case is imperative. An automotive application will behave very differently than one for healthcare, which will have different requirements than factory automation. 

Testing begins at the chipset and modules before moving onto the devices. Once an application is laid on top of the device, testing in a real world scenario must be conducted. That requires emulating an environment that incorporates the modem, private network and/or operator 5G network. 

Anritsu provides a portfolio of test solutions to test 5G RedCap chipsets, modules, and devices. Among the instruments that can be used during design and manufacture include:

MT8821C Radio Communication Analyzer – Designed for R&D of devices and modules, the MT8821C features easy-to-use measurement functions for efficient RF testing. The MT8821C simplifies measurements with preset measurement parameters based on 3GPP-specified RF test cases and automatically performs PASS/FAIL measurements based on the standards.

 MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station (figure 2)– The test platform provides all-in-one support for RF measurements, protocol tests, and application tests in FR1 and FR2 bands. Its flexible platform is built on a modular architecture that allows the M8000A to verify designs incorporating multiple technologies. 

Figure 2: The MT8000A is a single solution for RF, protocol, and application tests.

 5G Network Monitoring

Network testing must include the network slice allocated for the use case and ensure that service level agreement (SLA) KPIs, such as throughput and latency, are met. Quality of service (QoS) in the environment in necessary on an on-going basis. As part of the process, the health of the devices must be visible to whoever is operating the network.

Anritsu supports these testing requirements, as well. A Network Service Assurance solution provides the capability to monitor and analyze to maintain QoS. It uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to proactively determine issues that may occur and proactively take steps to prevent it. The solution analyzes system performance based on designated historical symptoms to verify proper coverage and device connectivity.

To learn more about 5G NR testing, visit our chipset/device testing page, which features application notes, white papers, webinars, and more.