VIAVI Solutions Inc. released updates to its industry-first Test Suite for O-RAN Specifications. The O-RAN ALLIANCE’s specifications for open radio access networks are being adopted by operators and equipment manufacturers worldwide, to reduce infrastructure costs and lower the barrier to entry for new product innovation. The test suite has been augmented to include use cases of critical importance as O-RAN becomes adopted at scale, as well as learnings from customer engagements around the globe.
In a multi-vendor-based O-RAN environment, operators will bear the burden of ensuring conformance, interoperability, and performance. Based on its leading position validating network products for operators and manufacturers worldwide – including all Tier-1 network equipment manufacturers – VIAVI has the most comprehensive O-RAN test platform on the market, with CUSM-plane parameters used by more vendors than any other solution. The company is also active in specifications development, as the editor of interoperability test specifications in the open front haul (WG4) and open interfaces (WG5) working groups, and the co-chair of multiple working groups at the O-RAN ALLIANCE. VIAVI’s active contributions have enabled it to develop partnerships with complementary solutions from best-of-breed vendors.
Updates to the Test Suite include:
- O-RAN Subsystem and End-to-End Testing – proving O-RU conformance, performance, and interoperability to network operators; performance and interoperability validation of open front haul in the lab and field; validating the O-DU in a multi-vendor O-RU environment; validating F1 interface performance using an O-DU emulator; RAN Intelligent Controller and xApp mixed vendor ecosystem assurance; and end-to-end network performance, mobility, and capacity test
- Transport Network Testing – verification of 4G and 5G front haul transport and synchronization networks
- Network Assurance – operational assurance, troubleshooting, and optimization.
As a key example of the best-of-breed approach, VIAVI and Rohde & Schwarz are jointly demonstrating validation of open front haul performance with the O-RAN ALLIANCE at MWC Shanghai. This demonstration will showcase the generation and delivery of typical standards-based test case IQ data to the O-RU utilizing the Lower Layer Split Option 7.2x front haul interface with the VIAVI TM500 O-RU Tester. Moreover, uplink and downlink front haul logs are captured, and RF signal generation and capture are performed using the Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator and signal and spectrum analyzer hardware along with VSE Software for signal analysis. Testcase workflow is simplified for the end-user utilizing the VIAVI O-RU Test Manager, providing a single point of test control.
The promise of O-RAN extends beyond the many benefits of an open ecosystem to include a solid foundation for virtualized network elements, enabling increased speed and scalability to capture the burgeoning 5G market. Yet the complexity of multi-vendor O-RAN architecture presents significant challenges for successful network development, deployment, and operation, requiring thorough validation, integration, and troubleshooting with a complete set of advanced test solutions.
