#United States #Open RAN #Chandler #VIAVI Solutions #Calnex Solutions

Partnership for Open RAN Testing

In a significant move for the telecommunications industry, VIAVI Solutions Inc. and Calnex Solutions plc have announced a collaboration that promises to simplify the pre-certification testing processes for Open RAN products. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive testing solutions that adhere to industry standards set by the O-RAN ALLIANCE and 3GPP, enabling manufacturers to meet compliance requirements while accelerating innovation and reducing costs.

The Need for Pre-Certification Testing

As the telecommunications landscape evolves with the advent of 5G and future 6G systems, the shift toward Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) and AI-RAN creates opportunities for increased competition, including participation from startups and university spinouts. While these innovations are promising, they also necessitate rigorous testing to ensure that products from different vendors can work seamlessly together in a multi-vendor ecosystem. Pre-certification testing is crucial in this regard, allowing manufacturers to identify and address issues before undergoing the formal certification process, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Comprehensive Testing Solutions

The newly developed testbeds for Open RAN products include:
1. End-to-End and Cybersecurity Test Solutions: Focused on fronthaul and midhaul setups, these solutions ensure robust performance and security measures are in place.
2. O-RU and O-DU Testing: Designed to conduct S-plane testing, this suite verifies the interoperability and functionality of various network components.
3. Core Network Emulation: This test bundle focuses on backhaul connections, replicating real-world conditions to assess performance.

Together, these testbeds enable manufacturers of O-RU (Open Radio Unit), O-DU (Open Distributed Unit), and O-CU (Open Centralized Unit) equipment to perform extensive testing without the need for prolonged setup or debugging, significantly cutting down on implementation time.

Leveraging Advanced Technologies

The collaboration harnesses advanced technologies from both companies. VIAVI's TM500 and XEdge platforms will be combined with Calnex’s specialized hardware, including the Paragon-neo for synchronization and SNE-Ignite for emulating fronthaul impairments. This integration ensures that developers have the necessary tools at their disposal to conduct realistic and thorough testing scenarios.

Ian Langley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of VIAVI's Wireless Business Unit, emphasized, "During the development phase, many O-RUs are only tested with a single vendor, often leading to failures when deployed in real network environments. Our partnership with Calnex provides the tools necessary to conduct testing with multiple vendors, ensuring reliability and performance in diverse conditions."

Accelerating Innovation

Tommy Cook, CEO of Calnex, noted the urgency for companies to establish in-house testing labs, highlighting that traditional processes could take several months and necessitate equipment from various vendors. The VIAVI and Calnex partnership aims to alleviate these issues by delivering tailored, comprehensive testing solutions that cater specifically to the needs of Open RAN systems.

As the telecommunications industry continues to advance dramatically, the development of these integrated testing systems marks a critical step toward ensuring compliance and interoperability in a rapidly developing environment.

In conclusion, the collaboration between VIAVI and Calnex not only offers solutions for immediate testing needs but also fosters a culture of innovation that will likely influence the telecom sector for years to come. The ability to efficiently validate performance before launching products into a competitive market can make all the difference in an environment that thrives on both innovation and reliability.

For more information about these testing solutions, you can visit VIAVI Solutions and Calnex Solutions.