#United States #Open RAN #Chandler, Arizona #VIAVI #Massive MIMO

VIAVI Expands Lab Facility with Industry-First Offerings

VIAVI Solutions Inc., a leader in network test and monitoring solutions, has recently announced a significant expansion of its Automated Lab-as-a-Service tailored for Open RAN, known as VALOR™. Based in Chandler, Arizona, this facility now features an RF-shielded anechoic chamber, making it the first in the industry to offer a Test-as-a-Service solution specifically designed for Massive MIMO and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation.

Importance of Massive MIMO Testing

Massive MIMO technology is revolutionary, building upon previous Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) technologies by allowing the use of large antenna arrays. This advancement supports higher data rates and improves spectral efficiency, vital for meeting the demands of 5G networks. Traditional testing methods often relied on cumbersome electrical cabling connections between testing instruments and the device under test (DUT). In contrast, the OTA method streamlines this process, placing the DUT in a chamber that is insulated from external interference, thus enabling testing under realistic conditions.

The newly introduced RF chamber allows for rigorous system-level performance testing of Massive MIMO configurations with support for up to 16 spatial layers simultaneously, which is crucial for accurate real-world scenario emulation. The availability of this testing space reflects VIAVI's commitment to advancing Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security. In addition to this new feature, two more customer labs have been added, expanding the facility’s capacity.

Meeting Market Demand

The expansion is a direct response to the rising demand for innovative testing services within the telecommunications industry. Erik Probstfield, Senior Director of VALOR at VIAVI, emphasized that this new capability aims to democratize Open RAN testing for technology vendors by providing a comprehensive, on-demand test suite that supports all stages of the product lifecycle. This scalable solution is vital as the industry pushes towards enhancing Open RAN and its standards.

The RF chamber was developed in collaboration with ETS-Lindgren, a recognized leader in wireless OTA performance testing. This partnership highlights the synergy between cutting-edge technology and industry standards, positioning VIAVI at the forefront of telecommunications innovation.

Facilitating Accelerated Innovation

Furthermore, VIAVI's LABOR facility plays a supportive role in accelerating the commercialization and innovation of Open RAN technology. The facility boasts over 500 test cases that comply with various specifications, including those set by O-RAN Working Groups and 3GPP standards, enabling customers to conduct thorough assessments of their products within this collaborative environment.

As a participant in the AI-RAN Alliance, VALOR aims to be a hub for fostering partnerships and alliances in AI-powered telecommunications. This forward-thinking approach is further complemented by VIAVI's collaboration with major telecom operators like AT&T and Verizon, ensuring that VALOR's extensive testing suite is accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

VIAVI's strategic expansion of its lab services marks a significant milestone in the field of telecommunications. With its unique Test-as-a-Service offering for Massive MIMO OTA performance testing, the company is not only enhancing the capabilities available to technology vendors but is also pioneering ways to accelerate the commercialization of Open RAN solutions. By leveraging advanced testing environments and robust partnerships, VIAVI is poised to lead the charge in next-generation network technologies, revolutionizing how wireless performance is validated across the industry.

For more details about VIAVI’s solutions and services, visit www.viavisolutions.com.