Rohde & Schwarz and Viavi Solutions announced they have partnered to offer an integrated solution for conformance testing of O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs). The two companies, focused in wireless communication test and active in specifications development in the O-RAN ALLIANCE, have combined their capabilities. Central to the joint solution is the O-RU Test Manager which provides a seamless user experience.
O-RAN is making radio access networks more open, disaggregated and flexible. Opening the network architecture can foster innovation, accommodate individual needs and enhance network efficiency. Therefore, O-RAN is experiencing rapid advancement and growth in the technology ecosystem. The O-RAN ALLIANCE includes over 300 service providers, vendors and research institutions.
Network disaggregation as in O-RAN brings new challenges in terms of interoperability between the network equipment of different vendors. Fronthaul conformance tests, defined by the O-RAN ALLIANCE, ensure that the evolving O-RUs are interoperable with the O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU).
The joint test solution includes the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyzer and the R&S VSE signal analysis software from Rohde & Schwarz. It also includes the TM500 O-RU Tester from VIAVI, and the O-RU Test Manager application, providing a single point of control for the integrated system.