Rohde & Schwarz collaborates with Gemalto to minimize multi-region drive testing for LTE-Advanced wireless modules

Rohde & Schwarz is collaborating with wireless module vendor Gemalto to overcome the problem of extensive real network drive tests in different countries. The solution is to automatically reproduce field-recorded network configurations of Gemalto Cinterion modules on an R&S CMW500 mobile radio tester. Manufacturers can use virtual drive tests during the development phase of LTE and LTE-Advanced modules that will ultimately be used in smartphones as well as in M2M and automotive applications. Network-specific integration tests and field tests include analysis of call drops, cell handover problems and roaming issues, which are especially critical when crossing country and cellular network borders.

Together, Rohde & Schwarz test equipment and Gemalto cellular modules ensure that the protocol stack operates synchronously across all networks and conditions supporting seamless cellular coverage and reliable connectivity before continuing integration and performing further field tests.

“Rohde & Schwarz is a long time trusted partner to Gemalto, helping us rigorously test devices and networks to ensure our products deliver the highest quality our customers expect,” said Andreas Haegele, SVP IoT products, Gemalto. “The new solution reproduces conditions from field test logs in a lab environment allowing us to validate devices under real network conditions and solve potential issues while eliminating time consuming and cost intensive analysis in the field. This is particularly important as we pioneer new technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT which have not been previously implemented in smartphones.”

“In cooperation with our partner Gemalto and based on their wireless testing requirements, Rohde & Schwarz has reached a milestone in creating a solution that reduces the extent of critical network operator specific drive tests. By importing relevant network operator parameters extracted from real drive test logs, the R&S CMW500 mobile communication tester offers new tools to significantly reduce expensive and time-consuming field tests,” states Anton Meßmer, Vice President Mobile Radio Tester at Rohde & Schwarz. “Using the extracted parameters, Gemalto can test its cellular modules in various simulation scenarios under controlled, reproducible conditions in the lab.”

Rohde & Schwarz has developed R&S CMWcards software – a graphical protocol test tool that provides a wizard for importing field logs generated by different types of drive test tools (R&S ROMES) and chipset logging tools. After import, R&S CMWcards extracts the base station and core network parameters are extracted along with RF data such as power levels. All relevant field network parameters can be used to recreate the collected drive test data in the lab, using R&S CMWcards for protocol and application tests. This is especially relevant for LTE/LTE-Advanced, WCDMA and GSM as well as cellular IoT standards such as eMTC and NB-IoT.

Accelerating the network drive test process results in faster time to market. Unlike other simulated drive test solutions, R&S CMWcards is the first virtual drive test solution to offer replication of signaling and RF conditions in an easy-to-operate GUI on the R&S CMW500 mobile radio tester.

At MWC 2018, from February 26 to March 1, 2018, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase this test solution with R&S CMWcardson R&S CMW500 and a Gemalto Cinterion LTE-Advanced wireless module in hall 6, booths 6C40/6C51.

Top Image: The R&S CMW500 mobile radio tester with R&S CMWcards software offers new tools to significantly reduce expensive and time-consuming field tests.