Comprehensively Validate O-RUs for Network Infrastructure
The Open RAN (O-RAN) architecture incorporates disaggregated components with standardized interfaces. While this brings many benefits to interoperability and cost of ownership in network infrastructure, it also presents many unique challenges in development. O-RU chipset and instrument manufacturers need to validate the performance in the lab and efficiently verify each unit while ensuring consistent results through to manufacturing.
A solution for O-RU test must meet the following requirements:
- Implement real-time, state machine-based emulation of the DU, CU, and core in the live network
- Incorporate UE emulation or the ability to include any commercial device in the test setup
- Create different scenarios to emulate real-world conditions and fully test advanced technologies, such as MIMO and beamforming
- Minimize expensive, non-repeatable, and time-consuming drive testing in the live network with automation and an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI)
Open RAN O-RU Test Solution
- Fully automated single GUI that controls UE, RF channel emulator, RU (DUT), DU, CU, and core (EPC/5GC)
- Real-time live network emulation for DU, CU, core, and UE and real-time data plotting for data performance (KPI) and over-the-air messages
- O-RAN Alliance TIFG End-to-End Test Specification Section 4 and 5 functional and performance testing
- Advanced O-RU Sensitivity Performance Testing for benchmarking O-RU performance and Near-Far Dynamic Range Testing
- Fully integrated hardware based on the PXI platform for scalable, high-performance instrumentation
NI and Spirent are working closely to provide an integrated solution for O-RU test. Spirent is a leader in wireless communications and is a trusted NI systems integrator. Leveraging high-quality instrumentation and combining with robust emulation provides a partnership that enhances O-RU test and development.
Solution Advantages
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Minimize instrument cost and footprint with support for Voice over New Radio (VoNR), video conference, YouTube, FTP, media streaming, and gaming—all in one system
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Improves time to market with integrated full automation and a single, intuitive GUI
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Improves test correlation and repeatability with the same hardware and software tools in validation and production
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Ensure full test coverage with support of all 5G FR-1 frequency bands with different bandwidth, SCS, RB, modulation, and MIMO configurations
Watch How to Configure Fully Automated, wraparound O-RU Test
O-DU, O-CU, and Core Emulation for 4G and 5G
Spirent’s O-DU, O-CU, core, and UE emulation provides a thorough test solution for O-RUs. Explore the various system components, how they are controlled from a single GUI, and the ease of fully automating different O-RU test cases.
Build Your Solution with the NI Ecosystem
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.
The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.
NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.
O-RU Test Solution Brochure
Learn how NI and Spirent’s O-RU test solution can help you quickly and effectively ensure thorough O-RU validation and discover the benefits of combining real-time, state machine-based emulation with superior test speed using high-performance PXI instrumentation.