VIAVI Solutions is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for communication networks, cloud, hyperscale and enterprise data centers to mission-critical avionics, industrial, automotive, transportation, military, railway and aerospace.

In this interview, Vaishali Umredkar, Executive Editor from Electronics Maker speaks with Rajesh Rao, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific South, Network and Service Enablement at VIAVI Solutions about the evolving test and measurement industry, the complexities of 5G and Open RAN, and how VIAVI is driving innovation in network performance, security, and fiber infrastructure.

How has the test and measurement industry evolved in the last decade, and what pivotal changes are currently shaping its landscape?

The Indian 5G ecosystem is growing rapidly and communication service providers (CSPs) are strengthening their 5G capabilities. India is a significant market, with a long-term growth path. The government has implemented specific schemes to accelerate the entire 5G ecosystem. Also with Bharat 6G Mission, India aims to spearhead advancements in 6G technology. India has achieved remarkable progress in digital connectivity. The government’s focus on creating a collaborative platform to promote indigenous technologies, propelled by ambitious policy reforms, the telecom landscape is shifting at a rapid pace.

The test requirements and unique installation challenges for new 5G cell sites and RAN deployments is boosting the demand for T&M solutions and VIAVI plays a significant role through installation, maintenance, monitoring, optimization, and monetization. It is a significant moment for us to be here as we extend our capabilities to enable these networks.

The demand for test and measurement equipment market has witnessed consistent growth over the years and it is driven by rapid growth of technologies and diverse applications. Automotive, aerospace & defense, data centers, enterprises, telecommunications, semiconductor and critical infrastructure are some of the key segments driving demand for T&M solutions.

The rise of hyperscale ecosystem and cloudification is blurring the lines between networks and applications, while 5G technologies are pushing more intelligence to the edge of the network. AI is enabling a myriad of potential applications and transforming the way we live and work. In the telecommunications industry, Open RAN is being adopted by operators and equipment manufacturers to reduce infrastructure deployment cost and lower the barrier to entry for new product innovation. With developments underway, 6G will be no exception but promises leaps in efficiency and extended capability. Further, wireless technologies are increasingly augmenting traditional terrestrial communication networks with satellite communications helping to provide near-complete coverage, thus shaping T&Ms landscape.

The 5G era has brought more complex networks. How is VIAVI simplifying testing amidst the growing complexity?

As networks become more layered, disaggregated and complex, the need for businesses to effectively manage and optimize the performance of their networks is increasingly critical. VIAVI empowers network operators, equipment manufacturers, enterprises, government, aerospace, and railways with intuitive instruments, intelligence, and insights and committed to support all the ecosystem players in their efforts to develop more robust and flexible network infrastructures that meet the current and future demands of the digital economy.

Digital transformation has set the industry on the journey to realize a new operational model that leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and network orchestration and automation. Enabling the industry to address the challenges of maximizing development, productivity and speed to market, VIAVI offers the most comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end test and assurance solutions for lab validation, network implementation and optimization across 5G, Fiber, and Cloud.

VIAVI NITRO Wireless test suite offers products, solutions and services to enable all participants in the ecosystem – NEMs, CSPs, semiconductor companies, software developers and system integrators – to accelerate technology development by validating performance at each stage in intelligent, intuitive and automated ways. NITRO Wireless brings together proven performance and interoperability test platforms used throughout the industry for 3GPP and O-RAN with cloud, intelligence, automation, and digital twin technology.

As one of the earliest contributors to Open RAN industry initiatives, VIAVI has established the leading E2E Open RAN portfolio encompassing robust RAN and core test solutions, accelerating next-gen Open RAN networks through active participation in cross functional forums across the telecom landscape.

Also, we offer complete solutions for testing avionics. VIAVI’s avionics test products are used world-wide by designers, engineers and maintenance personnel to manufacture, test and maintain avionics systems.

As the industry embraces the 5G revolution, addressing the associated security challenges is crucial. How do test solutions help in mitigating security risks?

When deploying 5G networks, whether NSA, SA or based on O-RAN specifications, it is important to ensure that the network is not just performing at maximum efficiency but is highly secure.

5G networks are far more digitized than previous generations – virtualization, cloud hosting and new services like; network slicing make the networks less centralized and more software-led than ever before. This has security implications not seen before in LTE, so testing needs to be a priority to identify potential vulnerabilities. Also, the virtualization of edge, 5G core and RAN gives operators more flexibility when building networks; however, it involves numerous different parties in the development process. This results in more entry points and higher chances of misconfigurations.

5G RAN, 5G Core, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Next Generation Firewalls, VPN and cloud security solutions all need to be compliant against the latest specifications, while ensuring network performance remains uncompromised. VIAVI offers an end-to-end portfolio encompassing robust tests, verification and assurance solutions for all aspects of the 5G network. VIAVI NITRO Wireless Open RAN Security Solution provides test coverage that includes 3GPP SCAS compliance, DoS and fuzzing attack, O-Cloud resource exhaustion, protocol validation, port scanning and open fronthaul security test.

How does VIAVI contribute in enabling the Open RAN ecosystem?

Open RAN is being adopted by operators and equipment manufacturers worldwide to reduce infrastructure deployment cost and lower the barrier to entry for new product innovation. Creating seamless interoperability in a multi-vendor, open ecosystem introduces new test, management and integration challenges that require diligence and co-operation to overcome.

Operators and integrators need to validate that the technology all works together before it goes into the live network, which requires more than testing the interoperability of various vendor components. Operators also need to validate how the technology interacts with legacy equipment in the network, as well as how it responds to different user equipment environments. Another challenge that operators face is how to solve network issues after the network has been deployed. Unlike a traditional single-vendor network, it is more difficult to identify product-related network performance issues in a multi-vendor environment.

We provide capabilities for testing both individual O-RU, O-DU, O-CU and near-RT RIC network elements, and full end-to-end open network validation. We deliver integrated solutions to validate that all interfaces work correctly, and the equipment performs to the specifications in both single and multi-vendor network and when under load.

VIAVI has developed an end-to-end Open RAN portfolio encompassing robust test, verification and assurance solutions from RAN to Core that span the entire Open RAN lifecycle and we are working closely with CSPs and NEMs to help ensure interoperability, manageability, optimization and end-to-end performance of networks based on Open RAN architecture.

VIAVI has opened its Automated Lab-as-a-Service (VALOR) Open RAN testing facility which is funded by a grant from the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). VALOR offers a fully automated, open and impartial Lab-as-a-Service / Test-as-a-Service suite for Open RAN interoperability, performance and security. VALOR brings together the NITRO Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, the VAMOS (VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System) unified framework for hybrid physical and cloud lab testing, and technologies from industry-leading partners.

Fiber rollout is set to grow exponentially. What role does fiber testing play in helping customers scale and maintain critical fiber infrastructure?

Fiber testing involves a range of procedures, tools, and benchmarks employed to assess fiber optic components, links, and networks in operation. It encompasses both optical and mechanical evaluations of individual elements, as well as thorough transmission tests conducted to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of entire fiber network setups. Efficient testing processes across the network lifecycle saves time and cost in the long run, while ensuring a better quality of network and service for the end-customer.

VIAVI’s fiber testing portfolio encompasses full range of essential instruments, systems and software, required to address today’s fastest growing technologies and functional needs, providing end-to-end support for the construction, activation, monitoring and maintenance of fiber optic services. VIAVI has equipped wireline and wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and contractors to meet the work-speed and test coverage requirements for telecommunication networks buildouts and maintenance.

What are VIAVI’s future growth strategies?

Telecommunications is clearly a major focus, covering technology development in the lab and in the field, network product integration and subsequent optimization and monetization. While we serve a remarkably diverse set of industries, certain areas stand out due to their critical role in the evolving technology landscape. We are actively engaging in aerospace and defence networks, satellite communications, AI, cyber security, data centres and enterprise solutions. Testing needs continue to advance rapidly as Open RAN enters the mainstream of network infrastructure, and the industry incorporating NTN to augment coverage in mobile communications. Enabling the industry to address challenges of maximizing development, productivity and speed to market, VIAVI is working closely with network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) and service providers (SPs) to help them streamline the complex process of validating new technologies in the lab and in the field and to efficiently deploy and turn up new technologies.

Bangalore – October 08, 2024  –  Spirent Communications, a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced its new 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) testing services. Spirent’s 5G FWA solutions offer comprehensive lab-based 5G/Wi-Fi gateway testing and live network competitive benchmarking to enable communications service providers (CSPs) and device manufacturers to better optimize quality of experience (QoE) and differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.

Accelerating 5G FWA adoption is seeing demand for rigorous network performance evaluation grow rapidly, with more than 200 CSPs launching home services and 20 CSPs introducing 5G FWA business offerings. Spirent’s new services for 5G FWA address this growing global demand by offering cutting-edge solutions that provide critical insights into user experience and enable operators to drive revenue growth with enhanced customer satisfaction.

“5G FWA represents a growing trend and significant opportunity for CSPs to expand their revenue streams,” said Stephen Douglas, Head of Market Strategy at Spirent. “Expanding its monetization potential means making testing of the user experience a priority and that’s what our latest solutions offer. It will also potentially save service providers, device, and network vendors millions of dollars in troubleshooting costs by enabling them to identify problems earlier in the development cycle.”

Spirent’s solutions utilize the company’s proven methodologies and global cloud-based measurement systems to enable service providers and vendors to optimize services for premium QoE delivery, as well as confidentially and reliably benchmark competitive services to substantiate their own performance claims. With expertise in both lab and live environments, these latest offerings are another way in which Spirent is helping customers to rapidly launch, optimize, and monetize 5G networks.

Spirent’s 5G FWA solutions deliver actionable insights through extensive testing across multiple user scenarios, including:

• General data and web browsing
• VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi)
• Video streaming QoE
• Cloud gaming QoE
• RF environment characterization

With this approach, CSPs gain a more comprehensive understanding of their FWA service performance compared to others in the market. With benchmark testing tailored to the specific needs of each provider, Spirent is able to provide data that reflects the real-world user experience and quickly and accurately target areas for optimization. In addition to enhancing customer satisfaction, the solution helps CSPs improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize their infrastructure to better serve users during times of peak and off-peak demand.

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced that Vodafone, a leading global telecommunications service provider with more than 330 million customers, is using Keysight’s 5G Network Visibility Solutions to ensure subscribers receive the most reliable and highest quality mobile broadband experience during the transition to 5G.

According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, global 5G subscribers are projected to more than triple from 1.6 billion in 2023 to 5.3 billion by 2029. With the adoption of cloud technology, Vodafone needs robust monitoring tools capable of handling this significant increase in traffic and associated subscriber sessions while maintaining high quality of service.

Keysight’s 5G Network Visibility Solutions meet this challenge with automated, real-time, end-to-end visibility of subscriber-level traffic across physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures. Vodafone is using the MobileStack 5G Network Visibility Software in combination with Vision Series Network Packet Brokers as a flexible, cost-effective solution to help scale up its 5G network and deliver the quality of experience needed to compete for subscribers.

The solution provides Vodafone these benefits:

• Enables cost efficient monitoring at scale: Offloads and streamlines the management of real-time data flows to downstream systems.
• Adapts to new 5G technologies: Features network slice awareness and advanced correlation of 5G protocols across virtual and physical environments.
• Scale and orchestration with distributed CUPS: Uses Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) for scalable orchestration across distributed 5G environments, enabling lower latency applications for a responsive experience.
• Enhanced 5G security: Offers robust security measures tailored for 5G networks, safeguarding infrastructure, and subscriber data.

Simon Norton, Head of Digital & OSS, Vodafone, said: “Vodafone is building scalable and innovative networks capable of managing more traffic, a larger number of services with greater complexity for business to consumer and business to business sectors. Keysight provides Vodafone with automated and scalable visibility tools that are critical to improving the performance of our 5G network and help us establish a future-proof, reliable, resilient, and secure network with highest possible end-user quality of experience.”

Recep Ozdag, Vice President and General Manager, Network Visibility Solutions at Keysight, said: “The transition to 5G is reshaping the landscape for network operators like Vodafone, bringing unique challenges and opportunities. Keysight’s 5G Visibility Platform offers unparalleled performance and flexibility, enabling operators to dramatically reduce operational costs while ensuring the highest level of subscriber satisfaction in a secure robust 5G network.”

Resources

• Keysight’s 5G Network Visibility Solutions
• MobileStack 5G Network Visibility Software
• Vision Series Network Packet Brokers

Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, bicycles, among others, and there is growing global interest in using C-V2X technologies to prevent accidents with vehicles. The international organization 5GAA has been investigating accident prevention methods by the use of 5G-network-based communication, which is based on cooperative communications to and from VRUs. Unlike in-vehicle-based methods, it is expected that protection in blind spots (such as outside the effective detection range of vehicle-mounted sensors and building shadows) will also be possible via 5G network communication.

The demonstration of this VRU protection system will be held at Detroit’s M City used for measuring self-driving vehicle systems. Prior to the demonstration, Anritsu will measure the quality of the 5G communications network between the venue and server. Latency and packet loss are the key items for assuring the reliability of networks used by the VRU protection system. On the other hand, under real driving conditions, the communications quality is deteriorated by structures, such as buildings. Normal operation of the VRU protection system requires assuring the communications quality beforehand by measurement at many points in the venue.

Anritsu will use its compact high-performance handheld tester MT1000A at the demo venue as well as the software-based measurement functions at the server side to facilitate high-reproducibility quantitative measurement of network quality while moving in the venue. In addition, plotting data obtained by measurement on a map enables at-a-glance confirmation of network quality at each location.

For the future, Anritsu will continue contributing to assuring the quality of networks used by self-driving vehicles and VRU protection systems.

Product Outline

Network Master Pro MT1000A

MT1000A is the All-in One field tester of B5 size excellent in operability, combined 10G / 100G Ethernet, OTN, SONET/SDH, OTDR, PTP and CPRI modules, having the automating testing function.

With 5G reaching a tipping point in terms of buildout and capabilities, leading service providers and their ecosystems are developing paths to 6G. Industrial applications such as large-scale private networks, smart cities and critical communications require higher throughput and lower latency to enable the real-time computing and communication of precise sensing, imaging and positioning data. The introduction of TeraHertz/Terabit/microsecond connectivity through the cloud, open networking in a multi-vendor environment, and AI/ML to automate network operation, all point to a fundamental re-architecting of the network, at the semiconductor, equipment, software and application levels. The resulting challenges of network performance, quality of service (QoS), security and energy consumption now need to be mitigated and simplified.

NITRO Wireless brings together proven performance and interoperability test platforms used throughout the industry for 3GPP and O-RAN with cloud, intelligence, automation, and digital twin technology enabled by the Network Integrated Test, Real-Time Analytics and Optimization (NITRO) platform. As networks become more complex and layered, a focus on measuring and assuring experience from the user perspective – by emulating usage scenarios modeled on real network data – generates the essential intelligence to simplify the delivery of new technology. NITRO Wireless use cases include:

RAN Intelligence – The NITRO Wireless TeraVM RIC Test trains the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) based on data from real network scenarios, the App Validation Engine (AVE) acts as an App “IQ test” to validate if the proposed changes improve RAN efficiency, and Geolocation exposes geolocated data to r/xApps including 24/7 insights on spatial distribution and mobility dynamics of subscribers.

Private Network Intelligence – To support the high reliability and QoS requirements of Private Networks, NITRO Wireless offers signal analysis, timing and synchronization verification, antenna alignment, fiber certification, and coverage and performance testing from design to operation.

Network Security – 5G RAN, 5G Core, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Next Generation Firewalls, VPN and cloud security solutions all need to be compliant against the latest specifications, while ensuring network performance remains uncompromised. NITRO Wireless Open RAN Security Solution provides test coverage that includes 3GPP SCAS compliance, DoS and fuzzing attack, O-Cloud resource exhaustion, protocol validation, port scanning and open fronthaul security test.

Digital Twin – Digital Twins can reduce business risk in multiple ways. Test software updates and introduce new services in a safe environment to pre-empt failures when deployed in the live network. NITRO Wireless Digital Twins combine tools such as RAN and Core emulators, assurance solutions, realistic traffic scenarios, and cyberthreats to mirror an operator’s network in the lab, allowing network changes and challenges to be planned and implemented with results analyzed before action is taken on the live network.

Military Communications – NITRO Wireless integration and test portfolio offers complete end-to-end and subsystem testing of 5G private military radio and core networks. These can be deployed on the ground, via HAPs or via satellite.

“While 5G offers new opportunities with an exciting potential to offer connectivity and amidst the race to deploy these networks, it’s vital that reliability, stability, and performance testing are done to ensure success. Network resiliency requirements, complexity and risk thresholds are introducing new dynamics,” said Shamik Mishra, CTO Connectivity, Capgemini Engineering.  “We are very happy to work closely with VIAVI at our ‘5G-Lab-As-A-Service’ in Portugal and global O-RAN engagements to leverage the potential of this emerging technology and contribute to harmonize efforts for connectivity-driven transformation across the industry.”

“We’re excited to work with VIAVI on helping move the industry forward to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN,” said Lakshmi Mandyam, vice president, Service Provider Product Management and Partner Ecosystem, VMware. “Our companies share a vision of what it will take to address the challenges hindering adoption by simplifying the path for CSPs to test, profile, and certify third-party xApps and rApps through a common framework. VIAVI’s leadership in Open RAN testing and VMware’s leadership in RIC make this an ideal collaboration.”

“With each generation, networks grow more layered, disaggregated and complex,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “NITRO Wireless cuts through the technology fog with cloud intelligence and automation based on VIAVI’s trusted expertise in performance validation, so our customers can stay focused on the drivers of the top and bottom line.”

Bangalore – August 24, 2023 – Viavi Solutions today announced the availability of base station and end-to-end testing supporting Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs). Wireless technologies are increasingly augmenting traditional terrestrial communication networks, with satellite communications helping to provide near-complete coverage. The VIAVI TM500 and TeraVM test platforms validate the conformance, performance and reliability of gNodeBs and entire networks under the unique service link conditions of NTN and HAPs networks.

3GPP Release 17 specifications formally introduced support and guidelines for NTNs, with subsequent releases expected to continue to refine the standards. These specifications will help improve the performance of NTNs, allow them to converge with terrestrial telecoms networks and enable support across existing 5G mobile handsets and chipsets. A VIAVI analysis estimated that the growth in satellite communications will result in approximately 30,000 new satellites orbiting the Earth, significantly expanding the potential of NTNs to provide universal coverage.

Satellite communication in 5G brings another level of complexity for testing. NTNs need to be reliable to cope with the distance, speed and mobility of both satellite, HAPs and User Equipment (UE), while still delivering on performance. Test solutions are not only required to emulate different UE mobility and fading profiles, but they must also take the large doppler shifts from fast-moving satellites and airborne platforms into consideration.

To validate the base station prior to non-terrestrial deployment, the TM500 can emulate a high volume of devices, new mobility patterns, signal propagation delays, and other conditions unique to NTN while TeraVM emulates the core network. This test scenario is ideal for early functional tests such as 3GPP protocol testing and can be applied to both regenerative and transparent architectures. Further test scenarios are focused on testing and optimizing the network end-to-end, using a real core to validate the performance and reliability of the entire network.

“NTNs offer new opportunities and partnerships for mobile and satellite operators and the exciting potential to offer connectivity to both underserved and over-populated areas as well as support mission-critical applications,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “However, amidst the growing interest and race to deploy these networks, it’s vital that reliability, stability, and performance testing are done to ensure success.”

YAGEO is a leading global electronic component manufacturer of a wide range of products, including Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Transformers, Relays, Antennas, Wireless Components, Sensors and Circuit Protection Components. YAGEO’s broad product offerings target key vertical markets including applications for AI, aerospace, automotive, 5G & telecommunications, industrial, medical, IoT, power management, green power, computer peripherals and consumer electronics. YAGEO is also a major supplier to several of Waldom’s authorized distributor network partners including Arrow Electronics, Avnet, Chip One Stop, DigiKey, element14, Future Electronics, Mouser Electronics, Newark, Rutronik, TME Electronic Components, TTI and more.

Keysight helps businesses and their technical teams navigate today’s ever-changing innovation landscape with Keysight World, local learning events designed to give decision-makers the information they need most about emerging trends, engineering best practices, and technical solutions.

At Keysight World India on 25 July, tech visionaries, subject matter experts, technology specialists, and industry leaders shared actionable insights into emerging technologies through keynotes, technical presentations and demonstrations during the day-long seminar.

In this exclusive interview, Mr. Sudhir Tangri, Country General Manager, Keysight Technologies spoke to Electronics Maker more about Keysight World, Keysight 6G research and shed light on Keysight contribution towards sustainable world.

What are the new trends and technologies you would like to highlight that will have great impact in today’s world?

The test and measurement industry are being heavily influenced by several key factors. Firstly, the ongoing rollout of 5G wireless communications, alongside the convergence of satellite communications and the modernization of aerospace and defense sectors, has a significant impact. Additionally, the early exploration of 6G technology is also playing a role in shaping the industry.

The deployment of 5G and its advanced versions, such as 5G RedCap (as specified in 3GPP Rel 17), is progressing, with various T&M companies investing in test solutions to accommodate the expanding range of use cases. These include applications like wearables, video monitoring/surveillance, industrial monitoring, and telematics.

Another driving force is the digital transformation occurring in the aerospace and defense (A&D) and government sectors, influenced by geopolitical tensions that are redirecting commercial and A&D investments. Countries like India are emerging as significant players in research, development, and manufacturing, partly fueled by initiatives like “Make in India.”

Furthermore, the industry is also looking ahead to the future with research efforts focused on 6G, expected to be commercially deployed in the early 2030s. These research initiatives involve exploring subTHz frequencies (D band, 110 – 170 GHz, and above) and 7-24 GHz, with potential breakthroughs in massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques.

What is special about this year Keysight World and what will be the special highlights?

The “Innovate” edition of Keysight World holds special significance this year, as it highlights the profound impact of increased electronics integration on data sharing capabilities in 5G and 6G standards. These advancements have paved the way for transformative technologies like integrated sensor networks for autonomous driving, affordable space networks, and the convergence of digital health solutions. Keysight’s expertise in creating cutting-edge development environments has made them a go-to partner for customers in these industries.

The event will revolve around disruptive technology themes, featuring daily sessions with opening keynotes from industry experts, moderated panel discussions addressing industry challenges, visionary keynotes from distinguished figures, and demonstrations showcasing relevant Keysight solutions. The sessions will delve into crucial topics such as mapping the information superhighways of the metaverse with 5G and 6G, the role of AI and machine learning in software-defined vehicles’ sensor fusion, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies like non-terrestrial networks and AI-driven digital healthcare. Keysight World: Innovate aims to inspire engineers and designers to explore new development insights and drive disruptive innovation across various industries.

What are your latest developments in test and measurement solutions for bringing new innovations?

Keysight is a market-leading design, emulation, and test company that stands at the forefront of introducing innovative test and measurement solutions to meet the ever-growing demands across various sectors. One of the key areas where Keysight plays a significant role is in advancing the technology related to 5G and beyond. With the ongoing expansion of the 5G network, including 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, there is a heightened need for wider broadband access coverage. Furthermore, as early research into 6G gains momentum, the demand for cutting-edge test and measurement solutions supporting the next-generation wireless communications operating at higher radio frequencies is steadily increasing.

In response to these emerging demands, Keysight has introduced the Keysight ENA-X, a midrange vector analyzer renowned for its fast and accurate error vector magnitude measurements. The ENA-X significantly accelerates the characterization of 5G component designs by up to 50%. With a focus on achieving ever-increasing data speeds and ultra-low latency, this instrument streamlines the testing of crucial components such as power amplifiers (PA) for 5G New Radio (NR) transmitters. Its unique ability to perform multiple measurements with a single connection simplifies test setups, enhances repeatability, and expedites the testing process.

What are the significant challenges in the modern test and measurement world? How are you addressing those challenges?

In the modern test and measurement world, we encounter several significant challenges that require careful attention and strategic solutions. Some of these challenges include:

• Testing Across Various Standards: The test and measurement equipment market face the complexity of delivering solutions that comply with diverse standards governing the quality, safety, performance, and interoperability of devices and systems. These regulations vary across different regions and industries and continually evolve alongside technological advancements. To address this, we prioritize staying updated with the latest standards and investing in flexible and adaptable testing solutions.

• Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Dynamics: The aftermath of the pandemic has seen settling supply chains and improved availability of parts. However, it also brings the challenge of balancing this dynamic with inventory build-ups driven by pent-up demand. To cope with this, we focus on efficient supply chain management and collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure a steady flow of essential components.

• Staying Ahead of the Competition: As competition intensifies, factors like size, weight, power, and cost remain crucial considerations in test and measurement solutions. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver the fastest, smallest, and most energy-efficient solutions possible. Simultaneously, we strive to enhance our solutions with at least 10 times more resolution, performance, and measurement capability than the devices our customers are testing. This commitment to innovation keeps us at the forefront of the industry.

By acknowledging and actively addressing these challenges, we aim to provide our customers with cutting-edge test and measurement solutions that not only meet their immediate needs but also prepare them for future advancements in technology and industry standards. Our dedication to staying agile, responsive, and innovative drives us to overcome these challenges and deliver value to our customers.

How are you contributing to India’s 5G journey and tell us about your 6G research?

Keysight Technologies plays a significant role in India’s 5G journey by providing cutting-edge solutions and expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of 5G technologies in the country. We collaborate with various stakeholders, including network equipment manufacturers, service providers, and regulatory bodies, to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by India’s 5G rollout.

Our contributions to India’s 5G journey include:

• Test and Measurement Solutions: We offer a comprehensive range of test and measurement solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of 5G technology. These solutions enable our customers to verify the performance, interoperability, and compliance of their 5G devices, networks, and infrastructure.

• 5G Research and Development Support: Keysight collaborates with leading research institutions, academia, and industry partners in India to support 5G research and development initiatives. By providing access to advanced testing capabilities and technical expertise, we facilitate the exploration of innovative 5G use cases and applications.

• 5G Training and Workshops: We conduct workshops, training sessions, and seminars to enhance the knowledge and skills of engineers and professionals involved in 5G technology development. These programs help build a robust ecosystem of experts capable of driving India’s 5G deployment forward.

Regarding 6G research, Keysight Technologies remains at the forefront of exploring the future of wireless communication technology. We actively engage in research and development efforts aimed at advancing the understanding of 6G technology. Our research focuses on exploring new spectrum bands, advanced antenna technologies, massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, and innovative waveform designs that will shape the foundation of 6G networks.

Our commitment to driving 6G research is underpinned by our longstanding expertise in wireless communication technologies, our collaborations with industry-leading researchers and institutions, and our investments in state-of-the-art test and measurement solutions. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, we aim to contribute to the global advancement of 6G and its potential transformative impact on industries and societies.

Will O-RAN continue to be a business opportunity under the 6G network?

Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN or ORAN) is expected to offer significant business opportunities in the 6G network era. It allows for a diverse choice of RAN vendors, reducing infrastructure costs and enabling new vendors to enter the market. To seize these opportunities, new vendors should understand Open RAN’s concept, challenges, and its impact on 5G development.

Open RAN enables communication service providers (CSPs) to create flexible and dynamic infrastructures, supporting future growth and technologies. It helps integrate various technologies, avoid vendor lock-in, and reduces costs. However, global acceptance of Open RAN is still progressing, with challenges related to investment, network management, compatibility, and security. Collaboration among tech vendors is essential for Open RAN’s true potential to benefit the industry. As the market embraces open infrastructure and advances in 5G, CSPs can upgrade networks and monetize services effectively with Open RAN.

6G is targeting limitless connectivity to support XR and metaverse applications needing immense density of connections and adaptability to these connections. We believe that such applications will be best served by femto and pico cells with ORAN as the feed to such cells. Therefore, the ORAN opportunities for 6G are expected to multiply. Moreover, the sheer number of connections and devices would require AI/ML based ORAN control with quick automatic decisions on network management and performance, something that envision with RIC in 6G and will continue to accelerate in 6G.

We expect ORAN market to bubble up in India not in the Service Provider space but also in private networks for applications in manufacturing, warehousing, mining, transportation, and others.

What is Keysight contribution for the sustainable world?

Keysight’s contribution to a sustainable world lies in the development of electronic measurement solutions that foster innovation and positively impact lives while promoting global connectivity. The company’s commitment to people, the planet, and the communities in which they operate is at the core of their business practices, emphasizing ethical, legally compliant, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible conduct.

One of the major considerations of today’s designs is sustainability where attempts are made to multiply performance without increasing the power consumptions. Industry is also looking at developing IoT sensors and other devices which uses other sources of energy like thermal, vibrations etc. This is to ensure that scalability and use cases in upcoming technologies are power sustainable.

Therefore, in addition to normal functional and performance testing with Keysight instruments, customers are looking for determination of average, peak and profile of power consumption of their devices and systems. Keysight offers wide range of regenerative power supplies and power analyzers for precise power measurements. Keysight CX3300 Series Device Current Waveform Analyzer offers low noise and a wide dynamic range with high sensitivity from sub-nA and sub-µV for sustainable measurements in IoT/mobile, Automotive, Medical, Healthcare and Wearables. It helps our customers determine even the idle power consumption of the devices.

On network front, Keysight offers Open RAN Energy Efficiency (EE) and Savings (ES) consisting of Energy Plane (E-Plane) Test Suites for O-RU, vO-DU/vO-CU/O-Cloud, RIC and rApps. This allows direct power saving through the activation / deactivation of advanced sleep mode functions, allowing network elements to be switched off in an intelligent manner using predictive approaches. It also provides indirect power reduction by means of energy aware traffic steering, allowing cells to be switched off by offloading the traffic to specific bands.

Keysight’s services also help customers protect their innovation investments in their equipment through maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and recycling processes. The company offers substantial trade-in discounts to incentivize customers to return equipment for refurbishment or recycling when upgrading to newer models.

SANTA ROSA, Calif., September 7, 2022

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions to help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, will showcase emerging technology trends and provide actionable insights for innovators looking to advance their engineering innovation in 5G and 6G, electric and autonomous vehicles, quantum computing and systems, and digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI). This four-day online vision conference will be held in regions around the world throughout October, November and December 2022. 

“Every day, technological advancements are reshaping the human experience – from how we live and work, to how we move through the world. There is no doubt that the rapid pace of technology innovation is only going to accelerate and present new challenges and opportunities for all of us,” stated Jeff Harris, vice president of Portfolio and Global Marketing at Keysight Technologies. “At Keysight World: Innovate, industry leaders, experts, and even a ‘mad scientist’ or two, will share their expertise and predictions to give technology leaders, engineers and innovators a head start on near-term and future developments in technology innovation.”

Rapidly evolving technologies, including quantum computing, digital twins, artificial intelligence, electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as 5G and 6G, are powering endless imagination and innovation across all industries. Each day of Keysight World: Innovate will feature an industry expert keynote on near-term trends, a moderated panel discussion on key industry challenges, an industry luminary vision keynote and relevant solution demonstrations. Specific sessions include:

The Next Tier of Deployment, Evolving to 6G: Global 5G deployments are accelerating and scaling digital transformation across sectors. This session explores how to capture the full potential of 5G private networks, the use cases driving their development and implementation and how global 5G deployments are helping to move digital transformation beyond manufacturing and shaping research into 6G.

• Keynote address: Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst and Lead Researcher on 5G Private Networks, Omdia Informa
• Panel moderator: Jessy Cavazos, 5G Solutions Manager, Keysight Technologies
• Vision keynote: Maurice Conti, Futurist and Founder, Applied Intelligence

Building the Foundation for Quantum: Decades-long hype has centered on quantum systems and how they will revolutionize computing. This session looks at the state of quantum technology today, its near and next-term potential and the kinds of problems it will solve.

• Keynote address: Shohini Ghose, Quantum Physicist, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Panel moderator: Pamela Mallette, Head of Americas Marketing at Keysight Technologies
• Vision keynote: Patrick Moorhead, Founder, CEO and Chief Analyst, Moor Insights and Strategy 

Accelerating Development with Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence: Digital twins and artificial intelligence are transformative technologies promising to dramatically alter the world. This session examines how digital twins are transforming product development and the changes on the horizon from the growing role of AI in design and manufacturing.

• Keynote address: Michael Grieves, Executive Director, Digital Twin Institute
• Panel moderator: Cheryl Ajluni, Director of Industry Solutions, Keysight Technologies 
• Vision keynote: Vivienne Ming, Mad Scientist and Co-Founder, Socos Labs

Accelerating the Automotive Revolution: The automotive revolution is re-shaping our world, with innovations in both electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) continuing at a feverish pace. This session examines the challenges to wide-scale adoption that still lie ahead and explores what the next decade will hold as the industry progresses down the path to full vehicle autonomy.

• Keynote address: Javier Verdura, Global Director of Product Design, Tesla
• Panel moderator: Janet Ooi, Automotive Solutions Manager at Keysight Technologies
• Vision keynote: Chris Gerdes, Professor and Co-Director, Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS)

42% of operators are looking to deploy multi-vendor 5G cores, yet, in response to a different question, 1 in 3 (33%) want to stay with their incumbent vendor to manage subscriber data. Some operators are turning to new frameworks for managing their 4G and 5G cores, however others decide strategies on a use case basis.  Most operators interviewed recognized the benefits of open, multivendor architecture – but revealed that their concerns were no single point of contact and support (36%), interoperability (30%) and a lack of operational tools (19%).

Unsurprisingly cost worries loomed large for many operators taking part in the study. Total Cost of Ownership is the key consideration when it came to selecting 5G subscriber data management (SDM) technology, especially for operators sticking with an incumbent vendor. And 39% of these mobile operators had experienced rising costs along with vendor lock-ins and inflexibility because of the existing vendor. Yet while 5G gives operators the freedom to use multiple vendors, 83% were concerned about interoperability in multi-vendor architecture.

Interoperability is a key attribute of 5G multivendor architectures, but operators are currently divided on this.  What’s more, when it comes to interoperability, both those opting for multivendor and those staying with incumbent vendors place a higher priority on open standard interfaces than full 3GPP compliance.

The mixed picture with 5G strategies was also reflected in cloud migration timelines which showed another split result. 66% of operators that are migrating to multivendor environments have also begun to move to the cloud. By comparison, 41% of those using their incumbent vendor have one foot in the cloud – revealing that nearly half of operators with incumbent vendors are not utilizing the benefits of cloud technology.

Despite the stark contrasts in deployment and cloud strategies, there is a clearer picture about utilizing the edge. More than 90% of operators are leveraging their edge capabilities. 31% are already piloting use cases and 29% are using the edge to reduce latency on 5G control functions, while others are using it to develop mesh architecture and scale up with hybrid clouds.

Stephanie Huf, SVP and CMO of Enea said, “This survey has uncovered that there is cautious pragmatism amongst many operators. For example, many want their technology to interwork to standards, but they see full standards compatibility of lesser importance. Operators are being practical and while many appreciate how multi-vendor architecture can transform networks – they want to ensure that they have the right skillsets in place and have complete control over their networks, subscriber data and total cost of ownership before they take the plunge.”

The report accompanying the survey can be downloaded https://info.enea.com/real-state-5g-deployments