VIAVI Partners with ETS-Lindgren for Anechoic Chamber at VALOR Lab: Advancing OTA Testing for Open RAN Innovation

Viavi Solutions has chosen ETS-Lindgren to supply an RF-shielded anechoic chamber for the testing of Massive MIMO over-the-air performance of Open Radio Units (O-RUs) at the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR). This testing is tailored to meet the requirements of radio manufacturers looking to participate in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF) Second Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO 2), which centers on O-RU Commercialization and Innovation.

In conventional laboratory testing of wireless network equipment, compliance and functionality are confirmed by using cables to connect test instruments to the device being tested. OTA testing is a more advanced method where the device is placed in a sealed chamber with a vacuum to eliminate outside interference, and is then connected to test instruments using wireless signals to simulate real-life conditions.

The testing facility at VALOR allows for the validation of Massive MIMO and beamforming technology over-the-air, including testing the performance of up to 16 spatial layers simultaneously. Radio manufacturers can access a test suite for O-RU conformance, performance, security, and interoperability on demand at VALOR. The lab is equipped with a range of O-RAN compliant equipment from trusted partners, including O-RUs, O-DUs, and O-CUs.

VALOR, which received a $21.7 million grant from the initial PWSCIF Notice of Funding Opportunity, offers automated, unbiased testing and integration for Open RAN. VALOR serves as a way for new players, small companies, and educational institutions to get certified in the United States. Academic institutions and NTIA co-grantees can use VALOR for free, depending on availability.

ETS-Lindgren is a top global company in testing the performance of wireless devices over-the-air (OTA) and in creating valuable intellectual property in OTA measurement for wireless devices. They played a key role in creating the first OTA measurement plan in the industry and were the first to establish a CTIA Authorized Test Lab for testing mobile station OTA performance. ETS-Lindgren's knowledge and facilities are a great addition to VIAVI's Open RAN Test Suite, particularly in OTA testing of O-RUs and overall testing of Open RAN base stations.

Dr. Sameh Yamany, VIAVI's Chief Technology Officer, stated that VALOR is taking steps to speed up the commercialization and innovation of O-RU by improving testing and certification methods. The introduction of OTA testing is a significant advancement, complementing the existing Lab-as-a-Service program focused on Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security. Collaboration with ETS-Lindgren, a respected industry partner, is also underway.

Andy Warner, President of ETS-Lindgren, expressed pride in supporting the VIAVI team with a cutting-edge facility for testing base stations over the air. He noted the significant advancements in base stations and their testing, and eagerly anticipates the innovative possibilities that this OTA testing facility will enable.

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