Anritsu and Bluetest have combined their latest product updates to create an over-the-air Measurement (OTA)*1 solution for verifying radio frequency characteristics in three frequency bands of the latest WLAN standard (IEEE 802.11be). This collaboration provides customers with a wireless network testing solution capable of measuring transmission power (TRP) and reception sensitivity (TIS) on devices that support the IEEE 802.11be standard. Measuring OTA performance in real-world but reproducible conditions allows manufacturers of high-speed data transmission devices, including high-end smartphones, AR/VR devices and cloud gaming consoles, to optimize radio performance and end-user satisfaction.
The IEEE 802.11be standard is standardized as the successor to the IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) standard and is designed to implement high-speed communications that significantly exceed the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The standard is expected to become a fundamental technology supporting the latest applications and services, such as ultra-high-resolution video streaming beyond 4K and AR/VR.
Although the official release of the standard is scheduled for 2024, product development based on the draft standard is in full swing, and leading companies have already begun to bring their products to market. The IEEE 802.11be standard uses innovative technologies such as 320 MHz bandwidth, 4096 QAM modulation and multiple RU, and requires a comprehensive assessment of radio frequency characteristics.
The Anritsu MT8862A wireless test kit is designed in accordance with the WLAN standard and is therefore optimized for stable and reliable connections with a wider dynamic range, even in attenuation conditions, such as in the Bluetest reverberation camera. It has now been updated with a new radio module adding 320 MHz bandwidth support in addition to the supported 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands. The test setup is easily expandable to support 2x2 MIMO measurements using two MT8862A units.
Klas Arvidsson, Bluetest Product Manager, says: "The combination of the test system with the Bluetest reverberation camera and the Anritsu MT8862A offers a compact and fast solution for evaluating the performance of wireless network devices. Cameras of various sizes, from the very compact RTS25 “passing through the office door” to the built-in RTS95 camera, are suitable for measurements on both small and very large wireless network devices such as television screens or other household appliances. You can even measure the wearable devices that a real person uses."
Keita Masuhara, Product Manager of the IoT Test Solutions division, Anritsu Corporation, adds: "IEEE 802.11be is not only an extension of physical layer technology, but also uses innovative technologies such as multi-channel control*2, which provides easier and more comfortable high-speed communication than ever before. due to the efficient use of three frequency bands at the same time. However, in order to prevent problems and fully realize its potential, a special performance assessment is needed. Anritsu has partnered with Bluetest to provide a valuable OTA RF performance evaluation solution. We are confident that the new measurement system will contribute to effective performance testing."
The Anritsu MT8862A and all Bluetest cameras are available for order, and upgrade packages are offered for already installed systems.
Technical terms
*1 Real-time measurement (OTA)
Measurement to accurately assess the reliability, efficiency and performance of a wireless device by sending/receiving radio waves in real time. This is especially useful for a comprehensive assessment of the wireless performance of equipment, including antennas.
*2 Multi-channel operation modes
A technology that allows one device to simultaneously send and receive data in different frequency ranges and channels.
