Rohde & Schwarz successfully verified the NTN NB-IoT test cases of Work Item 333 in a recent meeting of the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG). This achievement led to the inclusion of this work item in the device certification program of the Global Certification Forum (GCF). Manufacturers of IoT chipsets, modems, and devices, as well as testing laboratories, can now rely on Rohde & Schwarz’s proven solution to bring the next generation of IoT devices based on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to the market and make widespread connectivity on land, at sea, and in the air a reality.
Crucial Step Achieved: Conformity Confirmation for IoT Device Market Launch
The confirmation of conformity is a crucial milestone in the introduction of IoT devices to the market. To ensure these devices operate flawlessly, they must be certified by accredited test laboratories. Meeting No. 77 of the CAG laid the foundation for conformity tests of NTN NB-IoT devices by successfully verifying the NTN NB-IoT test cases for 3GPP Rel. 17 in Work Item 333.
Rohde & Schwarz, in collaboration with Tier-1 chipset manufacturers such as Qualcomm Technologies, MediaTek, and Sony Semiconductor Israel, has played a significant role in enabling the implementation of IoT use cases based on non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This has had an impact on various sectors including smartphones, consumer goods, automotive, agriculture, maritime, logistics, and mining. The NTN NB-IoT protocol test cases covered by Work Item 333 address specific signaling aspects for NB-IoT devices.
Rohde & Schwarz has provided the necessary functionalities for research, development, production, and conformity testing to the ecosystem with its market-leading NB-IoT solution. The protocol conformity test cases were developed using the R&S CMW500 Radio Communication Testers, enabling engineers to evaluate their NTN NB-IoT devices under realistic conditions. This test solution emulates constellations in different orbits, allowing for the verification of NTN aspects such as time and frequency synchronization, low signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), energy-saving mechanisms, and GNSS detection.
The official GCF platform R&S CMW-IoT is a single-box solution designed specifically for conducting conformity tests and supporting network operator acceptance tests. It provides a comprehensive and efficient way to assess the compliance of IoT devices under realistic conditions. With its user-friendly interface and advanced functionalities, the R&S CMW-IoT enables engineers to evaluate various aspects of device performance, including signal synchronization, energy-saving mechanisms, and GNSS detection. Its versatility makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring the seamless integration of IoT devices into non-terrestrial networks.
Rohde & Schwarz has taken a significant step towards realizing IoT use cases based on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with its NB-IoT solution and NTN features. The successful verification of the NTN NB-IoT test cases simplifies the certification process for IoT devices and enables widespread connectivity across various sectors. Engineers have access to the comprehensive R&S CMW500 test solution, allowing them to evaluate devices under realistic conditions and ensure compliance. The R&S CMW-IoT single-box solution offers an efficient way to conduct conformity tests and also supports network operator acceptance tests.
