TM500 Network Tester

Functional testing ensures basic communication protocols and interfaces work as per the specifications including: Layer testing L1/L2/L3, 3GPP Compliance and Interoperability and data throughput verification. With "shift-left" methodologies, it helps detect issues early, saving time and reducing costly software rewrites. Top-notch debugging, logging, and measurement tools to maximize ROI.

Performance, capacity or stress testing is necessary to ensure the network works at scale (loaded with thousands of devices), works consistently over long time periods and delivers the Quality of Experience (QoE) expected by end users across each individual device. It is also vital in assuring the network is achieving maximum data rates, optimum latency per application and achieving the QoS targets necessary.

Regression testing enables the network to be validated as stable and verifies that it behaves in the same way, repeatably. A test system that can support this heavy processing of data is essential and saves time and resource for engineering teams.

Engineers who manage a live or test 5G core make changes constantly to ensure that the core is up-to-date. A constant and repeatable environment is necessary when debugging a gNB problem or trying to optimize performance. An emulated core enables engineers to insert errors on the N2 interface allowing the robustness of the gNB design to be checked. TM500 seamlessly works with TeraVM Core Emulator.

End-to-end performance tests in simulated real-world environments facilitate validation of the different mobility, traffic, and handover scenarios for 4G and 5G. Such end-to-end validations continue to be particularly important when testing disaggregated RAN networks leveraging O-RAN based components.

• Support multiple vendors with different vendor specific requirements.
• Test against the latest specs to guarantee radio access equipment not only interoperates with equipment from other vendors but also ensure you are optimizing the performance of that equipment.
• Test O-RAN subcomponents in phases from functional, conformance, interoperability, capacity and performance testing, check your network hits performance KPIs.
• Test entire network from end-to-end with the full 5GNR stack.
• Ensure the Control, User, Synchronization and Management plane messaging are validated, ensuring protocols work as they should.
• TM500 offers a smooth test progression - using the same test tool throughout to identify issues early.
• Align with O-RAN goals of virtualization, interoperability, and cost-effective, off-the-shelf platforms.

TM500 O-RU Tester offers comprehensive capabilities for conformance, interoperability, and performance testing. It generates real-time O-RAN messaging for IQ data streams and supports validation across various vendor O-RUs, addressing key challenges in the O-RAN test framework.

In partnership with Rohde & Schwarz

The TM500 O-RU Tester is designed with two versatile setups that offer real-time generation of the Open RAN C/U-plane messaging for the IQ data stream; flexibility to test a wide range of frequencies and bandwidths; and customizability to allow users to easily configure and modify test parameters.

The TM500 for Advanced MU-MIMO testing has a modular design, is economically scalable and future-proof for 5G-A and 6G test. In combination with TeraVM, it allows RF, O-RAN, OTA, and end-to-end MU-MIMO test.

Performance evaluation with core test scenarios in a loaded network environment. It supports real, stateful data applications for end-to-end data generation and analysis, configurable for thousands of data flows and diverse traffic profiles.

An intuitive graphical interface simplifies designing, scheduling, and analyzing complex test cases. Test scenarios with thousands of mobiles and various profiles are easily managed via drag-and-drop.

Data applications for thorough data generation and analysis per emulated device, with easy configuration for extensive data flows and varied traffic profiles.

Detailed measurement logs, KPIs, and protocol metrics for comprehensive performance analysis.

TM500 will be vital for 6G testing and development. Early R&D for 6G requires a flexible, lab-based approach. Learn more about the VIAVI 6G Forward program.