Keysight Technologies recently enabled Quectel to verify that its Internet of Things (IoT) wireless modules support the latest 5G Reduced Capacity (RedCap) and Non-Terrestrial Networking (NTN) capabilities by establishing end-to-end data call connections using the Keysight S8711A UXM 5G Test Application.
This achievement accelerates Quectel's development of 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) compliant projects.
Based on the 5G Rel-17 specification, RedCap introduces support for a new class of 5G devices with reduced 5G capabilities. These devices are less complex, cheaper and consume less power, allowing them to address new use cases such as industrial sensors and wearables.
The successful end-to-end RedCap data connection with the Quectel Rx255C module was done by emulating a 5G Rel-17 network with enhancements that support RedCap devices.
NTN, based on satellite-to-ground communication, brings secure and reliable connectivity to remote areas that lack terrestrial network coverage. Use cases for NTN deployments include industrial IoT, mission-critical and emergency communications, and connected vehicles. The successful end-to-end NTN connection was made using the Quectel CC660D-LS and CC950U-LS modules, emulating a constellation of satellites in geostationary orbits (GEO), which worked in transparent mode delivering a network of satellites.
After successfully establishing data calls for each technology, Quectel was able to validate the overall functionality of the module, including:
- Implementation of the correct protocols according to 3GPP standards
- Radio frequency (RF) performance by performing measurements such as block error rates (BLER)
- Data transfer rates achieved for various scenarios
To complete these verification milestones, Quectel used Keysight's S8711A UXM 5G test application, part of Keysight's comprehensive, market-leading portfolio of 5G device test solutions. This solution provides pioneering support for the latest Rel-17 capabilities, the ability to emulate satellites in GEO, geosynchronous orbits (GSO), and low Earth orbits (LEO), and support for advanced orbit emulation and fading scenarios. The solution's easy-to-use user interface enables comprehensive testing of mobile devices in the protocol, RF, functional, and performance domains.
“The successful verification of RedCap and NTN technologies in Quectel's IoT module is a significant step in the deployment of these new technologies. We will continue to provide industry-leading coverage of the latest features of 3GPP standards,” said Peng Cao, vice president and general manager of Keysight Wireless Test Group.
