Handover Test Systems Reach 8 GHz For WiFi 6E & 5G

In order to remain competitive and offer the latest in high-speed services, cellular hardware and Internet-of-Things (IoT) device manufacturers and system operators are moving to higher frequencies now available with Wi-Fi 6E (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) and mid-band 5G (sub-6 GHz). Moreover, these latest devices now operate in a wider variety of network topologies and modes than legacy systems, including mesh and heterogeneous cellular systems.

This means that developing hardware/software and testing the latest wireless systems/devices require specifically designed test systems that have the frequency range, flexibility, and port count necessary to emulate a complex environment with a greater mix of device types.

Breakdown of Handover Test Systems

Handover test systems are generally composed of divider/combiners, variable attenuators, and sometimes integrated switches. The idea is that the ports of DUTs (Devices Under Test) can be routed to multiple simulated transceivers, or actual cellular radio hardware, used to replicate the behavior of a fielded wireless network. Fading, multipath fading, and forced-handover testing are key uses of handover test systems. These units are critical in developing the hardware, software, and protocols for handling handovers and other complex network scenarios.