Keysight’s solution enables Quectel to rapidly develop 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) compliant designs.

Keysight Technologies, Inc. announced on the 25th that it has verified that its Internet of Things (IoT) wireless module supports the latest 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) functions through the S8711A UXM 5G test application.

Based on the 5G Rel-17 specification, RedCap supports a new class of 5G devices with reduced 5G capabilities. These devices can support new use cases such as industrial sensors and wearables due to reduced complexity, cost, and power consumption.

For end-to-end RedCap data connectivity to the Qutel module Rx255C, it is configured to emulate a 5G Rel-17 network with enhancements to support RedCap devices.

NTN based on satellite-to-terrestrial communication provides a secure and reliable connection to remote areas where terrestrial networks are not available. NTN is attracting attention in IIoT, satellite communications, and connected vehicles.

End-to-end NTN connectivity was successfully achieved for Qtel modules CC660D-LS and CC950U-LS through satellite constellation emulation in geostationary orbit (GEO). Qtel was able to validate the overall functionality of the module, including implementation of correct protocols compliant with 3GPP standards, verification of radio frequency (RF) performance by performing measurements such as Block Error Rate (BLER), and data throughput rates achieved for various scenarios.

Qutel used Keysight’s S8711A UXM 5G test application. The solution supports the latest Rel-17 features and provides the ability to emulate satellites in GEO, Geostationary Orbit (GSO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), supporting advanced orbit emulation and fading scenarios. The solution’s easy-to-use user interface enables comprehensive testing of mobile devices across protocol, RF, functional and performance domains.

“With Keysight RedCap and NTN test solutions, we were able to develop modules to support these technologies much faster than expected and deliver commercial services for them more quickly,” said Norbert Muhrer, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Qutel.

“The successful validation of RedCap and NTN technologies on Quectel’s IoT modules is a significant milestone for the deployment of these new technologies,” said Peng Cao, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s wireless test group. “Keysight continues to provide industry-leading support for the latest features of the 3GPP standards.”