Testing and measurement giant, Rohde & Schwarz hosted a webinar yesterday on HetNet, that ubiquitous system that consists of macro-, micro-, pico- and femto-cells. The focus was on how 5G fits into the mix and how it can be tested, then implemented. Leading the discussion was wireless industry consultant Wade Sarver, President of Wade4Wireless and Joe Gallagher, National Account and Channel Manager at Rohde & Schwarz.
Sarver led off by establishing that HetNets will utilize new technologies and new frequency bands, and will require new techniques by which to effectively and efficiently test these networks. A seamless solution cutting across different access technologies like 4G, 5G, and WiFi is becoming the solution for end-users rather than relying on a specific infrastructure method.
“The beauty of small cells,” Sarver said, “was that it was a radio in a box. It turns out, it really isn’t what the carriers wanted. With mid, high and low band spectrum,” he said, “it all has to work together. And testing it has become critical to help make it work together.”
Illustrating in his slide deck how HetNet includes multiple technologies and site models, Sarver said the 5G network will be adding more pieces to the overall network.
“Let’s face it,” he said, “It’s not just about voice anymore. With Internet of Things, car-to-car communications, streaming Netflix, it’s no longer ‘one size fits all.’”
At the center of the HetNet universe is the aptly named “core.” The models of core and evolved packet core (EPC) will help determine what features are required. “It’s the key to everything,” Sarver said, showing how the core could be in the radio, on the edge, in the Cloud, or in a data center. Applications could range from Inherent voice (VoLTE or VoNR) to prioritization, as used by FirstNet.
The advent of HetNet, however does not decrease the role of macro towers, according to Sarver, labeling them as “a congregated radio site, the last mile connection to all devices.”
Gallagher then covered how a clean spectrum is essential to HetNet functioning properly. “If you buy a Ferrari,” he said, “and are using it to drive on dirt roads, you are not maximizing its usage. But if you are using it on a clean, paved road, you’ll get optimum results.”
Among the components for a clean spectrum, according to Gallagher, are spectrum clearance, interference hunting, validating new technologies and features, quality benchmarking and 24/7 continuous monitoring.
“It’s not only about testing the different spectrums,” Gallagher said, “but assessing the hand offs and use cases for a particular device.” Testing efficiency, he said, will become more important as HetNets significantly add more items to test.
The panel concluded with the thought that HetNets will significantly improve network coverage, reduce power consumption, and improve overall spectral efficiency. Test equipment, then, needs to cover a broad range of use cases – ideally, one instrument covering multiple use cases.
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