Communications engineers and researchers face several challenges when testing 5G and 6G prototypes, one of which is finding testbeds where they can run experiments with new hardware and software.
Experimental platforms that resemble real-world conditions can be expensive. Some are time-limited. Some may only be used by certain companies or to test certain technologies.
new IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed Many of those barriers have now been removed. The IEEE has built a platform for anyone wanting to try out 5G enhancements, perform trials of future 6G capabilities, or test integrated network updates. Users can test and retest as many times as they like at no additional cost.
The new virtual testbed can be used not only by telecommunications operators, but also by application developers, researchers, educators and vendors across industries.
“The IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed will create an environment where the industry can work together to break new ground and develop next-generation technology innovations,” said Dr. Anwar Al DulaimiHe is co-chair of the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed Working Group. Al Dulaimi, a Senior Member at IEEE, is Senior Strategy Manager for Connectivity and Industry 4.0. Vertolisin Toronto.
This testbed will be AT&T, Exfo, Eurecom, Vertolis, VMwareand Tech Mahindra.
Subscription-based testbeds are available to organizations only. Customers use their own private, secureTest platform sessions in the cloud and the ability to add new users.
Diverse architecture and experimentation
The platform eliminates the need for customers to travel to a location and connect to physical hardware, Al Dulaimi said, because the digital hub is on the cloud and can be accessed by companies, labs and organizations. The testbed allows customers to upload and test their own software components.
“The IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed will provide service providers and various vertical industries, such as defense, homeland security, agriculture and automotive, with a unique platform to experiment with various use cases and solve problems leveraging advanced 5G technologies, including ultra-low latency, machine-to-machine communications and massive broadband,” said the IEEE Fellow. Ashutosh DuttaDatta is co-chair of the working group. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics LaboratoryLaurel, Maryland. He also holds a B.A. Doctoral Program in Engineering.
“The IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed will create an environment where the industry can break new ground and work together to develop next-generation technology innovations.”
The collaborative, secure, cloud-based platform can also emulate a 5G end-to-end network.Third Generation Partnership Program 3GPP defines mobile phone communication standards.
“Companies can not only use this platform for testing, but also use the environment as a virtual hands-on showcase for new products, services and network capabilities,” says Datta.
In addition to the cloud-based end-to-end environment, the testbed will also support other architectures such as multi-access edge computing to reduce latency, physical layer testing over IEEE-installed 5G access points and phones, and an Open RAN (Radio Access Network) environment where wireless radio functions are distributed to allow greater flexibility in the mix of hardware and software components.
Al Dulaimi said a range of experiments could be carried out, including:
- Emulation of voice and video calls.
- Assessment of the impact of authentication and encryption across various 5G platforms.
- Network slicing.
- Denial of service attacks, interoperability and overload incidents.
- Validate product functionality, compatibility, and interoperability.
- Evaluate networks, components and products for suitability.
The Testbed Group will soon be releasing a test orchestration tool with a new graphical user interface and hundreds of plug-and-play test cases to enable customers to quickly determine whether their prototypes are working as intended across a range of standards and scenarios. In addition to basic “sanity tests,” the tool also includes tools to measure the real-time performance of proposed products.
Datta said proofs of concept (lessons learned from experiments) will help evolve existing standards and create new ones, accelerating the adoption of 5G and 6G technologies.
The IEEE 5G/6G Testbed is an asset that can be utilized by academia, researchers and R&D labs, “helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students from around the world can use the testbed to gain practical experience as part of their course curriculum,” he says.
Partnership with major telecommunications companies
The IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed recently Accelerating compatibility and commercialization for Open RAN deployments The public-private consortium ACCORD includes AT&T, Verizon, Virginia Tech and University of Texas at DallasThe group is headed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. National Telecommunications and Information Administration‘s programs and policy development activities focus on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption across the country.
“The 3GPP-compliant end-to-end 5G network is built with a suite of open-source modules, allowing companies to customise their network architecture and tailor the testbed environment according to their needs,” Al Dulaimi said.
This testbed is IEEE New Initiatives Committeeprovides funding for IEEE services, products, and other creations that may provide significant benefit to members, the public, customers, or the technical community.
To get a free trial of the testbed, This form.
Watch a short demo of how the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed works.YouTube
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