This article is part of the TechXchange: 5G Test and Measurement.
Anritsu introduced new NR Licensed 6-GHz Band Measurement MX800010A-014 software for its MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station. The system now supports RF tests in the 6-GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz) for 5G FR1 devices.
The upgrade was developed in swift response to an extension, in December 2023, of the upper frequency for licensed bands operating on 5G Frequency Range 1 (FR1). Where previously licensed bands were below 6 GHz, 3GPP Release 17 has seen them increased to 7.125 GHz to facilitate the growing amount of mobile, Wi-Fi, and other wireless traffic operating across these bands.
The extension was agreed on following consultations at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), held in Dubai. Prior to the conference, concerns were expressed that cellular network activity could disrupt existing operations in the upper 6-GHz band, which was already primarily comprised of mobile traffic. In the agreement, the upper 6-GHz band was assigned to the licensed bands for 5G FR1.
Anritsu’s MT8000A wireless communication test station performs RF measurements, protocol tests, and functional tests, supporting both the FR1 and FR2 bands used by 5G. The software upgrade ensures that the platform covers RF tests in the 6-GHz band, enabling countries to develop and deploy services using 6-GHz licensed bands.