Industrial Electronics

Bluetest and Rohde & Schwarz collaborate to offer over-the-air testing of next-generation WLAN devices

16 January 2025

Bluetest and Rohde & Schwarz extend their long-established collaboration and have integrated the Wi-Fi 7 test functionality of the R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester into the Bluetest Flow control software. Now, developers and manufacturers of next-generation WLAN technology can use the Bluetest reverberation test systems (RTS) to perform MIMO stress testing of IEEE 802.11be stations as well as access points under realistic conditions.

Bluetest specializes in reverberation chambers, such as the RTS65, which are designed for efficient over-the-air performance evaluation of wireless devices. In contrast to anechoic test chambers, reverberation chambers extensively reflect a radio frequency (RF) signal inside the chamber, creating a Rayleigh faded multipath RF environment. This environment closely mirrors real-world indoor and city conditions, making it ideal for evaluating the antenna and radio performance of modern multi-antenna (MIMO) and multi-carrier devices as used in WLAN, 4G and 5G.

The R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester is now integrated into reverberation test systems from Bluetest for Wi-Fi 7 testing. Source: Rohde & SchwarzThe R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester is now integrated into reverberation test systems from Bluetest for Wi-Fi 7 testing. Source: Rohde & Schwarz

The setup is operated using the Bluetest Flow control software, an integrated test environment for complex wireless solutions. By integrating the Wi-Fi 7 test functionality of the R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester into the Bluetest Flow software, WLAN developers utilizing the R&S CMX500 can now leverage Bluetest's reverberation chamber technology in the development of their advanced WLAN stations and access points.

Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is engineered for extremely high data throughput and capable of handling tens of gigabits of data per second with low latency. It caters to the increasing demand for ultra-high-definition video streaming, virtual reality and augmented reality applications. The key components facilitating higher throughput include an increased channel bandwidth of 320 MHz, up to 16 spatial streams, 4096 QAM modulation and multi-link operation (MLO).

During the development of WLAN devices, measurements of the antennas as well as RF transmitter and receiver characteristics must be conducted under real-world conditions in signaling mode. With MLO being a key feature in Wi-Fi 7, a test environment that provides multiple RF chains is crucial. The R&S CMX500 one-box tester from Rohde & Schwarz, featuring integrated Wi-Fi 7 test functionality, is a multi-technology multi-channel signaling tester. Its flexibility, support for multiple radio technologies, and embedded IP test capabilities make it a versatile solution for a broad range of Wi-Fi 7-specific tests.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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