VIAVI’s TeraVM O-RAN test suite now supports Centralized Unit load testing.

5G is very much in flux, even as deployments continue. While 3GPP is set to release new standards for wireless enhancements, the wired network is also seeing rapid change as an open radio-access network (O-RAN) moves in on what was once proprietary.

The O-RAN concept takes a proprietary baseband unit (BBU) at the cell towers that converts RF signals to digital baseband and disaggregates it into three functions: Radio Unit (RU), Distribution Unit (DU), and central Unit (CU) with open interfaces between them, letting network operators mix and match to best suit their needs.

Disaggregation of the BBU gives network operators the flexibility to virtualize network functions and locate them where they’re most effective based on use cases. Each function needs testing and VIAVI Solutions TeraVM software test suite now includes load testing support for the CU by emulating the 3GPP F1 interface between the DU and CU. Load testing lets network operators and equipment manufacturers verify that the CU can handle the expected traffic. It runs an a standard x86-based PC. Other functions of the TeraVM let you perform end-to-end network testing as well as test the various network components. It also simulates the core network relative to the CU and it supports core-network tests.