Anritsu Launches Functional Evaluation Solution for 5G RedCap-Compliant Devices

Anritsu Corporation (President: Koichi Hamada) has enhanced its application evaluation software, 'SmartStudio NR (SSNR)' and 'SmartStudio NR IP Performance (SSIP)', to support evaluation of 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) devices. Targeting low-power, cost-effective Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and wearable devices, the solution enables functional evaluations closely aligned with real-world usage, including throughput and power consumption.

Additionally, the solution supports the increasingly diverse frequency bands driven by the expanding use of 5G, offering efficient testing capabilities for complex band configurations.

Through the enhanced functionality of SSNR and SSIP—both operable via intuitive GUI—Anritsu aims to reduce the burden on engineers developing 5G-compliant devices, improve development efficiency, and strengthen the foundation for a real-time, seamless smart society.

Development Background

With the advancement of new fields such as Physical AI, the adoption of IoT devices is expanding. This has accelerated the proliferation of 5G RedCap-compliant devices, known for their low power consumption and cost-efficiency. Consequently, demand is rising for application evaluations based on 5G RedCap specifications, including IP throughput testing, power consumption measurement, and IMS testing.

Moreover, alongside the broader adoption of 5G, frequency band reorganization due to the phase-out of 3G services and the rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) has led to an expansion in supported frequency bands. As a result, combinations of bands, carrier aggregation, and MIMO configurations are increasing, making test conditions increasingly complex. This complexity has led to longer evaluation times and higher workloads, necessitating more efficient test design and evaluation processes.

Product Overview

SmartStudio NR (SSNR) and SmartStudio NR IP Performance (SSIP) are application testing software solutions that, when paired with the hardware MT8000A (which emulates base station functionality), simulate 5G/LTE base stations and core networks. SSIP features high-speed data communication throughput measurement capabilities. Both tools enable intuitive operation via interactive GUIs, eliminating the need for in-depth protocol expertise.

Key features of this enhancement include:

- Support for 5G RedCap, enabling diverse application tests such as IP throughput, power consumption evaluation, temperature testing, and handover testing.
- Batch acquisition of supported device band combinations, including MIMO configurations and channel bandwidth (ChBW), reducing the burden of test planning and design for comprehensive evaluation of complex combinations.
- Support for tests difficult to reproduce in live networks, such as emergency alerts (CMAS) and access control during disasters.

For more information on SmartStudio NR (SSNR), click here (PDF)
For more information on SmartStudio NR IP Performance (SSIP), click here (PDF)

Additional information on Anritsu's products, solutions, and services is available on the Solutions Introduction Page and Facebook.