Definition of a 5G coverage map? Rohde & amp; Schwarz …

Ericsson is measuring 5G coverage areas and verifying their performance using drone-based solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.

5G is becoming a reality, but the rollout has been slower than any hype would suggest. The high frequencies that 5G relies on are easily blocked by solid objects, and in any case, they don’t propagate as far as low-frequency 4G signals do.

Ericsson, a multinational company dealing with information and communication technology (sometimes abbreviated to ICT) in partnership with service providers, reports that there are currently 19 live 5G networks on four continents (at the time of writing this article).

The first live 5G networks on four continents. Image modified from Ericsson.

However, many more cell towers will be needed before 5G is truly adopted around the world.

To minimize expenses, providers must measure signal penetration in all covered areas. Otherwise, all those new 5G phones that consumers are spending a lot of money for will end up relying on existing and old-fashioned 4G coverage.

Verifying the coverage, performance and operation of 5G networks will be essential. So how do these companies measure how wide their 5G network is and how well it is working?

5G penetration measurement

You as an engineer can think of the test and measurement company Rohde & Schwarz and immediately think of oscilloscopes. In reality, however, the company is also involved in broadcast media, radio communications, and cybersecurity. With this background, it makes sense that Rohde & Schwarz supplied mobile network testing tools to measure drone-based network coverage. The performance and operation tests will be managed by Ericsson, a global force in network infrastructure.

The operational team for the project was based in Jorvas, Finland. It was led by RAN Technical Director of Ericsson’s 5G Readiness Program, Richard Wirén. Together with the Centria University of Applied Sciences and the University of Tampere, they developed a system to test the coverage of the cellular mobile network. This system employs drone-mounted Rohde & Schwarz smartphone and mobile network test scanners that can be programmed to run tests automatically.

Image by Rohde & Schwarz

The automated airborne system can be programmed to follow a specific three-dimensional route. This third dimension and its repeatable positional accuracy give the system a clear advantage over traditional walk and drive tests.

System components

A Rohde & Schwarz TSMA6 network scanner was used on the drone to verify the LTE and 5G NR coverage metrics. These include the received power of the reference signal (RSRP) and the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), both in accordance with 3GPP standards.

The TSMA6 standalone mobile network scanner. Image by Rohde & Schwarz

The R&S QualiPoc Android smartphone-based optimizer enables IP tracking. It is also possible to measure application quality of service (QoS) metrics, such as serving cell parameters.

The QualiPoc Android handheld troubleshooter. Image by Rohde & Schwarz

The combination of these devices, together with the drone system, constitutes an effective solution for mapping and measuring 5G networks.

Results to date

So far more than 20 successful measurement flights have been carried out. The flights lasted for different lengths of time and covered various routes and altitudes. They have shown results that are exceptionally repeatable.

Air traffic control and authentication have, in the past, presented significant challenges for the development of drone-centric systems. One of the characteristics of this regimen is that these tests were carried out over cellular networks. This removed the usual line-of-sight connection requirement between the drone and its pilot.

According to Ericsson’s Wirén, the RAN technical lead of Ericsson’s 5G readiness program says: “For 5G to deliver on its promise, field verification of operation and quality is essential, and this development is a pioneering way to ensure that our customers receive the network performance they require. “

Plans for further development

Ericsson will focus on testing critical 5G applications focused on public safety and machine-type communications for Industry 4.0. Testing in urban settings will also be important, as will extending the frequencies of interest to the millimeter wave bands.

Rohde & Schwarz offers more information for mobile network optimization solutions.


Where does 5G intersect with your work? Are you developing 5G devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.