“We are driving innovation”: Interview with Rohde & Schwarz’s Alexander Pabst and Jayanth Ramachandran

In recent years, the Indian test and measurement (T&M) industry has undergone notable transformations, spurred by the rapid advancement of technology and proliferation of 5G networks. For three decades now, Rohde and Schwarz India Private Limited (RSINDIA) has been a prominent player in the Indian T&M industry. The company has been actively introducing cutting-edge products to meet market requirements. In an interview with tele.net, Alexander Pabst, vice president, wireless communication, R&S GmbH and Jayanth Ramachandran, director, wireless communication, RSIndia, talked about the company’s role in the evolving T&M market for the mobile wireless domain, the challenges encountered and future growth strategies…

What have been the emerging trends in the T&M space for the mobile wireless domain? How is R&S leveraging these opportunities?

We have been witnessing a surge of new developments in technology, which can be categorised into three main areas – cellular technology, non-cellular technology and infrastructure.

With respect to cellular technology, particularly in the realm of 5G networks, one standout innovation is non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which were initially developed as a proprietary solution. However, now, it is transitioning into a standardised format under the third-generation partnership project. It is becoming a leading solution, paving the way for advanced 5G capabilities. Another noteworthy technology in this domain is reduced capability (RedCap), which is set to become more adaptable and scalable with the shift towards 5G and standalone (SA) architectures. It is gaining traction in other parts of the world, owing to its affordability and robust design tailored for low power usage.

The next big leap after 5G is anticipated to be 6G, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Meanwhile, in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), there is a flurry of activity focused on optimising network quality. AI is increasingly becoming prominent, permeating various applications on mobile devices, where low latency is required. Additionally, there is exploration in the high frequency sub-terahertz (sub-THz) domain, which will usher in further technological advancements.

On the non-cellular front, the transition from Wi-Fi 7 to Wi-Fi 8 is under way, promising higher reliability, greater energy efficiency and lower latency. Moreover, in infrastructure development, there is a shift towards network disaggregation facilitated by the open radio access network (O-RAN), enabling massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capabilities for base stations and improving scalability for device connectivity.

What have been the key highlights for the company during the past year? What are the key products/solutions offered by the company? What are the new products/initiatives in the pipeline?

Significant strides have been made in the Indian market, particularly in the arena of 5G. Operators, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have initiated the deployment of 5G networks while focusing on SA configurations. Meanwhile, BSNL is ramping up its existing 4G infrastructure. There is a growing number of indigenous companies crafting radio technologies for these networks. At R&S, we offer a diverse array of solutions tailored to meet the needs of these companies.

“Our entire platform is engineered with future scalability in mind, poised to seamlessly transition to accommodate the eventual advent of 6G technology.”

On the production front, we have carved out a substantial market share in India, with Chinese, US and Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) relying on R&S for their needs. This places us firmly at the forefront of mobile device manufacturing.

At R&S, we have developed cutting-edge solutions such as the R&S®CMP180, a non-signalling tester. These tools are designed to facilitate testing across both cellular and non-cellular networks. Furthermore, they are built for scalability, with the potential to seamlessly accommodate the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 standards.

In 2024, we introduced Wi-Fi 7 support on our R&S®CMX platform, which previously catered exclusively to 5G. This expansion underscores our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the evolving tech landscape. Furthermore, our entire platform is engineered with future scalability in mind, poised to seamlessly transition to accommodate the eventual advent of 6G technology.

What role are T&M solutions playing in the 5G space? How is R&S tapping these opportunities?

At R&S, we are involved in pioneering technologies such as NTN and RedCap. While the infrastructure sector may currently be moving at a slower pace, we are actively engaged in the promising realm of O-RAN. Additionally, owing to government funding, we are expanding our capabilities and opening new labs, laying a solid foundation for future innovations, particularly in the 6G technology space.

Furthermore, there is a flurry of activity in the fixed wireless access space and industrial networks, highlighting the diverse avenues of growth we are exploring.

Energy efficiency is also a key focus area for us. We are developing solutions to ensure that the radio units within base stations consume minimal power, given that they typically account for a significant portion of energy consumption in networks. Moreover, by catering to the needs of small cells and base station customers, we are leveraging our expertise to drive innovation and meet the evolving demands of the industry.

What opportunities do you foresee in the mobile network/wireless T&M domain in the future? What are your thoughts on T&M for 6G services?

In the realm of 6G technology, a significant advancement is the extension of frequencies up to 15 GHz, encompassing existing portfolios. We have also expanded our R&S®CMX platform to accommodate these high frequencies, making it more accessible for users.

Moreover, within the domain of AI and ML, there is a plethora of possibilities to enhance support at the physical layer. Our line-up of products supports sub-THz and high GHz frequencies and has garnered positive feedback from customers. These frequency extenders are seamlessly integrated with the instruments’ software providing accurate signals without the need for cumbersome external calibration.

With respect to 6G development, NTN stands out as a crucial component, with extensive testing conducted to ensure seamless integration for our customers. However, it is important to note that 6G is still in the standardisation phase, with various iterations catering to different needs, such as communication and sensing. Therefore, as we navigate through these variations, modifications will be made to refine and adapt the technology. In my view, 6G is poised to be standalone, marking a significant leap in wireless connectivity.

What are the challenges faced with respect to the T&M of mobile networks? How do you address these?

As we observe the trajectory of wireless technologies advancing from 4G to 5G and onward to the 6G space, several trends become evident. Bandwidths are expanding, frequencies are scaling to higher levels and the complexity of testing is escalating. With a multitude of band combinations to evaluate, catering to diverse global needs becomes a daunting task, compounded by the variability of spectrum availability across different countries. For instance, with each operator employing unique band combinations, ensuring the functionality of these configurations within networks poses a significant challenge.

The introduction of complex modulation schemes further amplifies challenges associated with testing. The speed at which tests can be conducted also emerges as a crucial factor. Additionally, adherence to standardisation requirements set by regulatory bodies adds another layer of complexity to the testing process.

The timely availability of devices in the market presents another pressing concern. These multifaceted challenges underscore the intricacies involved in the continuous evolution and validation of wireless technologies.

What are the company’s growth plans/strategies for the Indian market during the next two to three years?

For the past three decades, we have been deeply rooted in India, providing comprehensive support across a diverse range of clientele, spanning researchers, institutions, chipset companies, handset manufacturers and test labs. Our commitment extends across the entire spectrum of operations, from the infancy of 2G networks to cutting-edge 5G technologies.

We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt and localise solutions to meet the unique needs of our clientele. Our journey has been around the development of test cases tailored specifically for major chipset manufacturers and OEMs in India.

Furthermore, we are planning to offer comprehensive training programmes to engineers. We aim to empower engineers across various industries with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage our cutting-edge equipment to its fullest  potential, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.