Keysight Technologies and Ericsson have established a pre-6G radio access testbed that utilizes centimeter Wave (cmWave) spectrum. The setup incorporates an Ericsson base station and Keysight’s test user equipment (UE), focusing on frequencies between 7GHz and 15GHz. These frequencies are considered favorable for future 6G networks due to their large bandwidth and potential for improved coverage over higher millimeter wave bands.

Deploying cmWave comes with challenges, including spectrum-sharing and the implementation of advanced multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques to counteract increased path loss when compared to current sub-6GHz networks. The collaborative effort between Keysight and Ericsson aims to tackle these challenges by providing a lab-based environment for research into new physical layer and protocol features conducive to 6G development.

A demonstration of the capabilities of this testbed will occur at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in 2025. Freddie Södergren, Head of Technology & Strategy at Ericsson, stated, “Evaluating the performance potential of new spectrum and exploring new and evolved technology concepts pre-6G standardization is a top priority for Ericsson.” Giampaolo Tardioli, Vice President at Keysight, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration advances exploration toward 6G solutions ahead of the standardization process.