VIAVI Solutions Inc. has expanded its Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open Radio access network (RAN) testing facility with the addition of an RF-shielded anechoic chamber and two customer labs. This expansion supports Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security, and is funded by the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

The new RF Chamber is designed for testing Massive MIMO and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation, offering system-level performance testing for up to 16 parallel spatial layers. Unlike traditional methods that rely on electrical cabling, the OTA testing simulates real-world conditions by using wireless signals to assess the device within a shielded environment.

The expanded facility provides access to over 500 test cases compliant with various industry specifications. Erik Probstfield, Senior Director at VIAVI, stated, “This expansion addresses the growing demand for our innovative Open RAN Lab-as-a-Service offering, which helps democratize Open RAN testing for technology vendors by providing them with a comprehensive, on-demand test suite throughout the entire product lifecycle.”

ETS-Lindgren, known for wireless OTA performance testing solutions, supplies the RF chamber. Andy Warner, President of ETS-Lindgren, congratulated VIAVI on its expansion, emphasizing the chamber’s role in enhancing OTA base station test methodologies.

VALOR also acts as an endorsed lab for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) RAN Alliance, promoting AI-driven telecommunications developments. Additionally, the full suite of O-RAN tests will be available to customers referred by specific industry collaborations.