The most significant innovation in WLAN transmission systems according to IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) is the introduction of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology, a multi-user variant of the orthogonal multiplexing scheme previously used in wireless LANs. By sharing the available bandwidth, multiple users can be active simultaneously. This technology presents new challenges for WLAN device developers and greatly expands the scope of Wi-Fi 6 device certification testing.
Rohde & Schwarz now offers a solution for testing WLAN access points in multi-user operation (OFDMA) according to IEEE 802.11ax. The R&S CMW270 wireless connectivity tester can be used to verify the RF characteristics of receivers and transmitters, as well as to determine data throughput in both transmission and reception.
With the R&S CMW270 and the WLAN 11ax signaling test and measurement option, you can now check OFDMA pre-correction according to the Wi-Fi Alliance certification for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6.
The tests cover conventional single-user and multi-user OFDMA operation under real-world conditions, for both WLAN stations and access points operating with a single or multiple antennas (SISO/MIMO). The solution analyzes receiver sensitivity, measures transmitter RF characteristics (such as power, spectrum, and modulation), and also determines achievable data throughput rates for both transmission and reception.
Rohde & Schwarz has added features such as the ability to limit the measurements of WLAN device transmitters according to the IEEE 802.11ac/ax standard to user-defined MCS (Modulation Coding Scheme) data transmission rates.
The R&S CMW270 is suitable for testing according to IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax WLAN standards and also for simultaneous and comprehensive testing of Bluetooth® devices, for example.
