Harman introduces 5G Test Lab-as-a-Service offering

Samsung-owned Harman today announced the introduction of a new end-to-end 5G testing lab for 5G CP devices. This will equip technology providers like device manufactures, chipmakers, telcos and more with the ability to execute a variety of protocol and functional tests, along with validating and examining applications in a real 5G radio environment.

The Harman 5G testing lab provides an independent environment in which technology providers can ensure positive performance and pre-validate any 5G CP device, while also examining applications across additional parameters, third-party integrations and use cases.

The 5G lab enables a holistic, device-to-cloud performance analysis – enabling chipset conformance testing, pre-certification testing, network operator approval testing, application performance verification and more. As a result, technology providers can receive detailed and authentic insight into the full-spectrum user experience of a device and accelerate their path to market.

“Advances in technologies like 5G yield significant opportunity to accelerate innovation across nearly every industry – from healthcare and manufacturing, transportation to consumer device support. But, to turn innovation into impact, testing the reliability and effectiveness of new technologies is crucial,” said David Owens, Senior Vice President of Harman Digital Transformation Services. “Now, with the new comprehensive HARMAN 5G Testing Lab, technology providers have a one-stop shop to not only test and verify their solutions cohesively from device-to-cloud – but collect additional detailed insight about device performance across multiple variables and truly raise the bar for consumer 5G experiences,” Owens added.

Harman’s testing lab will simulate a 5G radio and core network to measure multiple levels of end-to-end application performance. The lab will first assess radio output, testing frequency, signal quality and modulations – followed by measuring data throughout application layers to assess the output of specific use cases like VR, video and more. In addition, the lab can also simulate different network conditions, such as weather or unexpected network interference, and introduce partner applications to deliver a completely holistic assessment of how new 5G devices will operate in the field – and in the hands of consumers.