Extended collaboration minimises field testing for IoT modules

Gemalto is using test equipment from Rohde & Schwarz to ensure that Cinterion IoT modules function synchronously across all networks and conditions. This decreases extensive real network drive tests in different countries for manufacturers of IoT (Cat‑M and NB‑IoT) solutions, producing faster time-to-market.

Due to the current cooperation, manufacturers of IoT solutions can use virtual drive tests throughout the development phase of CAT‑M1 and NB‑IoT modules to find and fix problems at an initial stage. This also allows seamless cellular coverage and stable connectivity before the integration process proceeds and further field tests are conducted. Network-specific integration tests and field tests comprise analysis of unique network configurations in different countries, challenging RF Power level conditions and verification of signalling under compelling RF environments.

The setup consists of R&S Field‑to‑Lab wireless communication test system, the company's CMWcards smart network emulator, their CMW500/CMW290 wideband radio communication tester. The LTE-based solution has now been increased to support LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies. With the same user interface, clients can move seamlessly between LTE and IoT testing. The simple process of loading the field logs, extracting the necessary information from the field log and generating the CMWcards test script serves to replicate the real network environment in a lab with just a few mouse clicks.