How to Characterize 5G mmWave Air Interface
Characterizing 5G over-the-air performance
Building a 5G base station with a successful link in the presence of environmental obstacles requires over-the-air (OTA) performance characterization in the field. Path loss and link budget are essential measurements for investigating 5G link behavior. A 5G link includes line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) components in the radio propagation environment. To assess the impact on millimeter wave (mmWave) links and path loss, engineers must include factors such as rain fade, shadowing, foliage, atmosphere absorption, humidity, and Fresnel zone blockage.
With two portable microwave signal analyzers, engineers can use the extended-range transmission analysis measurement method to connect the transmitter (5G base station) and the receiver (mobile phone). The splitter at the transmitter measures the output power from the base station. With an accurate measurement of the transmitting power level, the other microwave signal analyzer, which acts as the receiver, will be able to calculate the path loss. Engineers can move an isotropic antenna to different locations in the environment, so the analyzer can measure effective isotropic radiated power, which is crucial for path loss characterization.
5G mmWave air interface characterization solution
See demo of 5G mmWave air interface characterization
Explore products in our 5G mmWave air interface characterization
-
![N9962B FieldFox Handheld Microwave Signal Analyzer, 50 GHz]()
N9962B FieldFox Handheld Microwave Signal Analyzer, 50 GHz
-
![85571A-028 5G Phased Array Antenna, 28 GHz]()
85571A-028 5G Phased Array Antenna, 28 GHz
Discover resources and insights
Additional resources for 5G mmWave air interface characterization
Related use cases
-
![How to Locate Last Mile Interference]()
How to Locate Last Mile Interference
Locating the source of interference in last-mile testing requires direction-finding techniques, such as manual signal triangulation. Learn how to use a directional antenna to hunt last-mile interference in the field.
Learn more
-
![How to Monitor 5G Field Interference]()
How to Monitor 5G Field Interference
Identifying in-band and out-of-band interference requires real-time spectrum analysis and signal-capture capabilities. Learn how to capture elusive, intermittent signals and interference using real-time spectrum analysis.
Learn more
-
![How to Locate Interfering Signals with TDoA]()
How to Locate Interfering Signals with TDoA
Determining the location of unknown emitters requires advanced direction-finding techniques, such as triangulating the time delays between receiver pairs. Learn how to use time difference of arrival (TDoA) to calculate the source location of interfering signals.
Learn more
Get in touch with one of our experts
Need help finding the right solution for you?