High-Frequency Wireless Device Validation for Next-Generation Cellular Networks

Wireless communication ecosystems require reliable testing solutions to bridge the gap between current mid-band 5G and emerging high-capacity spectrum allocations. The introduction of 7 GHz band validation capabilities provides a standardized environment for testing devices intended for the upper mid-band spectrum. This development is particularly relevant for high-bandwidth applications in the automotive data ecosystem and industrial IoT, where an optimal balance between signal coverage and data capacity is essential for advanced sensing and augmented reality technologies.

Technical Evolution of the 7 GHz Spectrum
The upper mid-band, specifically the 7 GHz range, was identified during the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) as a critical spectrum for the next phase of wireless innovation. To address this, Anritsu has developed a hardware enhancement for the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A. This new RF hardware option extends the platform’s frequency support into the Frequency Range 3 (FR3) spectrum, covering the Lower FR3 band up to 16 GHz.

This frequency range is currently under global standardization for WRC-27. By enabling testing in this band, the cellular ecosystem gains access to repeatable verification solutions before official 6G commercialization. The modular architecture of the platform allows for simultaneous multi-band characterization and inter-band handover testing, ensuring that devices can transition seamlessly between existing 5G FR1/FR2 and future FR3 networks.

Collaborative Verification and Implementation
In a joint demonstration at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain (March 2–5, 2026), Anritsu and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. showcased these validation capabilities. The setup utilized the FR3-ready enhancements of the MT8000A alongside a test device platform powered by a Qualcomm Modem-RF System designed for 7 GHz operation.

This collaboration establishes a digital supply chain for 6G R&D by providing the tools necessary for early protocol and RF performance validation. The platform is designed to be scalable, using software upgrades to integrate future 6G features, such as Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) measurements and AI-driven test sequence generation. These mechanisms reduce engineering workloads by optimizing resource usage based on historical test patterns and real-world performance data.

Measurable Performance and Industry Standards
The MT8000A platform supports a wide array of existing technologies, including 5G NR, NR-NTN, and LTE. The new FR3 hardware specifically addresses the requirement for higher frequency resolution and wider bandwidths in the 7 GHz to 16 GHz range. By providing an integrated solution for RF calibration and protocol testing within a single instrument, the technology eliminates the need for multiple discrete test setups.

This standardized approach ensures that hardware manufacturers can meet the evolving requirements of organizations like the VDA and other global telecommunications standards bodies. As the industry moves toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and complex industrial networks, the ability to replicate real-world radio environments in a controlled laboratory setting becomes a prerequisite for market entry.

www.anritsu.com