Wireless connectivity and the importance of certification to PTCRB and GCF standards
By Ben Kuo, Global Mobile Communication Head at SGS, looks at how manufacturers of wireless devices can ensure each subscriber experiences seamless connections with systems, programs and devices.
By 2028, there will be an estimated 4.5 billion subscribers to 5G networks worldwide.
Fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology
5G has enabled a massive global expansion in connectivity by allowing more devices to connect to networks at faster speeds and with a reduction in latency – the time between instructing a wireless device to perform an action and that action being completed.
This is important. We expect seamless connection and instant responses from our devices. Whether it is the smartphone in our pocket, our automobile, equipment in the office or highly specialized medical devices in a hospital, it must work without the need for constant attention or disruption to other pieces of equipment.
Compatibility and interoperability
In the rapidly evolving mobile communication technology landscape, device interoperability and network compatibility are paramount. Compatibility relates to a device’s ability to connect and work with a specific network, while interoperability, although related to compatibility, is a device’s ability to communicate with another device or system. It can be defined as: “the ability of different systems, devices, applications or products to connect and communicate in a coordinated way, without effort from the end user.”
To operate successfully in competitive global markets, wireless device manufacturers must show their products comply with internationally recognized standards for both compatibility and interoperability.
PTCRB certification
The PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) was established by leading wireless operators as part of the CTIA certification family of brands in 1997. It helps manufacturers of wireless cellular devices ensure their products operate efficiently in networks and demonstrates compliance with global industry standards.
PTCRB certification can be applied to:
- 5G NR and 4G LTE wireless devices
- Smartphones, feature phones, tablets, notebook computers, modules and devices designed around certified modules
The certification process incorporates:
- Standardized framework for device assessment and certification
- Test specifications and procedures to achieve certification
- Collaboration among multiple global standards development organizations
- Compliance with internationally recognized 3GPP network standards
GCF certification
Founded in 1999, the Global Certification Forum (GCF) is a global, non-profit organization offering mobile and IoT certification programs based on conformity to agreed standards. Their certification solutions cover a wide variety of products, from smartphones, modules and chipsets to tablets, notebooks and IoT wearables, and are based on 3GPP and other relevant standards.
GCF certification can be applied to 5G and all previous generations of wireless technology.
Benefits of certification
Certification has multiple benefits for device manufacturers:
- Interoperability – demonstrate seamless connection and operation on different mobile networks, promoting interoperability across carriers and regions
- Compatibility – verify compliance with specific radio frequency (RF) and protocol requirements, ensuring a device can communicate effectively with the network infrastructure
- Quality assurance – ensure good performance and the delivery of a reliable service for end users in all conditions
- Market access – certification to a recognized standard is now a prerequisite for interacting with networks
- Reduced costs and faster time-to-market.
