Software-Defined Test Environments Break Hardware Boundaries

6G Measurement Technology Software-Defined Test Environments Break Hardware Boundaries

2026-01-16 By Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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6G pushes the boundaries of traditional hardware test benches. While final standards are still missing, developers must validate already today. Are AI-powered test environments a possible answer?

The 6G mobile communication generation places high demands on test hardware. The RF measurement technology provider Anritsu is taking a new approach to test environments.(Image: freely licensed / Pixabay) — The 6G mobile communication generation places high demands on test hardware. The RF measurement technology provider Anritsu is taking a new approach to test environments.
(Image: freely licensed / Pixabay)

6G presents fundamental challenges for measurement technology engineers: frequency ranges expand to 16 GHz and beyond, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) introduce satellite communication, and multi-band scenarios require simultaneous testing across FR1, FR2, and FR3. At the same time, developers must already validate today, even though final 6G standards do not yet exist.

Traditional hardware-based test benches are reaching physical and economic limits. A test setup for each frequency range, separate devices for NTN tests, and rigid protocol implementations lead to skyrocketing costs and extended development cycles.

Software-Centered Virtualization As A Solution

The answer lies in the virtualization of measurement technology. The measurement technology provider Anritsu addresses this with the Virtual Signalling Tester, a software-based system for early 6G validation. This solution handles L1/Physical Layer testing, MAC Layer validation, and RF interface testing (with SDR) entirely software-based. The key advantage: arbitrary waveform generation for non-standardized 6G candidate waveforms—essential for the standardization phase.

In parallel, Anritsu's Field Simulation Test (FST) supports reproducibility. The system captures real-world radio environments and accurately replicates complex network propagation conditions in the lab. This not only enables the reproduction of live network issues but also the development of digital twins for ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) and CSI compression.

The hardware follows this trend: Anritsu's MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station integrates FR1, FR2, and FR3 bands up to 16 GHz in a modular architecture as a unified platform. Particularly forward-looking: NTN measurement capabilities for Direct-to-Cell and NR-NTN protocols are retrofitted as a software upgrade—a clear departure from the previous "one function, one device" philosophy.

AI Transforms Test Processes

Anritsu leverages artificial intelligence for development efficiency. The AI-assisted test sequence generation learns from historical test patterns and real data to automatically generate optimized test sequences. This not only reduces development effort but also improves test coverage through intelligent pattern recognition.

In the Service Assurance Platform, Anritsu's AI system correlates data from the entire network and transforms fragmented individual information into actionable instructions. Instead of reactive troubleshooting, proactive, self-learning systems are created, forming the foundation of autonomous networks.

Practical Implementation for Various Applications

Anritsu demonstrates the transformation through specific use cases.

Power Optimization: The Power Consumption Test Environment combines the MT8000A platform with Qoitech's Otii Power Measurement Suite and SmartViser's test automation for precise IoT power consumption analysis under real operating conditions.
Automotive Testing: In collaboration with Valeo, Anritsu offers a virtualized automotive testing solution that enables 5G and C-V2X connectivity in cloud-based SDV validation without physical vehicles.
NTN Integration: Real-time emulation of satellite and air links plus protocol stack verification significantly extends the MT8000A testing capabilities.

Anritsu Paves the Way to the Software Ecosystem

6G marks the transition from hardware-centered to software-defined test environments. With MT8000A, Virtual Signalling Tester, and FST, Anritsu already provides the tools for this transformation. (heh)

Anritsu and the Finnish research center VTT have achieved a significant breakthrough and validated a complete wireless system in the D-band under realistic conditions for the first time. (Image:Image: Anritsu)

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