Viavi Solutions has introduced what it calls the first “true” 5G base station analyzer, designed to support large-scale network deployments.

CellAdvisor 5G brings Viavi’s longtime CellAdvisor base station analyzer line for validating and troubleshooting the Radio Access Network into the 5G era. With early 5G deployments either in the works or slated for 2019, Viavi said, the technicians and contractors who will be doing the installation and activation of the 5G RAN need test instruments that are portable, easy to use and have the necessary features. Viavi said that the unit’s capabilities include support for analyzing beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output and carrier aggregation, up to 100 megahertz of channel bandwidth in sub-6GHz frequencies and up to 400 megahertz in millimeter wave bands; and spectrum and interference analysis in both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands.

“VIAVI has taken an early lead in 5G testing, and continues to expand its investments,” said Kevin Oliver, VP and GM for converged instruments and virtual test at Viavi, in a statement. “Virtually every 5G base station in the field today has been verified in the lab using VIAVI instruments and systems. Now, as a number of leading carriers are moving from the lab to large-scale field deployments, CellAdvisor 5G will be the fundamental tool that technicians and contractors will need to install and maintain these 5G deployments.”