VIAVI Solutions expands VALOR lab with new RF chamber and testing facilities

VIAVI Solutions Inc. has announced an expansion of its VALOR lab with the addition of a new RF-shielded anechoic chamber and two new customer labs. This facility, based in Chandler, Arizona, provides a highly automated Lab-as-a-Service and Test-as-a-Service suite for Open RAN (ORAN) interoperability, performance, and security. The expansion is supported by funding from the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

The newly introduced RF Chamber is designed for testing Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation. It enables system-level testing for up to 16 parallel spatial layers. This approach simplifies the testing process by allowing devices under test (DUT) to be evaluated using wireless signals in a controlled environment, mimicking real-world conditions.

In addition to the RF chamber, the two new labs offer customers access to over 500 test cases compliant with various industry standards, including Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications. Erik Probstfield, Senior Director of VALOR, noted that this expansion meets the growing need for ORAN testing and provides comprehensive testing options for technology vendors through every stage of the product lifecycle.

The RF chamber was developed by ETS-Lindgren, known for its work in wireless Over-the-Air Test (OTA) performance testing. ETS-Lindgren’s President, Andy Warner, expressed support for VIAVI's efforts in expanding the lab's capabilities and introducing a new testing methodology.

VALOR offers a suite of testing that includes conformance, performance, security, and interoperability assessments utilizing VIAVI’s NITRO Wireless ORAN Test Suite and the VAMOS framework for hybrid physical and cloud-based testing. It also collaborates with leading industry partners to provide reference O-RAN compliant testing components.

The VALOR lab, endorsed by the AI-RAN Alliance, acts as a center for member collaboration, promoting advancements in AI-driven telecommunications testing. Additionally, the lab supports VIAVI's partnerships with AT&T and Verizon to enhance ORAN testing processes.

This facility is the first to be authorized by the Telecom Infra Project for its system performance certification program, distinguishing itself by enhancing industry readiness for various certification and acceptance tests.