Pre-6G Interoperability Testing with Full-Stack Analysis

Keysight Technologies and Ericsson have conducted interoperability validation between an Ericsson pre-6G base station (gNB) and prototype pre-6G user equipment (UE), using Keysight’s WaveJudge Wireless Analyzer Solutions. The collaboration demonstrates full-stack pre-6G testing on real network infrastructure and devices and will be presented at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026.

Early Validation of Emerging 6G Concepts
As formal 6G standardization activities begin, vendors are developing prototype implementations based on draft specifications and research concepts. Pre-standard systems are exploring operation in cm-wave spectrum bands, channel bandwidths up to 400 MHz, expanded massive MIMO configurations, and enhanced protocol efficiency to improve spectral utilization and throughput.

Such early implementations often differ in parameter settings, feature support, and interpretations of draft technical documents. These variations can introduce signaling inconsistencies and performance mismatches between base stations and devices. Identifying the root cause of issues at this stage is particularly challenging because behavior must be analyzed across the full protocol stack, from physical layer (PHY) performance to higher-layer signaling procedures.

Full-stack interoperability testing in a real network environment enables vendors to validate functional behavior before specifications are finalized. This approach reduces the risk of design divergence and accelerates alignment with emerging 6G requirements.

Independent Multi-Layer Protocol Decoding
Keysight’s WaveJudge Wireless Analyzer Solutions functions as an independent third-party analysis system, capturing and decoding signaling traffic from both the gNB and UE. By providing synchronized multi-layer protocol visibility, the solution allows engineers to compare expected versus actual behavior across PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and higher layers.

The analyzer highlights discrepancies in signaling sequences, timing, configuration parameters, and feature activation, helping isolate issues related to interoperability rather than implementation defects. Detailed key performance indicator (KPI) analysis supports quantitative evaluation of link performance, throughput, latency behavior, and advanced feature operation.

For pre-6G systems operating at bandwidths up to 400 MHz and leveraging massive MIMO configurations, multi-layer correlation is critical. Performance gains at the physical layer must align with scheduler behavior, control signaling, and resource allocation mechanisms. Independent decoding reduces ambiguity during troubleshooting and shortens resolution cycles between vendors.

Supporting 6G Ecosystem Development
Interoperability validation between prototype infrastructure and devices is a foundational step in the development of a 6G ecosystem. As draft specifications evolve, early cross-vendor testing provides feedback that can inform implementation adjustments and contribute to more robust alignment with future standards.

By enabling full-stack protocol analysis on real hardware rather than simulation alone, the collaboration supports early verification of emerging 6G features under realistic operating conditions. The demonstration at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 will highlight practical methods for validating pre-standard implementations in preparation for formal 6G standardization milestones.