As a crucial part of the TD-LTE industry chain, test instruments and systems play a vital role in product development and commercialization. The first phase of China Mobile’s large-scale TD-LTE testing has concluded, but the test equipment and systems used during this phase still have significant shortcomings. Key issues include the lack of multi-mode terminal testing tools, insufficient road testing instruments, and the need for more advanced wireless network analysis and optimization tools.
Wei Guiming from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Institute of Telecommunications emphasized that improving systemic testing capabilities is essential. He outlined four key areas for enhancement: developing wireless test systems for smart antenna and MIMO networking, creating more comprehensive test instruments for multi-mode terminals, accelerating improvements in road testing tools to enhance functionality and accuracy, and innovating new tools for wireless network analysis and optimization.
Shi Guang, Secretary-General of the TD Technology Forum, supported these views, noting that while basic functions and performance tests can be achieved, two areas require further attention—strengthening network planning and optimization tools due to the complexity of coexisting networks, and enhancing business simulation tools to better reflect real-world user behavior and service demands.
Currently, the demand for TD-LTE test instruments spans the entire industry chain. As new technologies emerge, testing requirements continue to evolve. Wei Guiming stressed that improving testing capabilities isn’t just about developing new instruments—it requires innovative approaches. To meet these challenges, efforts should focus on strengthening basic research and standardization, establishing end-to-end testing frameworks, and enhancing coordination across different levels of quality testing.
Zhao Lijun from the China Mobile Research Institute highlighted the need for testing to be “measurable, repeatable, and identifiable.†With the expansion of the network and the increasing complexity of services, individual instruments are no longer sufficient. Instead, test systems must be platform-based, networked, automated, and intelligent. By integrating common features from various instruments, an end-to-end tool support system can be created.
To address these needs, China Mobile introduced the concept of cloud testing, incorporating cloud computing to enhance testing efficiency. Although still in its early stages, the goal is to develop a cloud-based TD-LTE testing system capable of supporting full end-to-end testing.
For a long time, test instrumentation has lagged behind the development of system equipment, largely due to high R&D costs and limited flexibility. This makes it difficult for companies to respond to uncertain market demands. In the TD-LTE industry chain, test instruments and systems also require further improvement.
Lin Xuecong from Anritsu expressed concerns about TDD investment, noting that TD-LTE testing equipment is still in the development stage. While the investment is substantial, returns are limited. However, he hopes that as TD-LTE terminals reach mass production, China Mobile will promote the standard globally, leading to broader applications of the company’s products.
Wei Guiming added that instrument innovation, though small in scale, is critical. It may seem like a minor link in the industry chain, but without it, the entire chain could break down.
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