Anritsu today announced support for 5G-device EPS Fallback tests using the company’s SmartStudio NR MX800070A control software for the 5G test platform MT8000A.

The industry has two voice communications methods in the 5G NR Stand Alone (SA) mode: Voice over NR (VoNR) by connecting only to an NR cell, and VoLTE by using EPS Fallback, Anritsu said.

Most voice communications in the initial stage of services using the SA mode will be by VoLTE using EPS Fallback due to service area limitations and network-side deployment conditions.

Anritsu said mobile operators can test EPS Fallback function by using an easy-to-use GUI without requiring scenario development.

Functions using IMS require costly tests, and the spread of future 5G NR SA-mode services will see a shift from Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology used by LTE and the 5G NR Non Stand Alone (NSA) mode to the Next Generation Core (NGC) technology.

This core network change requires a new environment, such as an IMS server, to perform evaluations, and even confirmation of voice connections, such as EPS Fallback and VoNR, requires provision of an IMS server and a multisystem environment (NR/LTE).

Users can test IMS functions using SmartStudio NR – which has a built-in IMS server function — without configuring a difficult test environment.

The SmartStudio NR MX800070A software controls the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A platform. The built-in state machine GUI makes it easy to simulate a 5G NR/4G LTE base station and core network by operating the MT8000A as a Call Box.

Users can execute GUI-based Throughput tests without creating test scenarios, as well as simulate quasi-normal and fault conditions using IMS, SMS, PWS, and Network Triggers, facilitating various evaluations and tests, such as Internet connections.

Anritsu, one of the leading test and measurement companies in the world, said it will be  targeting network equipment vendors and OEMs of 5G smartphones, 5G CPEs, automobile dashboards, modules, etc. and mobile network operators.