Keysight Technologies, Inc. and Ericsson have collaborated to validate interoperability between an Ericsson pre-6G base station and prototype pre-6G devices, marking an early step toward aligning emerging 6G implementations with evolving standards. The joint work will be demonstrated live at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026.
The collaboration focused on troubleshooting and validating connectivity between a pre-6G gNB and prototype user equipment (UE) using Keysight’s WaveJudge Wireless Analyzer Solutions. The setup leverages real network infrastructure and devices to perform full-stack interoperability testing, offering early validation of next-generation wireless concepts while formal 6G standardization efforts are still in progress.
As the industry begins shaping 6G specifications, vendors are experimenting with new technologies. These include operation in cm-wave spectrum, wider channel bandwidths up to 400 MHz, significant performance gains through massive Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO), and improvements in protocol efficiency. However, pre-standard systems often reflect varying interpretations of draft specifications. This creates challenges when identifying the root causes of performance degradation, signaling errors, or feature mismatches between network and device implementations.
Keysight’s WaveJudge Wireless Analyzer Solutions function as an independent third-party platform capable of decoding and analyzing signaling from both the base station and connected devices. The tool highlights differences between expected and actual protocol behavior. It provides detailed, multi-layer visibility into signaling flows and key performance indicators (KPIs). Engineers can use these insights to evaluate link performance, verify advanced radio features, and measure the impact of emerging 6G technologies under realistic operating conditions.
Ericsson stated that interoperability remains a critical milestone in its 6G roadmap. The company noted that working with Keysight enabled faster resolution of technical issues and deeper analysis of early 6G performance characteristics.
Keysight emphasized the importance of early validation in accelerating next-generation wireless development. By supporting testing alongside ongoing standards work, the companies aim to shorten the path from research concepts to commercially deployable 6G networks.
