Mountain View, CA. Every network environment is distinct, and coverage can extend from large densely-populated metro areas, which require different types of public and business services, to rural areas with a small scattered population. In such a complex network environment, heterogeneous networks (HetNets) are proving highly expedient as they employ small cells/Wi-Fi/distributed antenna systems and macrocells in the same network to provide continuous network coverage. Demand for HetNets is also driven by their ability to offer OPEX and CAPEX savings, and support of new technologies including LTE, LTE-A, and 5G. Increasing HetNet deployments are, in turn, boosting the uptake of related testing solutions.
Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Global HetNet Infrastructure Test Equipment Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $1.50 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $2.56 billion in 2022. Asia-Pacific is the dominant revenue contributor due to the rapid uptake of LTE in the region.
The successful deployment of HetNets depends on many parts coming together. Consequently, HetNet testing is a complex affair that requires the convergence of test solutions as well as heavy investments, depending on the stage at which the solutions are adopted.
In order to ensure the smooth functioning of HetNets, service providers and network equipment manufacturers must validate new designs and deployments at every stage of the testing process. Otherwise, there will be serious quality issues such as failure to complete calls; limited mobility due to unsuccessful hand-offs to local small cells; unsatisfactory voice, video, and/or data applications; and unmet service level agreements.
“The rapid pace of technology development adds an extra layer of complexity to the testing process,” said Frost & Sullivan Manufacturing 4.0 program manager Olga Yashkova. “Test equipment vendors can hedge against obsolescence by fostering close relations with network equipment manufacturers, service providers and enterprises.”
Currently, HetNets’ quality of service and quality of experience leave much to be desired as glitches still exist with regard to the handoffs between cellular and small-cell Wi-Fi networks. Besides, roaming, traffic prioritization, and user authentication all require careful resolution.
The multiple challenges HetNet deployments encounter are compelling operators to seek more sophisticated testing solutions. They will be keen to obtain the entire breadth of product offerings and features in a single test or monitoring platform to eliminate the inherent complexities of HetNet testing.
“Integration of intelligence and hotspot maps into test solutions to present field engineers with real-time data for interference source identification will be a highly successful move,” observed Frost & Sullivan Manufacturing 4.0 senior research analyst Vivek Reghu. “It is becoming important to deliver live performance reports. The ability to obtain a snapshot of the data that will help adjust an antenna tilt, for example, will positively impact customer experience.”
Analysis of the Global HetNet Infrastructure Test Equipment Market is part of the Test & Measurement Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include Global Fiber Optic Test Equipment Market, Global Communications Test Services Market, Mega Trends in Communications Test and Measurement Industry and Global Internet of Things (IoT) Testing and Monitoring Equipment Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
