Anritsu Corporation in collaboration with MediaTek has verified 3GPP RAN5 Release 17 NR Coverage Enhancement (CovEnh) test cases using the M60 UE. The verification was carried out on Anritsu’s 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform, ME7834NR.
As 5G expands across devices and deployment environments, ensuring reliable connectivity in challenging radio conditions is becoming increasingly important. Release 17 Coverage Enhancements are designed to address weak-signal scenarios, helping devices maintain connectivity and transfer data more reliably at the cell edge, deep indoors and in other areas with limited coverage, without requiring higher transmit power or additional network infrastructure.
The enhancements use advanced coverage procedures, including Msg3 repetition, enhanced PUSCH Repetition Type A and Transport Block processing over Multiple Slots (TBoMS). These mechanisms improve uplink robustness and help extend effective 5G coverage from initial network access through sustained data transmission at the cell edge.
Through this collaboration, Anritsu and MediaTek are helping advance the validation of 5G Coverage Enhancement conformance and interoperability. The effort is expected to support faster adoption and commercial implementation of 3GPP Release 17 capabilities across the mobile communications ecosystem.
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“By enabling accurate verification of coverage-oriented functionality, Anritsu supports operators and device vendors in improving connection reliability and overall network efficiency, particularly in scenarios where radio conditions are poor,” said Yokoo Daizaburo, General Manager of Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu. “We are proud that our collaboration with MediaTek supports the industry’s implementation and validation of new 5G features such as Release 17 Coverage Enhancements quickly and with confidence.”
The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1. These tests have been submitted by Anritsu to 3GPP’s Radio Access Network Working Group 5 (RAN WG5). They are available on 3GPP RAN5 portal.
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Product Outline
5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR
The 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR is registered as Test Platform 251 with both the GCF and PTCRB.
This platform supports 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Test (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) of mobile devices incorporating Multiple Radio Access Technologies. It covers 5G NR in both Standalone and Non-Standalone modes, along with LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-A Pro, W-CDMA and NTN. When paired with Anritsu’s OTA RF chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR supports testing in sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G NR frequency bands.
