Imagine you have developed an extraordinary, functional wireless device, all set to change the game! But, you need to address one aspect before waiting for the product’s successful launch—wireless pre-compliance testing. Sounds complex? Don’t worry. We have got you covered!
This article explains pre-compliance testing and why you should consider it as a hidden weapon—to ensure your Wi-Fi product’s effortless launch. Read the article and be prepared to make your wireless devices work smoothly.
In the era of the connected world, hassle-free Wi-Fi performance has become a necessity. Whether you want to develop the best Wi-Fi routers or integrate Wi-Fi connectivity in your IoT devices, you must ensure that your new device meets all the standards laid down by the regulatory bodies. This optimizes speed to market and offers cost savings since the certification from the top regulatory bodies is expensive. At this point, wireless pre-compliance testing comes in.
What is Pre-Compliance Testing?
Wireless pre-compliance serves as a test rehearsal for your Wi-Fi device before the official certification from regulatory bodies such as IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance®. Prior to the market launch of your device, you need to ensure that it meets a specific set of standards laid down by these organizations and verify if it performs well. The pre-compliance test ensures that these regulatory standards are fulfilled and the product passes the test when you send it for formal certification from these institutions.
What is the Need for Wireless Pre-Compliance Testing?
When we talk about wireless technology and Wi-Fi, pre-compliance testing assumes a significant role in ensuring your device is ready for market. Pre-compliance testing involves a series of tests that recognize any potential problems and guarantee that your device meets all regulatory requirements. In fact, it avoids last-minute embarrassment when you send the device for official certification from IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance.
Regulatory Bodies for Wi-Fi Certification
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) sets the standards for Wi-Fi 802.11 series for Wi-Fi technology. These standards state how a device transmits and receives data to security protocols. Pre-compliance testing assists in checking if your device operates as per the established standards given by IEEE.
Similarly, The Wi-Fi Alliance® is a consortium of wireless technology companies that promotes the introduction and development of Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi Alliance certification is the most sought-after standard for Wi-Fi devices. It checks your Wi-Fi devices’ interoperability with other certified Wi-Fi products. It verifies whether your device complies with the additional requirements and functionality standards laid down by the Wi-Fi Alliance®. Therefore, pre-compliance testing is a vital tool to prepare your device for successful certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance®.
What are the Important Tests Performed Under Wireless Pre-Compliance Testing?
Wi-Fi pre-compliance testing is a broader term that covers several tests to ensure that a Wi-Fi device meets the regulatory standards before formal certification. It involves checking aspects such as connectivity, basic functionality performance, and power consumption, in addition to test suites performed to verify if the device adheres to the TR-398 standards.
Below, let us break down each of the tests that come under wireless pre-compliance testing.
TR-398
In wireless pre-compliance testing, TR-398 has its significance; it is not just a test performed during pre-compliance but also assesses the performance of your Wi-Fi device and user experience. TR-398 pre-compliance testing pays attention to the basic functionality of your Wi-Fi devices, particularly stability and interoperability, other than performance in accordance with the TR-398 standard. It features a series of performance test cases with pass/fail requirements for 802.11n/ac/ax implementations in accordance with the IEEE specification 802.11ac[1].
The TR-398 test suites verify the aspects such as throughput, packet loss (data dropped), range, and support for refined features such as multi-user, multi-input, multi-output (MU-MIMO) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The very purpose of TR-398 is to provide a standard set of test cases and framework to measure the performance aspect between Access Point (AP), one or more reference stations (STA), and one Wi-Fi repeater under controlled lab conditions.
What Equipment and Technology Does ThinkPalm Use to Perform TR-398 Testing?
ThinkPalm has advanced Wi-Fi testing labs with Candela Wi-Fi testing equipment that uses the LANforge software suite to simulate multiple Wi-Fi stations. This equipment is used to implement complete testing of your Wi-Fi device’s performance, interoperability with other devices, and stability during different load conditions. Candela Wi-Fi testing equipment ensures your Wi-Fi devices operate without issues and pass the pre-compliance test effortlessly.
ThinkPalm has a high-performing lab infrastructure featuring:
- Candela Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi AX, and Wi-Fi TR398 Automation Suite
- Testing expertise in Wi-Fi 802.11AX, 802.11AC, and Legacy Solutions
- Throughput testing using variable attenuators and RF chambers
- Automation solutions for comprehensive performance and vulnerability testing
- Support for Wi-Fi AX, Wi-Fi AC, DL-OFDMA, and UL-OFDMA
- Compatibility testing for EasyMesh 2.0, OpenSync API, and RDKB API
- Specialized features like WDS, Band Steering, Wi-Fi Direct, and Multi-user MIMO
- Automation capabilities utilizing Python, PyLatex, and Scapy Script for WLAN packet simulation
What are the Benefits of TR-398 Testing at ThinkPalm’s State-of-the-art Laboratory?
With the best equipment, Candela, coupled with LANforge, you can assess the performance of your Wi-Fi device without any flaws. Furthermore, there is no better way to ensure that your device passes the formal certification test by the regulatory bodies.
Here are a few significant benefits you receive while ThinkPalm implements a pre-compliance testing service for your Wi-Fi devices.
- Helps in recognizing performance issues in advance through TR-398 testing
- Checking your device’s performance in matters of data transfer, roaming, and stability ensures a better user experience
- Assists in optimization before official certification, saving time and money. Getting your device tested in an external laboratory with not much-sophisticated equipment at huge rates may not be a viable option in terms of time and cost
- Identifying errors and resolving them in advance reduces the time required for the formal certification process
What are the Other Tests Coming Under Wireless Pre-compliance Testing?
Wi-Fi pre-compliance testing covers several other tests besides TR-398. Below are a few of the other tests that come under pre-compliance testing.
Basic Functionality Testing
Under this, we check the device’s connectivity to ensure that it is able to establish and maintain a stable connection to other wireless devices. It also tests the device’s ability to send and receive data packets with almost zero errors. It also verifies if the device provides basic management functionalities, such as access control and configuration. Further, it checks if the device features essential security protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3 for safe communication.
Power Consumption Testing
During this test, we measure the power consumption of your device under various operating conditions to check if it sticks to the energy efficiency regulations laid out.
Interoperability Testing
This test verifies whether your device can communicate with other Wi-Fi devices made by other manufacturers.
Also, at ThinkPalm, we perform specific tests in pre-compliance testing depending on the requirements of our customers. Also, it varies with the potential market, the type of devices (we usually perform tests for Wi-Fi devices such as Access Points and Wi-Fi Clients), and the functionalities a device intends to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TR-398?
The TR-398 industry standard offers testing coverage for receiver sensitivity tests, throughput, stability, and a few set cases to ensure the best performance for Wi-Fi devices.
What is TR-398 wireless pre-compliance testing?
TR-398 is an industry test standard defined by the Broadband Forum to ensure the performance and stability of wireless devices.
What are the common benefits of wireless pre-compliance testing?
The major benefits wireless pre-compliance include early detection of performance issues, better user experience, testing with the help of most advanced equipment and ultimately, it eases the formal certification process.
Explore ThinkPalm’s Wi-Fi Pre-Compliance Testing Service
Selecting a reliable pre-compliance partner streamlines your formal certification process from the regulatory bodies. It gives a competitive advantage in the market besides saving time, money, and effort involved in the process. ThinkPalm possesses expertise in Wi-Fi regulations, and it is fully updated on the latest trends and regulations.
Also, at ThinkPalm, we use state-of-the-art equipment and technology (Candela + LANforge) to conduct pre-compliance testing with a deeper knowledge of testing methods. We have enough experience with device types. Whether you have an Access Point or a Wi-Fi client, we can conduct your device’s pre-compliance testing. We ensure your device’s performance and user experience during the pre-compliance testing.
Through our Wi-Fi pre-compliance testing services at the advanced laboratory, ThinkPalm Technologies helps you identify and address any performance issues in your Wi-Fi device. Also, we undertake wireless software development services to ensure optimized connectivity. At ThinkPalm, we are not just here to help you navigate through the certification process. We also assist you in ensuring that your Wi-Fi device functions perfectly to monitor its performance and user experience. Contact our Wi-Fi experts to make your certification process a breeze for your Wi-Fi device!
Author Bio
Silpa Sasidharan is a content writer and social media copywriting expert working at ThinkPalm Technologies, who aspires to create marketing texts for topics spanning from technology, automation and digital business solutions.
