Future-Proofing Networks: Testing & Measurement in the 5G-6G Era

As India accelerates toward the 6G era, the role of testing and measurement (T&M) innovation has never been more critical.

- 

With terahertz spectrum, ultra-low latency, and interoperability challenges redefining the telecom landscape, T&M companies are central to enabling next-generation networks, IoT ecosystems, and Industry 4.0 adoption. Advanced test solutions not only ensure product validation and network reliability but also support India’s ambitions in indigenous 6G research, AI-enabled communications, and smart industrial applications.

In this context, Ms. Nikita Kumari, Sub-Editor, BIS Infotech, Mr. Madhukar Tripathi (Associate Director – Marketing & Business Development of Anritsu) and Mr. Sudhir Singh (Country Manager, Keysight) shared insights on the challenges and solutions shaping the future. Tripathi highlighted THz signal attenuation, beamforming, and interoperability with 5G, stressing AI/ML-driven automated testing for faster, reliable validation. Singh emphasized Keysight’s end-to-end solutions, digital twins, and scalable 5G private networks to prepare India for 6G, while both underscored collaboration with academia and industry as essential to support indigenous 6G R&D, ensure network reliability, and boost global competitiveness across sectors like healthcare, logistics, and smart manufacturing.

What are the biggest testing and validation challenges as the industry moves from 5G to 6G, especially with terahertz spectrum and ultra-low latency requirements?

Mr. Madhukar Tripathi (Associate Director – Marketing & Business Development of Anritsu) said “5G came with new features and challenges for whole telecom industry. Now we are in 6G R&D phase and 6G offers more challenging & complex features.

Signal attenuator/ path loss at mmWave or THz frequencies reduces the power of the signal, requiring higher transmit power, which is costly and energy inefficient. THz signals are particularly susceptible to absorption by atmospheric gases, reducing signal strength and reliability.