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Top 5G IoT Simulator Providers for chipset and device tests

5g IoT Simulator provider

Introduction

Simulators play a crucial role in testing 5G IoT (Internet of Things) chipsets and devices during their development, validation, and pre-deployment stages. These simulators emulate 5G network conditions, protocols, and traffic profiles to ensure devices work as expected under various network configurations and real-world scenarios. 5G IoT simulator is a test equipment or software tool designed to simulate the 5G radio access network (RAN), core network (5GC) and network slices. It allows developers and testers to evaluate IoT chipsets and modules for performance, connectivity, compliance and behavior without needing a live 5G network.

Key Functions of a 5G IoT Simulator

1.Network Emulation:

  • Simulates gNodeB (5G base station) and 5G core components.
  • Emulates various 5G NR bands and duplex modes (FDD/TDD).
  • Enables standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes.

2.Protocol Stack Simulation:

  • Supports full 5G NR protocol stack (RRC, PDCP, MAC, PHY, etc.).
  • Simulates NAS (Non-Access Stratum) messages for authentication and session management.
  • Verifies signaling procedures such as registration, PDU session establishment, and handovers.

3.Traffic Generation:

  • Simulates data, control, and signaling traffic.
  • Emulates different QoS profiles for URLLC, eMBB, and mMTC IoT use cases.
  • Tests throughput, latency, and packet loss.

4.Mobility and Scenario Testing:

  • Simulates user mobility, handovers, and cell reselection.
  • Includes real-world scenarios like poor coverage, interference, and network slicing.

5.Device Verification and Debugging:

  • Captures logs and traces of device responses.
  • Helps identify chipset protocol bugs and performance bottlenecks.
  • Validates firmware updates and over-the-air (OTA) behavior.

  1. Virtual Signalling Tester NR Software from Anritsu Corporation : This simulator virtualises radio functionalities using SDR. It can be used for testing and verification of 5G NR devices and chipsets. The other product MT8000A is used for 5G NR protocol and application testing, with SA/NSA support and mmWave capabilities.

  2. 5G Network Emulation Solutions from Keysight : The company develops emulation softwares for 5G chipset & device development, device acceptance and device manufacturing tests.

  3. 5G UE Simulator from Simnovus : It can be used to validate 5G RAN. The company develops O-RU simulator and network emulator for various functions.

  4. Mobileum : The company develops solutions for 5G SA and NSA performance testing, security testing and for various lab tests.

  5. Viavi TM500 : Designed for massive IoT, device emulation, and network load testing with support for multiple concurrent connections.

Summary

5G IoT simulators are essential for:

  • Emulating real 5G networks and traffic.
  • Validating chipset and device performance before field deployment.
  • Ensuring compliance with 3GPP standards.
  • Accelerating product development cycles and reducing cost.