The two companies will work together to test and develop 5G in a bid to advance the technology and accelerate the introduction of new solutions to market.
Development at the lab will include regional tuning and testing for upcoming smartphones, as well as software protocol updates, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Oppo and Ericsson will work together to look at improving the 5G user experience, including power consumption.
The lab will consist of three modules – the Radio Frequency (RF) Lab, Protocol Lab, and Network Simulation Lab. The Network Simulation Lab can simulate the 4G/5G networks of different operators and provide communication services for up to 10,000 devices. As such, pre-testing requirements for 5G commercialization in any areas of the world can be tested.
Meanwhile, the RF Lab conducts tests across varied environments such as video meetings, watching live streams, and more to ensure that the devices can achieve stable connections.
The Protocol Lab, which has been jointly established by Oppo and leading testing technology provider Keysight, will support technicians in conducting research related to power consumption, regression testing, and joint new feature testing, helping to drive innovation from different approaches.
For example, the lab is currently conducting research related to the upcoming first evolution of the 5G standard, Release 16, which is more environmentally friendly thanks to improved communication efficiency between smartphones and networks, which reduces the power consumption of smartphones and base stations.
Chris Shu, vice president and general manager of product strategy planning at Oppo, said, “The upgraded Oppo Communications Lab is a new milestone in Oppo’s endeavor in 5G, and represents a new level of close cooperation with leading global technology companies. With the rapid evolution of global 5G technology, we are pleased to join hands with Ericsson and Keysight to leverage our experience in 5G standards, products and applications to enhance the 5G ecosystem worldwide.”