VIAVI Solutions has recently expanded its Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR™) facility in Chandler, Arizona, marking a significant advancement in Open RAN testing capabilities. The expansion is supported by a $21.7 million grant from the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF)

Key Features of the Expanded VALOR Lab

• Automated Testing Infrastructure: VALOR offers a fully automated, open, and impartial testing environment for Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security.
• Comprehensive Testing Suite: The lab provides over 500 test cases compliant with O-RAN Working Group (WG) specifications and 3GPP standards, covering areas such as conformance, performance, and interoperability
• Advanced Testing Equipment: The facility includes a large RF anechoic chamber for Massive MIMO and beamforming over-the-air (OTA) validation, enabling system-level performance testing for up to 16 parallel spatial layers
• Collaborative Ecosystem: VALOR collaborates with industry leaders like Fujitsu, SOLiD, and Capgemini, integrating their Open RAN-compliant reference technologies into the testing environment
• TIP Authorization: The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) has authorized VALOR as its first test lab, streamlining testing processes and promoting industry-wide adoption of Open RAN solutions

Global Expansion

Building on the success of the Chandler facility, VIAVI is extending the VALOR model internationally. In October 2024, VIAVI was selected to design, build, and operate an Open RAN laboratory in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. This lab, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Project, aims to further the adoption of Open RAN, lower barriers to entry for new players, and train a highly skilled workforce in Asia

Conclusion

VIAVI’s expanded VALOR lab represents a significant step toward democratizing Open RAN testing, providing a comprehensive, automated, and accessible platform for vendors and operators globally. By lowering entry barriers and fostering collaboration, VIAVI is accelerating the adoption of Open RAN technologies and contributing to the development of resilient and efficient telecommunications networks worldwide.