Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

What are the main challenges and solutions for testing 5G networks on mobile devices?

5G networks promise faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity for mobile devices, but they also pose new challenges for testing their performance, reliability, and security. As a mobile tester, you need to be aware of these challenges and how to overcome them with the right tools, methods, and best practices. In this article, we will explore some of the main challenges and solutions for testing 5G networks on mobile devices.

1 Network Diversity

One of the challenges of testing 5G networks is the diversity of network architectures, frequencies, and technologies that they use. For example, 5G networks can operate on different bands, such as sub-6 GHz, mmWave, or both, depending on the region and the carrier. They can also use different access technologies, such as standalone (SA) or non-standalone (NSA), which affect how the device connects to the core network. Additionally, 5G networks can support dynamic network slicing, which allows the network to allocate different resources and quality of service for different applications and users.

To test 5G networks effectively, you need to use tools and devices that can support these diverse network configurations and scenarios. You also need to design test cases that cover the different network parameters, such as bandwidth, latency, throughput, handover, and coverage. Moreover, you need to perform testing in both lab and field environments, using simulators, emulators, and real devices, to capture the realistic network conditions and user behavior.

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Manasa G.

Engineering Manager
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5G networks can exhibit variability in terms of coverage, latency, and bandwidth, making it challenging to ensure consistent testing conditions. Solution: Use network emulation tools to simulate various network conditions, including different levels of latency, bandwidth, and packet loss. This allows testers to evaluate how the application performs under different network scenarios.

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2 Device Compatibility

Another challenge of testing 5G networks is the compatibility of devices with the network standards and features. 5G devices need to support multiple network modes, such as 4G, 5G, or dual connectivity, and switch between them seamlessly. They also need to support different network features, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), or massive machine-type communication (mMTC), which enable different use cases and applications for 5G. Furthermore, 5G devices need to comply with the network security and privacy requirements, such as encryption, authentication, and data protection.

To test device compatibility, you need to use tools and devices that can verify the device functionality, performance, and compliance with the network standards and features. You also need to perform testing across different network operators, regions, and devices, to ensure interoperability and consistency. Moreover, you need to perform testing across different application domains, such as gaming, video streaming, or IoT, to ensure the device can handle the different network demands and expectations.

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Manasa G.

Engineering Manager
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With the wide variety of mobile devices available in the market, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance across different devices can be a challenge. Solution: Implement device compatibility testing across a range of devices with different specifications, screen sizes, and operating systems. Utilize automated testing frameworks that support parallel testing on multiple devices to streamline the process.

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3 User Experience

A third challenge of testing 5G networks is the user experience of the device and the application on the network. 5G networks enable new and improved user experiences, such as higher resolution, lower latency, and more interactivity, but they also raise the user expectations and requirements. For example, users expect 5G devices to deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better gaming, but they also expect them to have longer battery life, lower heat generation, and higher security.

To test user experience, you need to use tools and devices that can measure and analyze the user perception, satisfaction, and feedback on the device and the application on the network. You also need to perform testing from the user perspective, using real-world scenarios, tasks, and environments, to evaluate the user behavior and response. Moreover, you need to perform testing across different user segments, such as age, gender, or location, to understand the user diversity and preferences.

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Muhammad Shahzad Sultan

Senior Test Automation Engineer | FAST'18 | LUMS'23
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Testing 5G networks on mobile presents significant challenges due to its complex infrastructure and high-speed capabilities. Key challenges include ensuring network reliability, latency management, and compatibility across various devices and regions. Solutions involve employing advanced testing tools to simulate real-world scenarios, conducting thorough interoperability tests with different devices and network configurations, and leveraging AI-driven analytics to predict and mitigate potential network disruptions. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops are essential to enhance network performance and ensure a seamless user experience amidst the evolving landscape of 5G technology.

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Manasa G.

Engineering Manager
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Testing user experience (UX) on 5G networks is a critical aspect of ensuring that applications and services deliver optimal performance and meet the expectations of users in the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile connectivity. With the advent of 5G technology, which promises higher data speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity, there are several key aspects to consider when evaluating the UX of applications and services on these networks.User Interface (UI) testing assesses the usability and responsiveness of application interfaces on 5G devices. Testing how well UI elements render and how smoothly users can navigate on high-speed connections helps identify any issues.

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Manasa G.

Engineering Manager
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Battery life testing evaluates the impact of 5G connectivity on device battery life. With the increased performance demands of 5G networks, users expect devices to manage power consumption efficiently and optimize battery usage to prolong uptime. Security testing is crucial for verifying that applications and services on 5G networks adhere to security best practices and protect user data and privacy. Testing for vulnerabilities related to network communication, data encryption, and authentication mechanisms helps ensure that users' sensitive information remains secure.

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Gary Lee

CEO @ B2M Solutions | Board Member | Executive Director | Enterprise Mobile Software | C-Level Exec in 6 Global Startups
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It's critical to have a platform that can report on network quality AND track this quality against device type, OS revision level, apps installed and running, etc. Why? Because poor network performance may or may not be the fault of the carrier -- it may be related to a particular firmware, or firmware + OS level + carrier, etc. Tools such as B2M's Elemez are available to proactively monitor and report across all these variables, and begin to isolate the root causes of network issues across your mobile users.

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Namankumar Kalola

ISTQB Certified | Consultant Team Lead @ Accenture | Quality Assurance Automation Engineer | Test Manager | AI in Testing | Test Strategist and Consultation
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Challenges in testing 5G on mobile include complex network configurations, ensuring interoperability with legacy systems, and validating performance across diverse environments. Solutions involve developing robust testing frameworks, leveraging simulation tools for scalability, and employing AI-driven analytics for efficient troubleshooting. Additionally, collaboration among stakeholders and continuous adaptation to evolving standards are vital for comprehensive testing and successful deployment.

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What are the main challenges and solutions for testing 5G networks on mobile devices?

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1 Network Diversity

2 Device Compatibility

3 User Experience

4 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Testing

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