CDRouter Wi-Fi Range vs Rate (RvR) User Guide

Overview

The Wi-Fi Range vs Rate (RvR) expansion for CDRouter enables wireless range versus rate performance testing using a programmable RF attenuator to simulate varying signal conditions. The tests in this expansion follow the general principles, procedures, and test scenarios defined in Section 6.3.1 of the Broadband Forum’s TR-398 test specification.

This expansion consists of both software and hardware components. For details on licensing and hardware requirements, please contact sales@qacafe.com.

Key Features

  • Standards-Based Testing – Implements the Range vs Rate test methodology defined in Section 6.3.1 of the Broadband Forum’s TR-398 Wi-Fi Residential & SOHO Performance Testing specification.
  • Minimal Configuration – Designed for ease of use with straightforward setup and test execution.
  • Fully Automated – Seamless integration with CDRouter enables hands-free test execution.
  • Integrated RF Attenuation – Natively supports the Adaura Technologies 8-channel programmable RF attenuator for precise control over signal conditions.
  • Turn-Key Solution – Includes all necessary cabling and accessories for a complete out-of-the-box testing experience.
  • Industry-Standard Pass/Fail Criteria – Evaluates performance using TR-398 metrics for reliable, standards-compliant results.
  • Part of the CDRouter Suite – Extends CDRouter’s capabilities with fully integrated Wi-Fi performance testing.

Getting Started

Connections

For detailed information on the connections, please refer to the Wi-Fi RF Attenuator Kit (RAK) documentation.

Device Under Test (DUT) Configuration

The recommended DUT configuration for RvR testing is defined in Section 5.3 of the Broadband Forum’s TR-398 specification. Please review this section to ensure correct setup of the DUT for optimal test performance.

Available Test Modules

The CDRouter Wi-Fi RvR Expansion includes a variety of test modules covering 802.11 modes (n, ac, ax, be) and multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) with support for both IPv4 and IPv6.

  • 802.11n (2.4 GHz only)
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11n-2_4ghz.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11n-2_4ghz-v6.tcl
  • 802.11ac (5 GHz only)
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ac-5ghz.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ac-5ghz-v6.tcl
  • 802.11ax
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-2_4ghz.tcl
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-5ghz.tcl
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-6ghz.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-2_4ghz-v6.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-5ghz-v6.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11ax-6ghz-v6.tcl
  • 802.11be
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-2_4ghz.tcl
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-5ghz.tcl
    • IPv4: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-6ghz.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-2_4ghz-v6.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-5ghz-v6.tcl
    • IPv6: fixed-wifi-rvr-perf-802_11be-6ghz-v6.tcl

CDRouter Base Configuration

To run RvR tests, a suitable CDRouter wireless LAN interface must be selected to match the test requirements. Below are the interfaces that may be used based on the test case:

Interface Selection for Test Cases

  • 2.4GHz
    • 802.11n or 802.11ax: wifi1-ax24, wifi3-ax24, wifi5-ax24, wifi7-be
  • 5GHz
    • 802.11ac or 802.11ax: wifi2-ax56, wifi4-ax56, wifi7-be
  • 6GHz
    • 802.11ax: wifi6-ax56, wifi7-be
  • 802.11be
    • wifi7-be

Configuring Wireless LAN Interfaces in CDRouter

For guidance on configuring wireless interfaces in CDRouter, refer to the following resources:

Test Execution Behavior

  • CDRouter will skip tests that are unsupported based on the selected interface or station configuration.
  • When a station is associated with a single band, tests that require other bands will be skipped.
  • CDRouter will attempt to reassociate using the necessary PHY mode prior to running a test. If reassociation fails, the test will fail.
  • If the station does not meet the prescribed channel width for a given PHY mode and band, the test will fail.
    • 802.11n (NSS=2): 20 MHz
    • 802.11ac (NSS=2): 80 MHz
    • 802.11ax, be (2.4 GHz, NSS=2): 20 MHz
    • 802.11ax, be (5 GHz, NSS=2): 80 MHz
    • 802.11ax (6 GHz, NSS=2): 160 MHz
    • 802.11be (6 GHz, NSS=2): 320 MHz
    • Note: The number of spatial streams (NSS) is not checked. Thresholds for 802.11ax are applied to 802.11be as the Broadband Forum has not published specific thresholds for 802.11be.

Attenuator Configuration

The RvR tests require minimal configuration of the Adaura Technologies programmable RF attenuator. New test variables have been introduced to support this configuration.

Test Variables for RF Attenuator Configuration

  1. supportsAttenuator: Set to “yes” to enable RvR tests; otherwise, set to “no” to skip these tests.
  2. rfAttenuatorUrl: Specifies the URL of the RF attenuator. If this is unset or unreachable, all RvR tests will be skipped.
testvar supportsAttenuator yes
testvar rfAttenuatorUrl http://192.168.100.101

Note: The “wifi-rvr” expansion license is required to enable these test variables.

CDRouter Performance Configuration

The RvR tests are considered fixed (immutable), and as a result, the typical performance parameters in CDRouter are not used. Instead, the following parameters are applied as per TR-398:

  • Bandwidth: Maximum
  • TCP Payload Size: Auto
  • Streams: 8
  • Duration: 120 seconds
  • Threshold: See Section 6.3.1 in TR-398

Wi-Fi Isolation Chambers for Optimal Testing

For optimal RvR testing, it is highly recommended to use a Wi-Fi isolation chamber to eliminate external interference and ensure a controlled test environment. These chambers allow you to isolate the DUT(Device Under Test) and wireless network from other devices, networks, and environmental factors that could affect test accuracy and reliability.

Chamber Recommendations

While the RvR expansion does not include a Wi-Fi isolation chamber, many companies sell these specialized testing enclosures. We use and recommend the Model 2424 isolation chambers from JRE Test. These chambers provide excellent isolation and performance for Wi-Fi testing, and we have several units in our lab to conduct a wide range of wireless tests.

The Model 2424 units feature:

  • Fully shielded enclosure for minimal RF leakage

  • Ample space for DUTs and antennas

  • Multiple RF feedthroughs to connect devices inside the chamber

  • Precise control of environmental factors to ensure consistent testing

For more information on the Model 2424 or to inquire about purchasing a chamber, please visit the JRE Test website.

Additional Resources

For further details, refer to the following resources: