System & Device Test Environments

The System & Device Test Environments can be configured to simulate wide-ranging scenarios: from large anechoic chambers to 3D-printed radio frequency (RF) modeling to advanced optics benches. These labs can be used in combination with any of our other labs to more closely simulate a specific test scenario.

Anechoic Chambers
Energy
RF Isolation

Anechoic Chambers

The anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers constitute the epicenter of wireless performance evaluations. These evaluations includes testing wireless equipment, such as gateways and Wi-Fi access points to capture performance characteristics in a controlled environment. This lab can also pinpoint underperformance issues throughout the equipment development cycle, potentially leading to cost savings. We can provide a comparison of products for various deployment scenarios or purchasing decisions. Partner with us to design custom test cases to address unique performance issues.

Lab Equipment and Capabilities

Environmental chamber (heat and humidity)

Ix VeriWave infrastructure testing

Octobox semi-anechoic chambers

Anechoic chamber

RF tents

Dr. Zhensheng “Steve” Jia Headshot

Meet our lab expert

Tim Dalton

Tim Dalton is a lead engineer on the wireless team at CableLabs, where he focuses on all things wireless, including home and business-class Wi-Fi. He has worked in 5G, antenna design and product development. He currently manages multi-million-dollar lab equipment, including the Rohde & Schwarz fully anechoic chamber while working at CableLabs for over ten years.

Prior to CableLabs, Dalton spent eleven years running his own IT consulting business, focusing on small and midsized businesses, and another fifteen in wired networking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration from Nicholls State University, where he was a four-year starting D1 soccer player. Dalton is a Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) as well as a member of multiple wireless organizations.

Energy

This environment is used to research new and innovative ways to reduce the energy consumption of consumer devices as well as in optical, wireless and cable access networks. In addition, CableLabs and its subsidiary, Kyrio, are ISO-17025 accredited to measure energy consumption of customer premises equipment (CPE) in support of the award-winning energy efficiency voluntary agreements in the United States and Canada. The lab and its experts support the testing of set-top boxes, modems, routers and other CPE for CableLabs members, signatories of the voluntary agreements and others interested in saving energy.

Lab Equipment and Capabilities

Power conditioners

Test automation

Power meters

Field Test Kit—we bring the energy lab to you!

Dr. Zhensheng “Steve” Jia Headshot

Meet our lab expert

Debbie Fitzgerald

Debbie Fitzgerald is a distinguished technologist and director in the Advanced Technology Group. In this role, she leads the technical efforts of the award-winning energy efficiency voluntary agreements for set-top boxes and small network equipment in the United States and Canada, chairs the CTA working group that develops the ANSI/CTA energy test methods, is part of the SCTE Energy 20/20 Strategy Team and supports other energy saving research at CableLabs. In 2021, she was recognized as an Energy and Environmental Leader 100 Honoree.

RF Isolation

Debbie Fitzgerald is a distinguished technologist and director in the Advanced Technology Group. In this role, she leads the technical efforts of the award-winning energy efficiency voluntary agreements for set-top boxes and small network equipment in the United States and Canada, chairs the CTA working group that develops the ANSI/CTA energy test methods, is part of the SCTE Energy 20/20 Strategy Team and supports other energy saving research at CableLabs. In 2021, she was recognized as an Energy and Environmental Leader 100 Honoree.

Lab Equipment and Capabilities

Two RF isolation tents

Conductive sub-floor, conductive ceiling tiles and conductive paint that contribute to the overall RF isolation of over 120 dB

Access to HFC network and 4G network

Dr. Zhensheng “Steve” Jia Headshot

Meet our lab expert

Jeff Leget

Jeff Leget is a mechanical engineer and SVP of Infrastructure at CableLabs, where he is responsible for overseeing the delivery of cutting-edge testing solutions. He is a seasoned executive with a background in IT, facility and lab operations. Jeff and the CableLabs team are responsible for multiple technical CPE testing environments that include DOCSIS, PON and Wi-Fi network equipment. He and the team continue to expand the scope and capabilities of device testing throughout CableLabs facilities.

Explore our other labs