Wireless Test Bed
Provides secure, large-scale environments and technical expertise to test, validate and demonstrate wireless communications systems from concept through deployment.
Large-Scale Wireless Testing and Evaluation
Idaho National Laboratory’s Wireless Test Bed provides large-scale environments for testing, evaluating and demonstrating wireless communications technologies. The facility supports government and industry with specialized infrastructure, technical expertise and controlled radio-frequency environments that enable secure, real-world testing from concept through deployment.
Spanning 890 square miles of federally managed land, the Wireless Test Bed combines licensed spectrum access, advanced communications infrastructure and experienced engineering support to evaluate emerging wireless technologies under realistic operating conditions.
Why Test at INL?
The Wireless Test Bed combines integrated infrastructure, licensed spectrum access and experienced engineering support to evaluate wireless technologies in realistic operating environments.
Controlled RF Environment
Test wireless technologies in a low-noise radio-frequency environment with minimal outside interference
Large-Scale Test Range
Evaluate wireless technologies across 890 square miles of federally managed land.
End-to-End Networks
Test cellular, satellite, microwave and other wireless systems in realistic operational environments.
Licensed Spectrum Access
Support testing through spectrum coordination and INL's NTIA experimental radio station capabilities.
Engineering Expertise
Work with communications engineers experienced in commercial and government wireless systems.
Wireless Testing Capabilities
The Wireless Test Bed provides specialized infrastructure, communications systems and technical resources to support wireless technology development, testing and evaluation.
Max Frequency Spectrum:
- Low RF noise:typically ? -120 dBm (over 10 kHz RBW) – No urban areas or military bases
- NTIA Experimental Radio Station
- “Full” spectrum use (as outlined NTIA Redbook)
- No harmful interference
- Government test or experimental use only
Local Spectrum Manager:
- Max Power/Frequencies case by case basis
- Rapid approval (1 to 4 weeks) by INL Spectrum Manager
- Remote Spectrum Monitoring
Full-scale communications test networks (fixed & mobile)– international frequencies:
- LTE, UMTS and GSM Tier I Networks
- LTE Tier III Network
- ISBN Satellite system
- HF fixed and mobile radios/antennas
- UAV and UGV test areas
- Mountain top line-of-site access
Instrumentation:
- RF waveform analyzers, generators
- Protocol analyzers
- Noise generators for controlled interference
Established services and processes:
- Spectrum approval & monitoring
- Safety, Medical, Fire, Security (physical)
- Resource management – personnel, networks, configuration control
- Secure, IP protected multi-user facility
- Broadband data access – entire INL Range
- Hardware prototyping, scientific labs
- Visitor – US citizen & foreign national
Wireless Expertise
Equipment and capabilities are only part of the story at INL’s wireless test bed. Users also have access to dozens of communication engineers with expertise in cellular, wireless and internet protocol design, implementation, programming and operations. Our researchers have real world industry experience in design, installation, maintenance and operations of next generation wireless communication systems from organizations including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Nokia, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Motorola, Hughes, L-3 Communications, Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Nextel and Radix.
Connect with our Team
Questions about our research, capabilities or collaboration opportunities?
Our team is ready to connect you with the right experts and resources at INL.
Corinne Dionisio
Communications Liaison