Selling a 5 GHz-Based Wireless Product in Europe? Here's What You Need to Know About the New ETSI EN 301 893 v1.7.1

You’ve likely heard by now that the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) will be implementing a new set of compliance standards for 2.4 GHz wireless products, effective January 1, 2015.  You may not be aware, however, that there will also be changes that impact products using the 5 GHz ISM band, due to the release of ETSI 301 893 v1.7.1.

Let’s take a minute to help ensure you have a plan for handling these additional upcoming CE Mark changes:

What products fall under the purview of the new EN 301 893 v1.7.1?

The ETSI EN 301 893 standard addresses any broadband radio access networks (BRAN) and 5 GHz radio local area networks (RLAN) products sold into Europe that utilize the 5 GHz ISM band. Examples would include products that incorporate Wi-Fi 802.11 a/n communication protocols.

Can I simply update the test data that was acquired back when my product was certified to meet EN 301 893 v1.6.1?

In some cases, yes. The most significant changes in the standard are not simply new limits, but rather changes to the actual test procedures and/or additional tests. Therefore, new test data may need to be taken to confirm compliance with the v1.7.1 standards.  Consulting with a testing expert like LSR is the best way to determine whether additional test data is needed.

What Lab capabilities are needed to be able to successfully test for compliance to these new standards?

The new v1.7.1 standards for 5 GHz have redefined many of the test procedures and types of measurements required, which also raises the bar on the capabilities and equipment a testing facility must have in order to complete this certification. Specialized test equipment required includes:

• a Power Meter with ability to sample at a rate of 1 Msamples/sec
• a Signal Generator that can provide a noise profile for testing Adaptivity

How soon do I need to begin the process of certification for v1.7.1?

As always, the sooner the better, to provide you time to address any design changes that may be needed should testing determine that the standards cannot be successfully met. The complexity of the testing and the number of measurements required could result in a week or longer of testing time to complete.

Partnering with LSR for EN 301 893 v1.7.1 Certification provides:

• An evaluation of the standards and how it applies to your product, so a detailed, custom statement of work can be provided
• The support of a team experienced with testing to these new standards, as LSR has been re-certifying all of its own Wi-Fi modules.
• Knowledgeable professionals working with you to troubleshoot and identify the source of any non-compliance to these new standards
• The necessary testing equipment and facilities to complete these tests in an accurate and timely manner
• All the needed documentation to update your DoC before January 1, 2015

LSR has the necessary equipment, the knowledge of the new v1.7.1 standard, and the experience in testing that you’re looking for. Let us help you set a strategy to meet these new changes by contacting us today!