The Pico5G Lite
A compact, fully portable 4G/5G network emulator for IoT and single-cell testing. Supports LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT and 5G SA — ideal for device connectivity validation and power profiling.
Powered by a carrier-grade software suite, all of the Pico5G Series products are the optimal solution for testing both 4G and 5G devices, functioning as a 3GPP compliant eNB/gNB and EPC/5GC to facilitate functional and performance testing. The Pico5G Lite is 3GPP release 19 compliant and sports a light-weight, compact, fully portable design allowing it to be easily moved and transferred to different locations, giving you greater flexibility even with remote teams, and allowing you to replicate realistic field conditions from virtually anywhere.
Capabilities
4G and 5G Support
The Pico5G Lite supports LTE, LTE-M, 5G SA, and 5G Reduced Capacity ((e)RedCap). Connects to CAT-M1 devices.
NB-IoT Support
The Pico5G Lite supports standalone, in-band and guard-band NB-IoT to connect NB1 and NB2 devices.
NTN Support
The Pico5G Lite supports NR-NTN and NB-IoT-NTN, including regenerative and transparent modes of operation. It works across all orbit types and comes with an integrated NTN channel simulator and constellation tool.
VoLTE VoNR VoWiFi
The Pico5G Lite’s embedded IMS Server allows VoLTE, VioLTE, VoNR, VioNR, SMS and emergency call testing. The embedded N3IWF allows VoWiFi by connecting an external WiFi access point.
Up to 500 UEs
The Pico5G Lite is powered by a macro base station software, allowing it to handle up to 500 concurrent active UEs.
200 Mbps - 75 Mbps
The Pico5G Lite can deliver up 200 Mbps in downlink and 75 Mbps in uplink.
Features
Easy Configuration
Offers easy configuration thanks to JSON files with example configurations and a modern GUI with preloaded customizable scenarios and cases.
End-to-End and Feature Testing
Runs on standard Linux in user space mode allowing easy integration with IP services. Test features to override the nominal protocol behavior in order to simulate error cases.
Automatic Test Setup and Scripting
Offers WebSocket API allowing the sending of remote commands to ease test automation. Preconfigured, customizable test cases and scenarios get you started faster.
Logging and Measuring
Provides selective logging and display of all 3GPP LTE and NR stacks as well as useful graphs and analytic tools.
Channel Simulation
Simulates different DL channel types as per 3GPP models specified in 36.101 and 38.141 specifications. Simulation of NTN channels (delay and doppler) for GEO, MEO and LEO constellations.
High Performance and 3GPP Features
Supports multiple UEs and cells and high data rates in LTE and NR. Has early access to 3GPP features for rapid validation of features under development.
Frequency Agnostic
Supports a wide range of FDD and TDD frequency bands even nonstandard ones allowing to test in Sub-6GHz and mmWave.
Possible RAN Configurations
Constraints:
The Pico5G Lite is capable of operating only one cell at a time (NB-IoT, LTE, LTE-M or 5G FR1). The product of cell bandwidth multiplied by the number of MIMO layers shall not exceed 40MHz.
Example:
| 4G LTE | 1 cell 20 MHz 2x2 |
| 5G NR SA Mode | 1 cell 20 MHz 2x2 or 40 MHz SISO |
| NB-IOT | 1 NB-IoT cell in standalone, in-band or guard-band mode |
| LTE-M | 1 LTE cell with CAT M1 support |
Need Multi-Cell Support?
Check out the other products in the Pico5G Series.
Architecture
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Pico5G Lite is a compact, fully portable 4G/5G network emulator from Nutaq Technologies. It operates as a single-cell 3GPP Release 19 compliant eNodeB/gNodeB and EPC/5GC, supporting LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G SA. It is designed for IoT device testing, connectivity validation, and battery life profiling in a portable form factor.
The Pico5G Lite supports LTE, LTE-M (CAT-M1), NB-IoT (standalone, in-band, and guard-band), 5G SA (gNB + 5GC), (e)RedCap, and NR-NTN / NB-IoT-NTN for non-terrestrial network simulation across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits.
No. 5G NSA requires a minimum of two concurrent cells — one NR cell and one LTE anchor cell. The Pico5G Lite supports only one cell at a time. For 5G NSA support, the Pico5G Plus or higher is required.
The Pico5G Lite supports up to 200 Mbps in the downlink and 75 Mbps in the uplink, depending on the cell configuration and the capabilities of the connected devices.
The Pico5G Lite is powered by carrier-grade base station software and supports up to 500 concurrent active UEs (User Equipment).
The Pico5G Lite operates a single cell at a time — NB-IoT, LTE, LTE-M, or 5G FR1. The product of the cell bandwidth multiplied by the number of MIMO layers must not exceed 40 MHz. For example: 1 cell at 20 MHz 2x2 MIMO, or 1 cell at 40 MHz SISO.
Yes. The Pico5G Lite includes an embedded IMS server (P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF) that enables VoLTE, VioLTE, VoNR, VioNR, SMS, and emergency call testing. VoWiFi is supported via the embedded N3IWF when connected to an external Wi-Fi access point.
No. The Pico5G Lite does not include a built-in monitor or keyboard. It can be connected to an external monitor, or configured and operated remotely. If a self-contained desktop form factor is required, see the Pico5G Plus, Pro, or Ultra.
The Pico5G IoT supports LTE, LTE-M, and NB-IoT only (4G) and is 3GPP Release 17 compliant. The Pico5G Lite adds 5G SA (gNB and 5GC), NR-NTN, VoNR, VoWiFi, and (e)RedCap support, and is 3GPP Release 19 compliant. The Lite also delivers slightly higher downlink throughput (200 Mbps vs. 180 Mbps).
Yes. The Pico5G Lite supports NR-NTN and NB-IoT-NTN with both regenerative and transparent modes of operation. An integrated NTN channel simulator covers GEO, MEO, and LEO orbit types, including delay and Doppler simulation.