T&M trends in 2026

by: Monojit Samaddar, Country Director, VIAVI

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The test and measurement industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by rapid advancements in technology, increased complexity and the need for precision and efficiency. Networks are under constant threat and permanently stretched and emerging applications such as AI, ML, High-Performance Computing (HPC), virtualization and quantum computing are driving bandwidth demand and scale at an unprecedented rate. In this dynamic landscape, network testing and optimization is critical as rigorous test and validation across virtual, physical and cloud-based infrastructure help organizations manage change and speed network buildouts. VIAVI plays a significant role in simplifying network deployment complexities through installation, maintenance, monitoring, optimization, and monetization. Key industry segments driving T&M demand in India are: Telecommunications & Data Centers, Electronics & Semiconductors, Industrial Automation & Smart Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive and Critical Infrastructure.

6G:

India is actively working towards 6G development. 6G is set to significantly improve on the capabilities of existing networks, offering faster speeds, lower latencies and greater reliability than 5G. The standard aims to achieve data rates of up to 1 terabyte per second and enable near-instantaneous data transfers for a wide range of applications. 6G will be the first truly cloud-native network. The path to cloud-native 6G networks will need closer convergence and partnership with hyperscalers to equip operators with the infrastructure and expertise required to make the cloud a native network element. 6G with its new network and service orchestration solutions, combined with fully cloud-native principles and the advances made in AI/ML across all network functions will result in an unprecedented network automation and agility. As networks transition to 6G, AI-RAN will play a key role in enabling ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity for applications like IoT, autonomous systems, smart cities, and immersive extended reality (XR). The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning within 6G networks – through technologies such as TeraVM AI RSG – industry’s most advanced AI-powered RAN Scenario Generator and VIAVI’s NITRO AIOps enhances network management and optimize performance.

NTN:

A key goal of the NTN roadmap is digital inclusion and India is actively pursuing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to complement its 5G rollout. NTN networks have moved from standardization to commercialization, allowing network operators to achieve the ubiquitous coverage necessary for critical communications. NTNs offer new opportunities and partnerships for mobile and satellite operators and the exciting potential to offer connectivity to both underserved and over-populated areas as well as support mission-critical applications. The VIAVI TM500 and TeraVM test platforms validate the conformance, performance and reliability of gNodeBs and entire networks under the unique service link conditions of NTN and High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs).

Data Center:

Data centers will continue to intensify their footprint with scalable, sustainable and AI-first infrastructure. With surge in hyperscale deployments, expanding cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven automation, data centers continue to grow in size and complexity and to keep pace with this rapid change, it is undergoing a major reboot — from design, to scale, to the way they are powered, organized and run. The rollout of 5G, data-intensive applications such as; AI/ML, high performance computing (HPC) and big data analytics is placing unprecedented strain on data center infrastructure. To address this, there has been a push towards higher-speed 800G optical transceivers and the emergence of 1.6Tb/s, alongside other enabling technologies throughout the network. VIAVI test solutions optimize optical hardware, fiber, and network performance over the lifecycle of the hyperscale data center, from lab to turn-up to monitoring.

Position, Navigation and Timing:

Essential networks – including 5G/6G telecommunications, AI hyperscale data centers, defense, public safety, transportation, aviation and energy – rely on publicly available GPS and GNSS signals for efficient data synchronization based on timing and location. Secure and resilient Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services are vital to support at-risk critical infrastructure from rising PNT disruptions such as intricate jamming/spoofing cyberattacks on GPS/GNSS antennas and malicious hacking attacks on network timing targeting NTP/PTP protocols and GPS/GNSS receivers. VIAVI’s assured PNT portfolio provides secure and resilient timing and location services for critical infrastructure, defense, and telecommunications.