Testing NTN Base Stations with Keysight UeSIM and PROPSIM

Testing NTN Base Stations with Keysight UeSIM and PROPSIM

Application Notes

5G NTN – Satellite Service for the Masses

Satellite communications networks, traditionally, require special user terminals, with large antennas and a satellite subscription plan.

 

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), introduced as part of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)’s Release 17 (Rel-17), are revolutionizing satellite phone availability and delivery. Continued evolution in this technology is expected with Rel-18 that will use the same transparent architecture as Rel-17, but with the addition of Ka frequency band for access, and Rel-19 which will use regenerative satellite architecture.

 

The use of NTN technology has numerous potential use-cases for IoT applications, which can be served from both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary (GEO) satellites, particularly in remote and hard-toreach areas.

 

The other important use-case for NTN is the direct-to-cellular service offering either emergency services or even high data rate connections.

 

Finally, there is also focus on creating a modified network using terrestrial LTE spectrum to reach unmodified LTE phones from LEO satellites.