Dylan McGrath from Keysight Technologies shares how non-terrestrial networks (NTN) represent an exciting new frontier in communications because they extend the reach of 5G into regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure.
NTNs use both satellites and high-altitude platforms such as balloons, airships and pilotless aerial systems in the stratosphere to ensure coverage and reliability in virtually any scenario. Photo by NASA on Unsplash.
Decreased costs and new capabilities in terrestrial 5G are combining to make NTNs increasingly viable, ushering in a new era of true global connectivity and a space-based IoT that will permanently change our perception of communication.
3GPP’s 5G standards recognise NTNs as a part of the 5G connectivity infrastructure.
One of the network’s chief benefits is multi-connectivity, as users connect through both terrestrial and satellite links, with the former handling low-latency traffic and satellites reserved for high-latency traffic.
There are a multitude of fascinating use cases to explore here, including the following.
- Augmentation of terrestrial networks
- Whole-world connectivity
- Remote pipeline monitoring
- Image Intelligence
1. Augmentation of terrestrial networks
5G NTNs will fill gaps in cellular coverage, allowing operators to enhance the latter without driving up costs.
