With the advent of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), the landscape of satellite phone availability is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Allison Freedman at Keysight Technologies shares that satellite service will be accessible to billions of mobile phone subscribers worldwide, heralding a new era of connectivity.

Traditionally, satellite communications have been reserved for specialised terminals with cumbersome antennas and costly subscription plans. But in a world where communication is paramount, access to reliable networks is not just a luxury but a necessity.
5G NTN, introduced as part of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)’s Release 17, distinguishes itself from traditional satellite networks through network-assisted operations.
This innovative approach involves base stations assisting in establishing and managing cell phone connections to satellites.
5G NTN Technology Overview
By adjusting the timing of radio frames and compensating for link frequency errors caused by satellite movement, 5G NTN makes it easier for user terminals to tolerate satellite link characteristics.
Key techniques and methods employed in 5G NTN communications include minimising frequency errors, adjusting timing for seamless gateway-to-satellite links, and handling satellite-to-phone service efficiently.
These advancements are paving the way for ubiquitous satellite connectivity, bridging the gap between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Challenges and Solutions
However, deploying 5G NTN services comes with its own set of challenges.
Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, each often operated by different entities and utilising equipment from specialised vendors, requires careful coordination.
Moreover, the cost of satellite network deployment has traditionally been prohibitive, although recent advancements, such as SpaceX’s Starship, have significantly reduced launch costs, making satellite constellations more feasible.
One of the main challenges lies in adapting user terminals, especially smartphones, to effectively utilise satellite services.
Larger antennas and outdoor usage are often required due to the low signal levels from distant satellites.
Keysight Empowers the Future of 5G NTN
At the forefront of enabling the seamless integration of satellite services into cellular networks is Keysight’s S8825A Satellite and Aerospace Channel Emulation toolset.
This comprehensive suite of testing solutions, including channel emulation tools and scenario creation software, empowers network operators and equipment manufacturers to validate the functionality and performance of 5G NTN networks.
By providing the means to conduct thorough testing and optimization, Keysight’s S8825A plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of satellite communication deployments, contributing to the realisation of a truly connected world.
Learn more about how Keysight’s channel emulation solution ensures reliable performance and integration for non-terrestrial networks in the use case: How to Re-Create Satellite Radio Links Between Network Entities.
Additionally, satellite movements introduce Doppler error, necessitating sophisticated algorithms for error mitigation.
Testing 5G NTN Networks
Testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration of satellite services into cellular networks.
Companies like Keysight offer comprehensive test solutions tailored to the unique requirements of 5G NTN.
From ground devices and user terminals to network access points and end-to-end connections, these solutions simulate real-world scenarios to validate network functionality and performance.
In the future, satellite networks are poised to become an integral part of multi-dimensional communication systems.
As we anticipate the evolution to 6G networks, seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial components will be paramount in delivering unparalleled connectivity to users worldwide.
In conclusion, 5G NTN represents a monumental leap forward in satellite communication technology, democratising access to connectivity on a global scale.
With continued innovation and rigorous testing, satellite networks are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of our interconnected world.
Tags: 5G, byline, cellular, commentary, comms, interviews, Keysight, mobile, network, NTN, opinion, Satellite, space, Tech Focus, technology, testing
This entry was posted on Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Brief, Business IT, Interview, Keysight, Network, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Tech Focus: Satellite Services for Everyone – Heralding a New Era of Connectivity
With the advent of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), the landscape of satellite phone availability is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Allison Freedman at Keysight Technologies shares that satellite service will be accessible to billions of mobile phone subscribers worldwide, heralding a new era of connectivity.
Traditionally, satellite communications have been reserved for specialised terminals with cumbersome antennas and costly subscription plans. But in a world where communication is paramount, access to reliable networks is not just a luxury but a necessity.
5G NTN, introduced as part of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)’s Release 17, distinguishes itself from traditional satellite networks through network-assisted operations.
This innovative approach involves base stations assisting in establishing and managing cell phone connections to satellites.
5G NTN Technology Overview
By adjusting the timing of radio frames and compensating for link frequency errors caused by satellite movement, 5G NTN makes it easier for user terminals to tolerate satellite link characteristics.
Key techniques and methods employed in 5G NTN communications include minimising frequency errors, adjusting timing for seamless gateway-to-satellite links, and handling satellite-to-phone service efficiently.
About the Author: Allison Freedman is product marketing manager for the aerospace and defence industry at Keysight Technologies.
These advancements are paving the way for ubiquitous satellite connectivity, bridging the gap between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Challenges and Solutions
However, deploying 5G NTN services comes with its own set of challenges.
Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, each often operated by different entities and utilising equipment from specialised vendors, requires careful coordination.
Moreover, the cost of satellite network deployment has traditionally been prohibitive, although recent advancements, such as SpaceX’s Starship, have significantly reduced launch costs, making satellite constellations more feasible.
One of the main challenges lies in adapting user terminals, especially smartphones, to effectively utilise satellite services.
Larger antennas and outdoor usage are often required due to the low signal levels from distant satellites.
Keysight Empowers the Future of 5G NTN
At the forefront of enabling the seamless integration of satellite services into cellular networks is Keysight’s S8825A Satellite and Aerospace Channel Emulation toolset.
This comprehensive suite of testing solutions, including channel emulation tools and scenario creation software, empowers network operators and equipment manufacturers to validate the functionality and performance of 5G NTN networks.
By providing the means to conduct thorough testing and optimization, Keysight’s S8825A plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of satellite communication deployments, contributing to the realisation of a truly connected world.
Learn more about how Keysight’s channel emulation solution ensures reliable performance and integration for non-terrestrial networks in the use case: How to Re-Create Satellite Radio Links Between Network Entities.
Additionally, satellite movements introduce Doppler error, necessitating sophisticated algorithms for error mitigation.
Testing 5G NTN Networks
Testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration of satellite services into cellular networks.
Companies like Keysight offer comprehensive test solutions tailored to the unique requirements of 5G NTN.
From ground devices and user terminals to network access points and end-to-end connections, these solutions simulate real-world scenarios to validate network functionality and performance.
In the future, satellite networks are poised to become an integral part of multi-dimensional communication systems.
As we anticipate the evolution to 6G networks, seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial components will be paramount in delivering unparalleled connectivity to users worldwide.
In conclusion, 5G NTN represents a monumental leap forward in satellite communication technology, democratising access to connectivity on a global scale.
With continued innovation and rigorous testing, satellite networks are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of our interconnected world.
Tags: 5G, byline, cellular, commentary, comms, interviews, Keysight, mobile, network, NTN, opinion, Satellite, space, Tech Focus, technology, testing
This entry was posted on Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Brief, Business IT, Interview, Keysight, Network, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.