Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek have teamed up to demonstrate a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) new radio (NR) connection based on the latest 3GPP Release 17 specifications. This technological advancement will be presented at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona using the state-of-the-art R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester (OBT) from Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek’s NTN-NR device as the device under test (DUT).
What is 5G NTN-NR?
5G NTN-NR is the next phase of NTN technology in which smartphones and other 5G devices will be directly linked with satellite-based services. NTN-NR leverages satellites in transparent bent-pipe mode, and the 5G standalone (SA) architecture, with a 5G gNB and 5GC core network, to serve throughputs ranging from 1 to 10 Mbps, or higher with more spectrum.
NTN-NR will ensure that basic mobile services such as voice, messaging and low data rate services are accessible worldwide, especially in situations where terrestrial network coverage is unavailable or impractical, such as maritime, aeronautical and rural applications.
How does the demonstration work?
The demonstration at the Rohde & Schwarz booth at MWC Barcelona will feature a live 5G NTN-NR connection, emulating a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite access node. By simulating real-world scenarios, the setup is designed to showcase the capabilities of 5G technology to provide connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage.
The R&S CMX500 OBT radio communication tester will simulate the satellite base station in combination with the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator, which simulates the different satellite constellations with its integrated GNSS option. The R&S CMX500 will operate in an interactive callbox mode, allowing users to trigger voice calls alongside radio frequency (RF)-related measurements. This test mode, based on an intuitive user interface, highlights the tester’s versatility in evaluating both the performance and reliability of 5G connections under different conditions to ensure that future NTN-NR devices powered by MediaTek’s NTN test platform will work flawlessly anywhere in the world.
What are the benefits of 5G NTN-NR?
5G NTN-NR has several benefits for both users and operators, such as:
- Global coverage: 5G NTN-NR can extend the reach of 5G services to remote and underserved areas, as well as to moving platforms such as ships and planes, by using satellites as relay nodes.
- Seamless integration: 5G NTN-NR can seamlessly integrate with terrestrial 5G networks, using the same core network and radio interface, thus simplifying the network architecture and reducing the deployment and operational costs.
- Enhanced reliability: 5G NTN-NR can provide backup and redundancy for terrestrial 5G networks in case of natural disasters, network failures, or cyberattacks, by switching to satellite links when needed.
- Improved latency: 5G NTN-NR can reduce the latency of satellite communications by using LEO satellites, which have lower orbital altitudes and shorter round-trip times than geostationary (GEO) satellites.
What are the challenges of 5G NTN-NR?
5G NTN-NR also poses some technical and regulatory challenges, such as:
- Channel modeling: 5G NTN-NR requires accurate channel modeling to account for the effects of satellite motion, atmospheric attenuation, Doppler shift, and multipath fading on the signal quality and link budget.
- Synchronization: 5G NTN-NR requires precise synchronization between the satellite and the terrestrial nodes, as well as among the satellites themselves, to ensure coherent transmission and reception of signals and to avoid interference.
- Resource allocation: 5G NTN-NR requires efficient resource allocation to optimize the use of spectrum and power, as well as to manage the trade-off between capacity and coverage, considering the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of satellite networks.
- Standardization: 5G NTN-NR requires harmonized standardization to ensure interoperability and compatibility among different satellite operators and service providers, as well as to comply with the regulatory and licensing requirements of different regions and countries.
What are the future prospects of 5G NTN-NR?
5G NTN-NR is expected to play a key role in enabling the vision of ubiquitous connectivity and bridging the digital divide. According to a report by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), there are currently 19 satellite operators that have announced plans to deploy 5G NTN-NR services, with some of them already conducting trials and demonstrations. The report also estimates that the global market for 5G NTN-NR will reach $4.1 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.4%.
The following table summarizes some of the key features and parameters of 5G NTN-NR, as defined by the 3GPP Release 17 specifications:
| Feature | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | FR1 (sub-7 GHz) and FR2 (24.25-71 GHz) |
| Bandwidth | Up to 800 MHz for FR2-1 (24.25-52.6 GHz) and up to 1.6 GHz for FR2-2 (52.6-71 GHz) |
| Modulation | QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and 256QAM |
| Duplex mode | TDD |
| Frame structure | Flexible slot-based |
| Numerology | μ = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
| Subcarrier spacing | 15 kHz × 2^μ |
| Slot duration | 14 symbols × 2^-μ ms |
| Transmission modes | Single-user MIMO and multi-user MIMO |
| Beamforming | Analog, digital, and hybrid |
| Channel coding | LDPC for data and Polar for control |
| HARQ | Chase combining and incremental redundancy |
| RACH | Four-step and two-step |
| Mobility | Up to 500 km/h |
