“NTN NB-IoT: Connecting the World Through Testing”

NTN NB-IoT technology is revolutionizing the way satellites provide telecommunication services to Internet of Things devices in areas lacking terrestrial base station cellular coverage. This innovative technology is closing the digital divide by offering internet and communication services in remote and underserved regions. It is also supporting crucial industries such as precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, global asset tracking, and smart farming through real-time data collection and analysis.

Moreover, NTN NB-IoT enhances network resilience by providing backup channels during disasters to aid first responders in coordinating emergency operations and broadcasts. It enables global mobility for aircraft, ships, and autonomous vehicles, introduces new business models and revenue streams for mobile network operators, and sets the stage for the future with ubiquitous coverage, potentially leading to the development of 6G networks.

Adnan Khan, Director of Advanced Technology Marketing, sheds light on how NTN NB-IoT functions and the critical role testing plays in ensuring product conformance. He explains the significance of NTN NB-IoT and its advantages over other IoT technologies, especially in scenarios where service continuity and scalability are paramount.

Network operators are expanding cellular services from consumer-focused smartphones to enterprises with a large number of IoT and Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices. The demand for service continuity is driving the evolution and expansion of networks into non-traditional areas. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are gaining prominence as the world moves towards advanced 5G and future 6G systems, offering scalability, continuity, and ubiquity in service delivery.

Satellite-based communication holds immense potential in enhancing communication infrastructure and bridging the digital divide. By utilizing various satellite systems such as Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NTN technology provides coverage at different altitudes, catering to diverse needs and requirements.

NTN technology encompasses different Radio Access Technology implementations, including NR-NTN based on 5G New Radio (NR) and IoT-NTN based on Cat-M1 or NB-IoT. Initial deployments predominantly utilize NB-IoT, offering flexibility by leveraging existing operator assets like spectrum, core network, and access network. This technology is particularly beneficial for mission-critical services, utilities, automotive, and agriculture sectors.

The 3GPP consortium, responsible for developing mobile telecom standards, initiated work on enabling New Radio (NR) and IoT services through satellites in 2017. NTN specifications have been incorporated into various 3GPP releases, ensuring compliance and compatibility with existing standards. This inclusion is crucial for device and chipset manufacturers, providing them with the assurance needed to incorporate satellite compatibility into their products.

Challenges for NTN devices include considerations such as link budget, latency, handovers, interference, Doppler shift, and time drift. These factors need to be carefully addressed to ensure seamless operation and optimal performance of IoT devices over satellite networks.

Testing platforms play a vital role in the growth of NTN IoT-NB by facilitating field tests, satellite tests, and UE tests. These tests are essential for evaluating device performance under real-world conditions and ensuring compliance with industry standards and requirements.

Conformance tests are instrumental in evaluating devices against protocol specifications and real-world scenarios. By simulating realistic radio environments and network conditions, engineers can identify and address potential issues before commercial deployment, ensuring optimal device performance and reliability.

Anritsu is actively involved in encouraging innovation in the IoT-NTN space by collaborating with chipset vendors, OEM device manufacturers, and satellite network operators. By verifying conformance tests and partnering with key industry players, Anritsu is driving advancements in IoT technology and ensuring the seamless integration of new features and capabilities.

Further reading

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