Protocol test solution enhances support for NTN NB-IoT devices for GEO satellites

Anritsu Corporation has extended the functionality of its Signalling Tester MD8430A by introducing a protocol test solution for NTN devices for GEO satellites. As a result of the upgrade, the MD8430A can now support NTN NB-IoT technologies.

NTN NB-IoT is an IoT communication service for areas that terrestrial base stations cannot cover. It is employed in maritime shipping, logistics, mining, and automobiles. It facilitates the connection of many IoT devices to the network with low power consumption. Its current specification is 3GPP Release 17. With this functionality enhancement, the company will help improve the quality of NTN devices and contribute to realising a prosperous network society.

In the past, individual satellite operators have offered proprietary satellite communication services. However, since the standardisation of NTN communications in 3GPP Release 17, the satellite communication service market has rapidly grown, and varied verifications based on the standard specifications have become necessary. For GEO satellites, NTN device vendors need test environments that simulate the communication delay over a distance of approximately 36,000km between the satellite and the device. Satellites must also transmit information over this distance to the device for delay compensation. To support these test requirements, the company has developed a protocol test solution that provides high reliability built on test experiences with market-leading customers and high flexibility in condition setting.

The tester is a base station simulator that can build a simulated network required for developing chipsets and devices. With its software option NTN NB-IoT (GEO) MD8430A-043 and its control software option NTN over IoT Framework for RTD MX800050A-070, it can be connected to an NTN device for GEO satellites. This makes it possible to test the connection with the NTN network and roaming between the terrestrial network and the NTN network, among other things.