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Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
Supporting 5G and 6G NTN for Ubiquitous Connectivity
We Enable the Next Generation NTNs
Accelerate non-terrestrial network (NTN) innovations. Reduce risk and speed satellite development on the ground to ensure optimal performance in space. Detect and identify signal interference, while monitoring RF emissions, for a smooth launch. Post launch, measure operational performance of the NTN / satellite communication network equipment and radio components.
What is NTN?
Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) extend wireless connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial networks by integrating satellite communication (SATCOM) and airborne technologies. They incorporate satellites in low, medium, and geostationary orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO), along with high-altitude platforms (HAPS) and drones, ensuring broader coverage, including remote and underserved areas.
5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) advanced markedly with 3GPP Release 17, which added initial system support for satellite and high-altitude platforms, supporting both geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) networks. Release 18 brought enhancements like better channel models, higher frequency support, and improved mobility and service continuity for LEO and GEO operation. Operators are piloting direct-to-device communications and backhaul connectivity with 5G NTN, demonstrating interoperability with terrestrial networks.
Looking forward, 6G will further enhance NTN by using higher frequencies, leveraging AI-based network intelligence, and enabling seamless satellite-to-device integrations. This will boost reliability, coverage, and enable new applications such as global broadband, precise tracking, and universal IoT—addressing existing NTN challenges like delay and resource management.
What Can 6G NTN Offer?
Building on the foundation of 5G NTN, researchers envision 6G NTN to bring capabilities that can significantly improve global connectivity. New 6G research areas to extend the reach of terrestrial networks into space include:
- Native integration: 6G NTN is designed from day one as an integral part of the 6G architecture.
- Direct-to-device connectivity: Enables satellite access for smartphones and wearables without specialized hardware.
- AI-enhanced networking: Uses AI/ML for beam management, mobility prediction, and dynamic spectrum sharing.
- Expanded use cases: Applications in autonomous vehicles, smart agriculture, public safety, and remote industrial operations.
Discover Keysight's NTN Solutions
WirelessPro 3GPP AI Simulation Platform
Use 3GPP-compliant models and advanced channel modeling for reliable and repeatable design validation.
UE Emulation RAN Solutions
Validate end-to-end radio access network (RAN) performance by emulating real network traffic over both radio and O-RAN fronthaul interfaces.
NTN Simulation and Emulation Platform
Implement end-to-end physical layer system simulations for diverse NTN deployment scenarios.
Wireless Analyzers
Identify complex causes of interoperability problems and understand the interactions between the mobile station or UE and the base station at all layers.
Open RAN Studio
Construct, play, capture, and measure O-RAN traffic over 10 Gbps to 25 Gbps fronthaul Ethernet interfaces.
FieldFox Handheld Spectrum Analyzers
Verify the performance of network components with benchtop-level accuracy in a rugged, handheld device that can function as a vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, or all-in-one combination analyzer.
Channel Emulation Solutions
Enable full-stack, end-to-end, real-world performance testing of wireless devices, network infrastructure equipment, and access points in a laboratory environment.
Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers
Monitor a wide spectrum for continuous RF signal acquisition, watch for transient or intermittent events, and initiate signal capture, measurement, and display.
Eggplant Test
Use a model-based digital twin test approach and harness the power of artificial intelligence. Eggplant Test provides extensive coverage, optimizes user experience, and improves your quality assurance process.
UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform
Validate the performance of 5G-enabled factory devices over the air with chambers designed for different test cases across the workflow.
Find Your NTN Solutions
Learn how to accelerate your NTN innovation by doing the following:
- Simulate 5G / 6G NTN transmission paths.
- Validate NTN base stations.
- Test NB-IoT, unmodified, 5G NR, 5G Advanced, and 6G NTN devices.
- Emulate non-terrestrial networks in the lab.
NTN Ground Solutions
Direct-to-Device NTN Service Validation
Use satellite and terrestrial RF channel emulation to test direct-to-device NTN service in the lab.
NTN Space Solutions
Solar Array Simulation
Test satellite power distribution, leveraging realistic solar power generation.
NTN Software Tools
NTN Resources and Insights
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"We are pleased to partner with Keysight Technologies to accelerate our certification program to unlock a whole ecosystem of NB-NTN chipsets, modules, and devices. This partnership will solidify our commitment to connectivity, innovation, and our role as a global NTN leader."
Andrew Nuttal, CTO and Co-founder, Skylo Technologies
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"The validation and interoperability of our 5G NR NTN software framework for transparent and regenerative mode with key partners such as Keysight are crucial milestones, enabling swift progress to meet the escalating demand for 5G NR NTN deployment.”
Rajat Kapoor, Head of Software Frameworks, Capgemini Engineering
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“Spacetime is revolutionizing 5G NTN by bridging satellite and terrestrial networks with AI-driven orchestration. By integrating Keysight's innovative testing solutions with our Spacetime platform, we're advancing NTN performance, efficiency, and reliability.”
Chris Taylor, CEO, Aalyria
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