How to Test NB-IoT NTN Devices

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Testing an NB-IoT device using direct-to-device NTN communication

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) devices and systems require rigorous testing to ensure reliability and avoid unexpected failures. Verifying that non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) meet service provider and user expectations necessitates global and test specifications and certification programs to prove compliance. Skylo runs the first 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 17 NB NTN certification program based on its own test requirements. 3GPP is finalizing test specifications for protocol and RF / RRM test cases, which the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) will use in their certification programs.

However, specific values of interest for NTN test cases depend on the distance to the satellite and orbital mode — Doppler, delay, and path loss. To perform the conformance and carrier acceptance test, engineers must configure the values with a toolset that enables them to make changes as desired. The certification test requires accurate emulation of required orbit models in the lab to match field conditions. The solution must include a comprehensive suite of test cases from key operators such as Skylo and 3GPP-based certification programs GCF, and PTCRB.

NB-IoT NTN device test solution

NB-IoT devices and systems require rigorous testing to ensure reliability. The Keysight wireless test platform combines 5G New Radio and NB-IoT NTN signaling with real-world channel emulation hardware and software. The result is an end-to-end, mixed terrestrial and space communication test bed. The lab-based platform realistically simulates a wide range of orbit trajectories, including low-Earth orbit and geosynchronous equatorial orbit. It addresses technical challenges, optimizes user equipment (UE) designs, and validates UE implementations prior to network deployment.
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