Expanded 5G testing capabilities with satellite network support

Anritsu Corporation revealed a notable enhancement to its MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station, expanding the platform's 5G device measurement capabilities to include support for 5G NR NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) devices. This advancement allows comprehensive testing of devices designed to communicate via satellite networks.

Non-terrestrial network technology represents a breakthrough in managing connectivity challenges across previously unreachable areas, varying from mountainous terrain and remote islands to disaster-stricken regions. The NTN technology enables access to areas where conventional communication infrastructure is unavailable.

As global demand intensifies for reliable communications in these challenging environments, NTN technology is positioned to become a cornerstone of next-generation 5G network architecture.

The company has consistently delivered cutting-edge measurement technologies that improve the telecommunications industry. This latest enhancement to the MT8000A platform continues that tradition, providing manufacturers with the tools necessary to ensure superior 5G NR NTN device performance and reliability.

The expanded testing capabilities directly support the development of higher quality 5G NR NTN devices, speeding up progress toward a truly connected society where seamless communication becomes possible regardless of location or circumstances.

The communications industry is working to deploy widespread NTN services without needing major changes to existing wireless devices. However, the technology faces two key challenges: propagation delay, caused by the time it takes for radio waves to reach the device, and Doppler shift, resulting from changes in the communication frequency due to satellite movement. Managing these challenges only at the satellite side limits the stable communication range.

To solve these challenges and support wider and more stable communication capabilities, the 3GPP international standardisation body has defined new device-side specifications in Release 17.

The MT8000A test instrument is designed mainly for developing 5G devices meeting 3GPP standards. It supports protocol tests to verify that 5G devices establish proper connections to the network and RF tests to evaluate 5G device ease of connectivity. The company supports test conditions that comply with 3GPP Release 17 and later. The device can simulate propagation delay and Doppler shift in 5G NR NTN environments to facilitate the development of 5G NR NTN devices meeting the unique challenges of satellite communications.