5G NR NTN Signalling

Competitiveness & Growth

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2024-07-11
Activity Code

3F.030

Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop a future‑proof platform for 5G NR-NTN device testing, with the primary aim of making 5G testing simpler and more straightforward for all 5G NR-NTN deployments. The solution incorporates:

Support for GEO, GSO and LEO.
Simulation of varying dopplers and delays.
Protocol R&D testing scenarios.
Conformance testing scenarios.

NR-NTN is an important feature in 5G NR Release 17 and enables broadband satellite communication with a smartphone for the first time. With the inclusion of NTN‑NR to the various testing modules, the R&S®CMX500 seeks to contribute to the new 3GPP NTN ecosystem and make ubiquitous communication a reality.

Challenges

The key challenge of this project is developing a platform that could properly test for the unique requirements of NTN communication. NTN device testing presents a wide range of challenges, such as:

Time synchronization: Distance from UE to satellite causes long absolute delay.
Frequency synchronization: Movement of LEO satellites causes Doppler shift.
NTN mobility: LEO satellites travel at very high unprecedented speeds, which requires redesign of mobility procedures.

Benefits

Support for the entire product lifecycle.
Coverage for all 5G NR-NTN device testing use cases.
Regular implementation of all new standardization and test house requirements.
Support for all 3GPP bands in FR1.

Features

The R&S®CMX500 is designed to meet all the test requirements that can occur over the entire lifecycle of a mobile communications device.

The features specific to this project are:

Support of GEO, GSO and LEO.
Simulation of varying Dopplers and delays.
Protocol R&D testing scenarios.
Conformance testing scenarios.

System Architecture

The R&S®CMX500 is a one‑box solution for all NR-NTN signaling testing needs. It emulates the entire 5G stack and provides best‑in‑class RF capabilities. Modular software tools tailored to different device production stages enable a unified testing environment for all use cases. A modular hardware architecture allows for detailed customization.

Plan

The project has a technology phase and a product phase, with KO, PDR, CDR and FR milestones.

Current status

Work is in progress.