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StatusOngoing
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Activity Code6-.029
The key product objectives are to develop and integrate 4 key product features into Druid’s 5G core supporting NTN:
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5G Multi Operator Core Network
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5G Public Safety via Cell Broadcast
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5G Location Management Function
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5G Integrated Access Backhaul
The key challenge of the project is the availability of NTN Ran systems to interoperate and validate the product features. This is slowly changing
The product benefits are key features in demand for NTN Use Cases delivering functionality that NTN Operators bring to the market.
Multi Operator Core Network support with additional capabilities to route to a particular core network based on location. The GNODEBGW connects to a 3rd party gNodeB that supports 5G over satellite using standard interfaces between the gNodeB and the core Location Management Function for positioning of UE's with the extended capability to provide positioning based on GNSS, suitable for location tracking in outdoor remote environments.
Cell Broadcast Service Function (Public Warning System) which should be particularly useful for wide area satellite coverage systems.
Integrated Access and Backhaul with particular focus on remote donor gNBs, connecting other remote gNBs wirelessly, increasing the size of the bubble of remote coverage. This item purely covers core integration testing with IAB capable gNBs. Some exploration on potential for providing CU function is taking place, but no formal plans to implement a CU.
The block diagram below shows those elements that are enhanced and those that are created as part of the proposed 5G Reach project. All aspects of the Druid Raemis EPC are 3GPP compliant and as such all specifications can be found on the 3GPP website, https://www.3gpp.org/specifications/specifications
The project is divided into two key milestones with Milestone 1 delivering Neutral Host and Cell Broadcast and Milestone delivering Integrated Access Backhaul and Location Management Function.
All the features are now complete and ready for market. Druid is currently engaged with a number of NTN Operators in the deployment of these features.
