The brand new frontier of ubiquitous and resilient mobile protection lies past the boundaries of the Earth: Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), or wi-fi communication techniques that function in area, are anticipated to supply bigger protection and resilience, and allow functions requiring always-on connectivity comparable to IoT and autonomous driving. Whether or not it’s connecting areas experiencing pure catastrophe, aiding farmers in rural settings or guaranteeing uninterrupted communication for transport containers, NTN know-how is paving the way in which for a extra linked and clever future.
Early companies integrating satellite-based mobile networks comparable to emergency texting are anticipated to enter the mainstream in 2024 and 2025. It’s important to check NTNs earlier than they’re deployed into area to make sure their reliability, consistency and stability, however the street to ubiquitous protection isn’t with out its challenges. In a latest webinar with RCR Wi-fi, we explored methods for seamless satellite-based mobile know-how.
Standardization Helps NTNs Evolve and Develop
With 6G, there can be convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. 3GPP is main the cost to standardize NTNs to open the door to broader adoption and utilization of satellite tv for pc know-how. Standardization ensures that the identical NR and NB-IOT protocols/specs throughout the stack (PHY & Larger Layers) are the identical for NR NTN and IoT NTN respectively. For instance, the minimal bandwidth for NB-IoT NTN is 200 kHz and the minimal bandwidth for NR NTN is 5 MHz – the identical bandwidths used for terrestrial networks.
There are two major NTN architectures as outlined by 3GPP: regenerative and clear payload structure. Lately, architectures are starting to flex, with variations together with the addition of UPF on the satellite tv for pc and DU / CU cut up on totally different satellites. On this dynamic atmosphere, standardization is important to the continued development and adoption of NTNs. As well as, as new research and detailed specification work are applied, these requirements will proceed to evolve.
instance is standardization for the administration of UE location. 3GPP at present specifies {that a} UE supporting NTN should have a legitimate GNSS place and information of the bottom station location earlier than connecting to the cell. The UE will use these areas to calculate the time delay between itself and the bottom station, which is then used to robotically appropriate the delay for its uplink transmissions.
In Rel-17, a UE will be requested to report its location to the community through the UE Help Info. The problem is {that a} rogue UE might report incorrect data. Rel-18 proposes a community operate to independently confirm the reported UE location, which in flip fulfils regulatory necessities comparable to lawful intercept, emergency calls, public warning techniques and extra.
Rel-19 will formalize the Regenerative Structure, introduce additional optimizations for Uplink Transmissions, and introduce Retailer and Ahead methods to reinforce communications utilizing sparse satellite tv for pc constellations.
The proliferation of numerous pricing constructions amongst satellite tv for pc corporations is impeding the widespread adoption of IoT / utilities. This necessitates negotiations between end-device producers and utility corporations throughout quite a few pricing fashions. 3GPP standardization is a step in the proper path to assuaging this downside. A unified know-how stack offers the chance to realize really world roaming utilizing non-proprietary end-devices, which is able to in flip assist to streamline the pricing fashions.
Testing to Guarantee Area-Prepared Networks
If NTNs are for use for mission important communications, it’s important that they’re dependable and steady earlier than they’re launched into area. There are quite a few challenges to deal with:
- Physics: propagation delays, Doppler, hyperlink budgets, timing
- Mobility: fast-moving satellites in NGSO constellations which can end in RACH storms as a consequence of UE handovers
- Seamless integration with Terrestrial Networks: SMO & NIC (NTN Clever Controller) enhancements to deal with NTNs
- Integration with Non-3GPP NTN Networks: using a unified Core for each 3GPP and non-3GPP UEs
- Safety: Massive geographical protection areas which cross-country boundaries
Testing is important to make sure the continuity and reliability of service. VIAVI offers experience in 5G RAN know-how to deal with these challenges in a lab atmosphere. Our main options in RAN Take a look at are already being delivered to satellite tv for pc producers to validate communication previous to area launch. Our options are designed to deal with the enhancements in 3GPP requirements (Rel 17 and past).
For RAN Take a look at, VIAVI TM500 UE emulation helps full 3GPP protocol together with Doppler and delay pre-compensation. TeraVM RIC Take a look at helps RIC/NIC Take a look at whereas TeraVM Core Take a look at emulates full RAN eventualities at scale. When deployed with the CMX500 Cell Radio Communication Tester from Rohde & Schwarz, the TM500 EU Emulator offers the unequalled variety of emulation eventualities wanted to create a viable NTN-NR digital twin testbed within the lab.
Collaboration is Key
The imaginative and prescient of NTNs has ushered in an elevated collaboration between trade, academia, utilized analysis establishments, in addition to governments and regulators. The non-public sector has a possibility to help regulators in preserving tempo with technological developments with beneficial enter on EPFD limits and spectrum allocation. As a result of the size of planning, deploying and sustaining satellite tv for pc constellations is bigger than most particular person organizations can handle, elevated collaboration is crucial for fulfillment.
