Anritsu Supports Evaluation Of 5G NR NTN Devices For Satellite-Based Communications

Supporting development of 5G NR NTN devices providing connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas

Anritsu Corporation, a global leader in test and measurement solutions, is pleased to announce that its Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A, a measurement solution for 5G devices such as smartphones, now supports evaluation of 5G NR NTN devices for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), which enables communication via satellite.

NTN technology solves connectivity problems in areas where conventional communication infrastructure is unavailable, such as mountainous regions, remote islands, and disaster zones. As demand for stable communications in these environments grows, NTN technology is expected to play a pivotal role in future 5G networks.

Anritsu has pioneered mobile device test solutions since the dawn of the 3G era. This enhancement supports the improvement of 5G NR NTN device quality, thereby contributing to the realization of a networked society where communication is possible anywhere.

Development Background
The communications industry is working to deploy widespread NTN services without requiring major changes to existing wireless devices. However, NTN 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. Addressing these challenges only at the satellite side limits the stable communication range.

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

Product Outline
Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A test instrument is designed primarily 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. Anritsu supports test conditions that comply with 3GPP Release 17 and later. The MT8000A can simulate propagation delay and Doppler shift in 5G NR NTN environments to facilitate development of 5G NR NTN devices meeting the unique challenges of the satellite communications.

About Anritsu
Anritsu is a provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions. Anritsu engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for emerging and legacy wireline and wireless technologies used in commercial, private, military/aerospace, government, and other markets.

For more information, visit www.anritsu.com