Use Of LEO Satellites To Extend NB-IoT Coverage

As IoT devices expand into remote and rural environments, maintaining reliable connectivity beyond the limits of terrestrial 5G becomes essential. This presentation shows how Remcom’s Wireless InSite ray-tracing software can accurately model and overcome these coverage gaps by integrating low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite links with existing NB-IoT networks. Using detailed simulations of rugged terrain, atmospheric effects, and satellite elevation angles, the study demonstrates how LEO augmentation dramatically improves signal quality, coverage reliability, and throughput—often doubling performance in underserved areas. The results highlight the powerful role of NTN-enabled 5G in delivering seamless, wide-area IoT connectivity and showcase Remcom’s advanced tools for evaluating next-generation hybrid communication systems.

Remcom is also devoting research and development to leverage the Cesium ion™ platform for interactive visualization of Wireless InSite’s ray-tracing in order to better analyze satellite-to-ground RF simulation. Combined with Wireless InSite’s dynamic scenario modeling, users will be able to model wireless coverage and multipath between moving antennas on the ground and satellites in space. This was demonstrated in a meeting of the IEEE INGR Satellite Working Group as part of a discussion on the challenges and solutions for NTN systems as technology moves further into 6G. To watch the meeting recording and an example of the Cesium application, please visit Remcom’s website.