NTN communication network over Europe from space

Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Testing

Our testing solutions for NTN and satellite-based communication enable reliable connectivity for IoT devices and mobile systems, supporting fast certification worldwide.
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Non-Terrestrial Network

Global Connectivity with NTN

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) enable worldwide coverage by leveraging satellites across multiple orbits and High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS). For successful integration with mobile and satellite networks, devices must meet strict compatibility standards and regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Our NTN Testing Services:

  • Customized Solutions: Tailored testing strategies for IoT and 5G NR satellite-based devices.

  • Broad Radio Expertise: Extensive know-how in wireless communication and international standards.

  • Efficient Certification: Fast and reliable certification processes for safe global market access.

Technology

NTN-IoT & 5G NTN-NR

NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) technology comprises two main areas: NTN-IoT and NTN-NR, each addressing different markets and use cases. These technologies facilitate enhanced data rates and real-time telecommunications, driving advancements in global connectivity.

  • NTN-IoT (Non-Terrestrial Networks for the Internet of Things) is already established and extends the reach of IoT applications. IoT refers to interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data via the internet. NTN-IoT ensures global coverage, extending connectivity to rural areas, the sea, and airspace, and operates in both geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbits (LEO). Currently, most services are provided via GEO satellites.

  • NTN-NR (Non-Terrestrial Networks for New Radio) is gaining importance as NTN technology continues to expand. NR, the radio standard for 5G networks, enhances data throughput and reduces latency. NTN-NR empowers smartphones and 5G devices (e.g., RedCap-based devices) to be connected directly via low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This enables services such as voice communication and messaging, as well as supporting higher data speeds for specific applications, though not comparable to terrestrial 5G speeds.

Comparison

NTN-IoT and NTN-NR

NTN-IoT

Target Application IoT connectivity in remote areas
Orbit Types GEO and LEO
Key Benefits Worldwide IoT coverage, extended reach for remote environments
Typical Applications Smart sensors, logistics tracking, environmental monitoring, agricultural management, asset tracking
Technical Characteristics Low power consumption, long-range communication, robust in extreme environments, Best-Effort approach with no QoS support (Quality of Service)
Market Maturity Widely deployed (GEO-based services), part of 3GPP Release 17 standardization and under ongoing development
Connectivity Challenges Signal propagation delay, limited bandwidth

NTN-NR

Target Application 5G mobile communication
Orbit Types Primarily LEO
Key Benefits Higher bandwidth, reduced communication latency, enhanced data speeds (not comparable to terrestrial 5G)
Typical Applications Smartphone connectivity, voice and messaging services, emergency communications, maritime and aviation communications, remote control of heavy machinery, autonomous driving
Technical Characteristics Higher bandwidth, support for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), reduced latency, QoS support
Market Maturity Emerging technology with increasing investment, part of 3GPP Release 17 standardization and under ongoing development
Connectivity Challenges Limited bandwidth, Doppler effect, frequent handovers

Use Cases

Our test technologies cover the following fields of application:

  • Aeronautical Earth Stations (AES): Provide in-flight satellite connectivity for seamless communication, supporting passenger services and operational efficiency.

  • Broadcast Technologies: Enable mobile TV broadcasting through Satellite News Gathering (SNG), while VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals) systems extend coverage to remote or underserved areas.

  • Interactive Satellite Communication: Facilitate two-way communication via Satellite Interactive/User Terminals (SIT/SUT), while Receive-Only Mobile Earth Stations (ROMES) specialize in signal reception.

  • Maritime Communication Solutions: Equip ships with Maritime Mobile Earth Stations (MMES) to ensure reliable connectivity for navigation, operational tasks, and crew welfare.

  • Mobile Satellite Communication Systems: Support vehicles and portable devices through Land Mobile Earth Stations (LMES) and Mobile Earth Stations (MES), enabling communication in remote or dynamic environments.

Have specific application requirements? Contact us to discuss tailored solutions for your industry.

NTN Spectrum

Satellite Frequency Bands: 5G FR1 & FR2

Explanation: RAN4, part of the Radio Access Network (RAN) group, defines standards for transmission, reception, channel demodulation, and Channel State Information (CSI) reporting. FDD: Frequency Division Duplex, TDD: Time Division Duplex. Source and Copyright: Günter Pfeifer, Rohde & Schwarz, IB-Lenhardt AG 2024 NTN: Spectrum in 5G FR1 & FR2 Band # n255 n256 n257 n258 n259 n260 n261 n262 n510 n511 n512 Uplink 1626.5 - 1660.5 MHz 1980.0 - 2010.0 MHz 26.50 - 29.50 GHz 24.25 - 27.50 GHz 39.50 - 43.50 GHz 37.00 - 40.00 GHz 27.50 - 28.35 GHz 47.20 - 48.20 GHz 17.70 - 20.20 GHz 17.70 - 20.20 GHz 17.70 - 20.20 GHz Downlink 1525.0 - 1559.0 MHz 2170.0 - 2200.0 MHz 26.50 - 29.50 GHz 24.25 - 27.50 GHz 39.50 - 43.50 GHz 37.00 - 40.00 GHz 27.50 - 28.35 GHz 47.20 - 48.20 GHz 27.50 - 28.35 GHz 28.35 - 30.00 GHz 27.50 - 30.00 GHz Duplex FDD FDD TDD TDD TDD TDD TDD TDD FDD FDD FDD First 3GPP NTN FR1 bands for L-Bands & S-Band (IoT) From RAN4 #105 Nov.22 propos. R4-2219076, R4-2220239 Proposed 3GPP NTN FR2-0/FR2-1 bands for K-Band & KA-Band (VSAT) Existing 3GPP FR2-1 Bands

Testing Services

Precision Testing for Satellite Communication

The key challenges of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) arise from the vast distances and high dynamics of satellite-based communication systems. These technical issues include longer signal delays due to Round-Trip Time (RTT), frequency shifts caused by satellite movement, high path attenuation that weakens signal strength, and polarization effects like Faraday rotation that complicate signal transmission. These challenges impact signal quality, communication speed, and network performance, requiring adjustments to the protocol architecture of NTN.

NTN Testing Services:
We support you in testing and certifying your devices for NTN and 5G networks:

  • Compatibility Tests: Conducting network connection tests for both terrestrial and satellite-based networks.

  • Technology Tests: Validating innovative functions, such as satellite-based communication systems and new network technologies.

  • Certification: Ensuring compliance with national and international regulations for radio devices.

Rely on our expertise to accelerate your product’s market approval with swift, reliable certification.

NTN Standards

Market Access in North America

Meeting regulatory requirements is crucial for market access, avoiding delays and added costs due to non-compliance. We provide comprehensive services to help your products meet all necessary standards.

USA

  • FCC: CFR 47 FCC Part 25 (USA)

Canada

  • ISED: SRSP-101 (Canada)

  • ISED: RSS 170 (Canada)

Let's get in Touch

The experts at IB-Lenhardt AG and IBL-Lab GmbH are always there for you. Just contact us!
Heinrich-Hertz-Allee 7,
66386 St. Ingbert, Germany
+49 6894 38938-99
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Advantages

Why IB-Lenhardt AG

We understand that each product is unique and requires customized solutions. That is why we make it a priority to work closely with our customers to meet their individual needs. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Take advantage of our worldwide network! With us, your products are always up to date and future-proof.

EMI Receiver Rohde & Schwarz

Further Services

Testing and Product Certification

Our test laboratory is accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and certified to ISO 9001:2015 for quality management. We provide regulatory and performance testing and wireless certification services based on global technical standards to ensure your product operates reliably in industrial environments.
We are an internationally recognized certification body for CE marking in the EU, FCC for the USA, Canadian ISED and Japanese MIC certifications and also have close contacts with local agents and representatives around the world.

5G & Mobile Device Testing

Compliance testing for 5G, LTE, 4G & legacy version standards.

Satellite Navigation

Testing and certification for GPS, Galileo, SBAS and further systems.

Digital Broadcasting

Certification services for digital broadcast receivers according to the RED.

Radio Frequencies

Ensuring all necessary radio frequency requirements.

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Contact Us

Secure Compliance with Accredited Lab Testing

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Testing for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), 5G non-terrestrial networks, and satellite connectivity.

  • GNSS module testing to comply with ETSI EN 303 413 standards for precise navigation and positioning.

  • 5G and LTE tests to verify compatibility with terrestrial mobile networks and efficient wireless communication.

We simplify compliance. Connect with our experts for tailored solutions that support fast certification and global market access.