Non-terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are wireless communication systems that operate above the Earth’s surface, utilising platforms in the air and in Earth’s orbit. These platforms include satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
3GPP Release 17 introduces ‘NR NTN’ – the inclusion of Non-Terrestrial Networks into the 5G New Radio (NR) standards. This advancement enables 5G devices to connect to satellites using the same protocols as terrestrial base stations, paving the way for global 5G coverage beyond traditional infrastructure.
“Anritsu support for NR NTN test cases will enable ubiquitous connectivity for uninterrupted mobile data, voice and messaging – anywhere on Earth empowering individual users, businesses and industries that need to be connected with always-on access,” said Yokoo Daizaburo, General Manager of Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu Corporation.
The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1 and aligned with the core requirements in TS 38.331. These tests have been submitted by Anritsu to 3GPP’s Radio Access Network Working Group 5 (RAN WG5). They are available on 3GPP RAN5 portal.
5G NR mobile device test platform ME7834NR
The 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR is registered as Test Platform 251 with both the GCF and PTCRB.
This platform supports 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Test (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) of mobile devices incorporating Multiple Radio Access Technologies. It covers 5G NR in both Standalone and Non-Standalone modes, along with LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-A Pro, W-CDMA and now NTN. When paired with Anritsu’s OTA RF chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR supports testing in sub-6 GHz and millimetre wave (mmWave) 5G NR frequency bands.
