Non Terrestrial Networks (NTN) – a breakthrough in mobile communications
Systemics PAB presented a solution that sets new standards in testing and developing next generation networks. The highlight of the event was the premiere demonstration of a 5G NTN (Non Terrestrial Networks) satellite communication simulation, performed using the CallBox Ultimate platform.
Traditional mobile networks rely on terrestrial base stations (gNodeB). Despite rapid progress in 5G deployment, many regions of the world remain difficult or impossible to cover using conventional infrastructure – including oceans, mountain ranges, deserts or areas struck by natural disasters. To address these challenges, the 3GPP organisation has introduced the NTN standard (Release 17 and subsequent releases).
NTN technology enables direct integration of satellite connectivity into the 5G architecture. This means that smartphones and terminals can connect straight to satellites – for example, those operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) – without the need for intermediary ground stations.
To develop and validate devices and applications supporting satellite connectivity, it is essential to accurately reproduce these conditions in a controlled laboratory environment.
CallBox Ultimate: a complete test environment for 5G NTN
CallBox Ultimate is an advanced, fully integrated test platform capable of simulating the entire network chain – from the core network (5G Core / EPC), through the base station (gNodeB / eNodeB), to radio channel propagation conditions and satellite behaviour in orbit. Its exceptional processing power and software flexibility make it ideal for testing the most demanding network scenarios. The system supports the latest 3GPP specifications: RAN Release 19 and Core Release 18.
During the demonstrations at KRiT at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Systemics PAB engineers showcased a complete cycle of 5G NTN communication simulations, including:
- GEO satellite trajectory simulation Reproduction of the geostationary motion of the Echostar 21 satellite and the resulting propagation delays (RTT) reaching several hundred milliseconds, including generation of SIB31/19 blocks.
- Transmission time synchronisation Verification of uplink timing advance mechanisms – both Common TA (delay caused by the satellite’s distance from Earth) and UE specific TA (resulting from the device’s position relative to the satellite).
- Doppler effect compensation Demonstration of stable connectivity despite carrier frequency shifts caused by satellite movement.
- 3GPP protocol stack verification Real time testing of commercial terminals for compliance with the 5G NTN standard.
- A new era of satellite network testing
The presentation clearly demonstrated that testing complex satellite communication scenarios no longer requires costly trials using space based assets. Thanks to advanced software driven simulation, these processes can now be performed directly on an engineer’s desk – safely, efficiently, with full repeatability and total control of the costs.