Keysight and ETS-Lindgren Deliver First Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks Over-The-Air Test Solution
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Insights
The announcement of the over-the-air (OTA) test solution by Keysight Technologies and ETS-Lindgren represents a significant advancement in the telecommunications industry, particularly for the deployment and validation of narrowband non-terrestrial networks (NB-NTN). NB-NTN, as introduced in 3GPP Release 17, is crucial in expanding the reach of cellular networks through satellite systems. This technology is particularly relevant for providing connectivity in remote or underserved areas, where traditional infrastructure is not viable.
The ability to test devices in OTA conditions is critical for ensuring that they can perform reliably in the unique environments that non-terrestrial networks operate in, such as the presence of Doppler shifts due to satellite movement. The Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) measurements are key indicators of device performance, with TRP measuring the strength of signal transmission and TIS assessing the device's ability to detect weak signals. The successful deployment of NB-NTN could lead to a broader service offering for mobile operators and enhanced global connectivity, which in turn could impact the business models of companies in the telecommunications sector and potentially their stock valuations.
From a market perspective, the collaboration between Keysight Technologies and ETS-Lindgren to create a first-of-its-kind OTA test solution can be seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the burgeoning interest in non-terrestrial network technologies. As the IoT ecosystem continues to expand, the need for robust and reliable connectivity solutions that can serve new use cases, such as asset tracking and emergency services, becomes more pronounced. The ability to provide coverage to a wider geographical area could open up significant market opportunities for device manufacturers and network operators.
Investors and stakeholders in the telecommunications and satellite communications industries should monitor the adoption rate of NB-NTN technology closely. The development of testing infrastructure is a key precursor to widespread deployment and thus, the success of this joint solution could serve as a barometer for the technology's market potential. Companies that are early adopters or that contribute to the NB-NTN ecosystem may experience competitive advantages, which could be reflected in their market performance and investment attractiveness.
The financial implications for Keysight Technologies and ETS-Lindgren stemming from the development of this OTA test solution could be substantial. Keysight Technologies, being publicly traded (NYSE: KEYS), could see investor sentiment influenced by the potential revenue streams from this new offering. The solution enables the testing of devices for emerging NB-NTN technology, which is expected to have a growing market as the world becomes more connected.
Investors should consider the research and development costs associated with bringing such a solution to market, balanced against the anticipated demand for NB-NTN enabled devices. As Keysight Technologies expands its portfolio to include NTN test solutions, it may be positioning itself to capture a significant share of the market in testing equipment for next-generation communication technologies. This strategic positioning, if successful, could lead to enhanced financial performance and shareholder value over the long term.
- Joint solution developed to assess the transmitter / receiver performance of devices supporting narrowband non-terrestrial networks under over-the-air conditions
- Provides a key enabler to accelerate the mobile ecosystem’s rapid deployment ambitions for non-terrestrial networks
Non-terrestrial networks (NTN), a feature of 3GPP Release 17 (Rel-17), enables cellular communications to be delivered by satellite, providing secure, reliable, and high bandwidth coverage to isolated locations globally. The initial technology enabled by NTN is narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT), which enables many new use cases, including asset tracking, remote monitoring, and emergency services. This enables mobile network operators to provide coverage to a wider geographical area and a larger number of subscribers.
Working in close partnership, Keysight and ETS-Lindgren developed a joint OTA test solution for measuring and validating the transmitter / receiver performance of devices supporting NB-NTN. These tests allow device manufacturers to assess real-life performance to ensure they meet consumer expectations and the requirements of network operators and regulators. The solution will also support the forthcoming CTIA OTA test requirements for NTN devices.
The combined solution comprises Keysight’s UXM E7515B NTN software and ETS-Lindgren’s OTA test chambers and EMQuest Antenna Measurement Software. The Keysight NTN software runs on the Keysight E7515x family of UXM 5G Wireless Test Platforms and emulates both terrestrial and satellite networks, including satellites in low, mid, or geo-stationary/synchronous orbits to test the effects of Doppler shifts. The built-in channel emulation capabilities of the UXM 5G also allow the performance of devices to be assessed under real-world channel fading conditions in a lab environment. Along with ETS-Lindgren’s OTA test chambers and EMQuest Antenna Measurement Software, the fully integrated solution allows the transmitter and receiver performance of NTN devices to be assessed, including measurements such as Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS).
Keysight’s portfolio of NTN test solutions also supports testing of 5G New Radio and unmodified LTE devices over NTN connections, which are anticipated to be supported by NTN.
James Young, Director of Wireless Solutions, ETS-Lindgren, said: “NTN and direct-to-device satellite technologies are generating significant interest as designers consider the use cases and applications that could be built around this new link method. The buzz around NTN, and the need to answer questions about device performance and capabilities, pushed ETS-Lindgren to prioritize building this test capability for our OTA system users. The cooperative approach with the Keysight UXM 5G Emulation Solution team helped accelerate the development of this important OTA test and allowed quick integration within EMQuest.”
Chih Kai Wu, Wireless Solution Director, Keysight Wireless Test Group, said: “Keysight is delighted to partner with ETS-Lindgren to deliver the industry’s first NB-NTN OTA test solution. This partnership demonstrates the technology leadership of both companies and enables the mobile ecosystem to accelerate the deployment of NTN networks, devices, and services.”
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product lifecycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
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Keysight Media Contacts
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Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
FAQ
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