Keysight Leads Skylo Non-Terrestrial Network Certification Program with Validated Test Cases
- Strategic collaboration positions Keysight as the leading test equipment vendor for the Skylo certification program and non-terrestrial networks validation.
- The test cases cover radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects of NB communication that are unique to NTN, emulating real world conditions including geostationary orbit (GEO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR).
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Insights
The expansion of Keysight Technologies' test cases for Skylo Technologies' non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification program is a significant development for the telecommunications industry. The ability to certify chipsets, modules and devices for NTN is crucial as the industry moves towards 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) and seeks to ensure connectivity in remote and underserved areas through satellite networks. The inclusion of new test cases in the RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset (RCAT) enables a more comprehensive validation process, addressing unique challenges such as doppler effects due to the high-speed movement of satellites relative to devices on the ground.
For stakeholders, this collaboration between Keysight and Skylo could lead to faster time-to-market for certified products, potentially giving early adopters a competitive edge in the emerging NTN market. Device manufacturers stand to benefit from a streamlined certification process, which can reduce development costs and complexity. This partnership also positions Keysight as a frontrunner in the NTN testing space, which could attract more business from chipset and device makers looking to certify their products for NTN deployment.
In the long term, the success of this certification program could accelerate the adoption of satellite-based internet of things (IoT) solutions, expanding the reach of high-bandwidth connectivity. However, the technical complexity of testing under real-world conditions such as geostationary orbit (GEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GSO) will require ongoing innovation and investment in advanced testing solutions.
The strategic collaboration between Keysight and Skylo reflects a growing interest in hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, particularly for narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) applications. As the mobile industry continues to evolve, the ability to provide reliable connectivity to devices anywhere on the planet becomes increasingly important. This is especially relevant for sectors like agriculture, maritime and logistics, where IoT devices are often located in remote areas.
By addressing the signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR) challenges and other technical aspects unique to NTN, Keysight solidifies its market position. The market for NTN testing equipment is likely to expand alongside the growth of satellite communications for IoT, creating opportunities for Keysight to capture a significant share of this niche market. The demonstration of the RCAT solution at the Mobile World Congress 2024 will be a key moment for Keysight to showcase its capabilities to potential customers and partners.
Investors in the telecommunications sector should monitor the adoption rate of NTN solutions and the performance of companies like Keysight that are enabling this technology. As NTN becomes more prevalent, the demand for testing and certification services is expected to grow, potentially impacting the financial performance of companies that are early entrants into this space.
Keysight Technologies' announcement regarding its expanded test cases for Skylo's NTN certification program could have financial implications for the company and its investors. As a leading test equipment vendor in the NTN space, Keysight is positioning itself to capitalize on the expected growth in satellite communications and NB-IoT. The ability to offer a first-to-market solution for satellite service operator acceptance could lead to increased sales and market share in this specialized segment.
Investors should consider the potential revenue streams from this partnership, especially as Keysight continues to innovate and release supplementary tests for future Skylo NTN certification programs. The ongoing commitment to NTN development suggests a long-term strategy that may contribute positively to Keysight's financial health. However, it is important to remain cognizant of the costs associated with research and development in this cutting-edge field, as well as the competitive landscape that could influence Keysight's market dominance.
Moreover, the performance of Keysight's stock (NYSE: KEYS) may be influenced by market perception of its role in enabling NTN. Positive reception and successful demonstrations at industry events like the Mobile World Congress could enhance investor confidence, while any technical or adoption challenges could have the opposite effect.
- Keysight now has 21 approved test cases available for non-terrestrial network chipset, module, and device certification onto Skylo mobile operator networks
- Strategic collaboration positions Keysight as the leading test equipment vendor for the Skylo certification program and non-terrestrial networks validation
- Test cases emulate real world conditions including geostationary orbit, geosynchronous orbit and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio
As mobile operators begin to extend secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth connectivity across their entire geographical footprint through NTN, chipset and device makers are searching for tools to validate and certify products for these new networks. Recognizing this critical industry need, Keysight and Skylo have been collaborating to develop seamless NTN certification testing solutions approved by organizations such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PTCRB.
The new, jointly developed test cases cover radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects of NB communication that are unique to NTN. These include the technical challenges posed by doppler effects arising from the distance and relative speed between devices and satellites. The RCAT Skylo release addresses this by emulating real world conditions including geostationary orbit (GEO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR). The RCAT solution achieves a balance between test complexity and the emulation of real-world network conditions.
This strategic partnership positions Keysight as the leading test equipment vendor for the Skylo Certification program and NTN testing. Keysight and Skylo are continuing to collaborate on supplementary tests for future releases of Skylo’s NTN certification program. This ongoing commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to the long-term success of NTN development since the initial test case release in September 2023.
Ian Milne, Head of Quality and Standards at Skylo Technologies, said: “The journey between our two companies has been exceptional, and we are thrilled to witness the results, with our certification program gaining interest from key industry players. We eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with Keysight to achieve our shared goal of ensuring high-quality service to hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, in which Skylo plays a key role."
Jose Ignacio Espinola, Director of NTN Certification Solutions at Keysight, said: "Keysight is a pioneer in supporting the scale-up of NTN by using a combination of 3GPP and service provider standards to develop and prioritize certification testing. Our commitment is reflected in bringing advanced test solutions to market first, and we are leading certification efforts with every major vendor and chipset maker on testing critical aspects of satellite communications. This significant milestone with Skylo validates our efforts and inspires us to contribute continuously to the successful development of NTN.”
Keysight and Skylo will demonstrate the conformance testing of NB-NTN for the Skylo network at Mobile World Congress 2024, Hall 5 Stand #5E12, with the first-to-market, RCAT satellite service operator acceptance solution.
Resources
- Podcast - Will Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Reshape Wireless Communications?
- Demo Video - Accelerate NB-IoT NTN Devices Testing
- Brochure - NB-IoT NTN Device Acceptance
- S8705A RF/RRM DVT and Conformance Toolset
- S8707A RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset
- S8704A Protocol Conformance Toolset
- E7515B UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform
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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240201835378/en/
Paul Erwin
+1 248 430 9075
paul.erwin@keysight.com
Fusako Dohi
+81 42 660-2162
fusako_dohi@keysight.com
Jenny Gallacher
+44 (0) 7800 737 982
jenny.gallacher@keysight.com
Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
FAQ
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