Demonstrating a breakthrough in non terrestrial networks, Keysight and KT SAT completed a handover between GEO and emulated LEO links.
Keysight Technologies and KT SAT have achieved the industry’s first non terrestrial network multi orbit handover between a commercial GEO satellite and an emulated LEO link, marking a major step toward advanced multi orbit connectivity. The demonstration, conducted at KT SAT’s Kumsan Satellite Network Operation Center in Korea, used the KOREASAT 6A satellite over a live Ku band GEO connection operating at approximately 12.3 GHz downlink and 14.4 GHz uplink.
The companies validated newly standardized 3GPP Release 19 Ku band NTN spectrum behaviors in a controlled lab setting, advancing capabilities that will support continuous coverage as the industry moves toward 6G. Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks is key for resilient service in remote or disaster affected regions, but challenges such as delay, Doppler effects, and dynamic link conditions have complicated mobility across orbits.
By moving beyond earlier single orbit demonstrations, Keysight and KT SAT have shown that operators can shift from isolated satellite links to seamless multi orbit mobility. The trial enhances KT SAT’s ability to pursue always on coverage across space and ground domains and strengthens the foundation for next generation Ku band NTN mobility solutions.
Using Keysight’s network emulation tools, the teams emulated base station and user equipment behavior, maintained a two way link through KOREASAT 6A, and executed a smooth handover from GEO to an emulated LEO link. The work gives operators and vendors earlier insight into real world propagation and timing behaviors, reducing reliance on expensive field trials.
KT SAT CEO Seo Young soo said the results will help expand integrated multi orbit services, while Keysight executive Peng Cao said the collaboration brings future multi orbit networks into the lab, lowering the cost and risk of early deployments.
