Achieving the first full validation of 3GPP NR NTN tests across RF RRM and protocol, the partners advance satellite 5G innovation.
Rohde and Schwarz, working with Samsung, have taken a major step toward commercializing 5G based non terrestrial networks by completing the first validation of NR NTN test cases defined in 3GPP Release 17. The companies successfully verified radio frequency, radio resource management and protocol conformance using the full suite of Rohde and Schwarz test solutions, making the company the first and only provider with validated coverage for 5G NR NTN across all three domains.
The achievement follows joint efforts to meet the requirements set by the PCS Type Certification Review Board under RFT 555. Testing was performed on the R and S TS8980 conformance platform, the TS RRM solution and the CMX500 in frequency range 1, with Samsung’s latest NR NTN chipset serving as the device under test.
Conformance testing is a critical step ahead of any mobile technology launch. For NR NTN, it carries particular weight due to the unique challenges of satellite based communication, from rapidly changing link conditions to complex channel behavior. Validated test cases help ensure that devices can reliably connect through satellites and support coverage in remote or underserved regions.
Goce Talaganov, Vice President of Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde and Schwarz, said that comprehensive conformance testing is essential for a stable mobile ecosystem and praised the collaboration with Samsung.
The CMX500 one box signalling tester sits at the centre of the Rohde and Schwarz platform, supporting research, development and conformance workflows with integrated fading, channel emulation and a tool for visualizing satellite constellations. The R&S CONTEST software further streamlines execution of 3GPP test cases for developers and certification teams.
