Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek to Showcase 5G Non-Terrestrial Network NR Rel.17 Connection

Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek have teamed up to demonstrate a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) new radio (NR) connection based on the latest 3GPP Release 17 specifications.

MediaTek and Rohde & Schwarz have collaborated to showcase a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) radio (NR) connection that adheres to the most recent 3GPP Release 17 standards. The solution could also enhance critical communications for first responders in the near future.

This technological advancement, implemented with the cutting-edge R&S CMX500 one-box signaling tester (OBT) from Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek's NTN-NR device as the DUT, will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year. 5G NTN-NR represents the forthcoming iteration of NTN technology wherein satellite-based services will be directly connected to smartphones and other 5G devices.

At the Rohde & Schwarz booth at MWC Barcelona, a live 5G NTN-NR connection that simulates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite access node will be showcased. The purpose of the arrangement is to demonstrate the potential of 5G technology to deliver connectivity in regions lacking terrestrial coverage through the simulation of real-world scenarios. NTN-NR will guarantee global accessibility to fundamental mobile services, including messaging, telephony, and low-data-rate services. This is particularly crucial in scenarios where terrestrial network coverage is unattainable or impracticable, such as in the aviation, maritime, and rural sectors.

Together, the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator and the R&S CMX500 OBT radio communication tester will simulate the satellite base station. The SMBV100B simulates the various satellite constellations using its integrated GNSS option. In an interactive callbox mode, the R&S CMX500 will enable users to initiate voice conversations in addition to conducting RF-related measurements. By utilizing an intuitive user interface, this test mode showcases the tester's adaptability in assessing the performance and dependability of 5G connections across various environments. Its purpose is to guarantee that forthcoming NTN-NR devices powered by MediaTek's NTN test platform will operate without any issues, irrespective of location.

Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President of Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said:

“Collaborating with MediaTek to showcase this revolutionary technology at MWC Barcelona exemplifies our commitment to driving innovation in the 5G NTN space. The demonstration of a 5G NTN-NR connection enabled by our R&S CMX500 OBT not only highlights the potential of non-terrestrial networks to enhance global connectivity, but also enables a whole new market for ubiquitous connectivity.”

Ho-Chi Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnerships at MediaTek, said:

“Our long-standing relationship with Rohde & Schwarz highlights the commitment we have made to ushering in a new era of connectivity. As the demand for satellite technology continues to grow across a wide variety of product categories, it’s especially important for us to further expand our ecosystem of connected devices to ensure users always have access to the world.”