This article is part of the TechXchange: IoT & Narrowband Communications.
Keysight Technologies extended the number of test cases for Skylo Technologies' non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification program to 21 in the Keysight RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset (RCAT). Offering developers new ways to certify 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) NTN chipsets, modules, and devices, the test cases address narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) solutions for Skylo's network.
Keysight and Skylo are creating seamless NTN certification testing solutions with tools to validate and certify products targeting these new networks for organizations such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PTCRB. The test cases cover radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects of NB communication unique to NTN, like the technical challenges posed by Doppler effects arising from the distance and relative speed between devices and satellites.
Real-World Emulation
The RCAT Skylo release addresses this by emulating real-world conditions, such as geostationary orbit, geosynchronous orbit, and the signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio, balancing test complexity and real-world network emulation. Keysight and Skylo continue to collaborate on supplementary tests for future releases of Skylo's NTN certification program.
According to Ian Milne, Head of Quality and Standards at Skylo Technologies, "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 added, "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."
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