Testing Solution Performs OTA Validation of NTN Comms for Mobile, IoT devices
Supporting over-the-air (OTA) validation of non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications for mobile and IoT devices, a joint testing solution from Microwave Vision Group (MVG) and Anritsu leverages MVG's multi-probe OTA systems with Anritsu’s Radio Communication Analyzer MT8821C.
The platform provides a lab-based environment for realistic satellite link emulation in compliance with 3GPP requirements. Conditions include Doppler shift due to satellite motion, increased signal-propagation delays, complex network reselection mechanisms between satellite and ground networks, and roaming across regulatory domains.
MVG has configured its OTA systems, such as the SG system and StarLab, to host Anritsu’s MT8821C as the core signal-generation and analysis platform, bringing advanced RF and protocol capabilities into MVG’s controlled OTA measurement environments. This enables the evaluation of critical metrics such as total radiated power (TRP), total isotropic sensitivity (TIS), and receiver sensitivity under satellite-like test conditions.
The MT8821C supports a wide frequency range and provides stable, high-throughput RF testing for LTE, LTE-Advanced, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT terminals. Within the MVG system, it can perform synchronized measurements through WaveStudio software to simulate and assess device performance under realistic NTN conditions per 3GPP TS 36.521-4.
Among its applications are global asset tracking, remote monitoring, and industrial IoT. The solutions also facilitate testing against network specifications such as those defined by Skylo, helping vendors verify performance and readiness for deployment on commercial NTN services.
