Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has expanded its array of test cases for the Skylo Technologies non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification program to 21, enhancing the capabilities of the Keysight RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset (RCAT). These new test cases offer developers additional avenues to certify 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) NTN chipsets, modules, and devices utilizing narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) within Skylo’s network.
In response to the growing demand for tools to validate and certify products in the era of expanding secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth connectivity through NTN, Keysight and Skylo have joined forces to develop seamless NTN certification testing solutions. These solutions have gained approval from industry organizations such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PTCRB.
The freshly devised test cases jointly cover radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects specific to NB communication within NTN. This encompasses technical challenges related to doppler effects arising from the distance and relative speed between devices and satellites. The RCAT Skylo release effectively tackles these challenges by simulating real-world conditions, including geostationary orbit (GEO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR). This approach ensures a well-balanced blend of test complexity and emulation of real-world network conditions.
This collaborative partnership firmly establishes Keysight as the premier test equipment vendor for the Skylo Certification program and NTN testing. Ongoing collaboration between Keysight and Skylo is focused on developing supplementary tests for upcoming releases of Skylo’s NTN certification program, reflecting their commitment to long-term NTN development following the initial test case release in September 2023.
Ian Milne, Head of Quality and Standards at Skylo Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the exceptional journey between the two companies and the increasing interest in their certification program from key industry players. He anticipates continued collaboration with Keysight to ensure high-quality service to hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, where Skylo plays a pivotal role.
Jose Ignacio Espinola, Director of NTN Certification Solutions at Keysight, highlighted Keysight’s pioneering role in supporting NTN scale-up through a combination of 3GPP and service provider standards. Keysight’s commitment is evident in bringing advanced test solutions to market first and leading certification efforts with major vendors and chipset makers on critical aspects of satellite communications. The milestone achieved with Skylo reinforces their dedication to NTN’s successful development.
Keysight and Skylo will showcase the conformance testing of NB-NTN for the Skylo network at Mobile World Congress 2024, Hall 5 Stand #5E12, featuring the first-to-market RCAT satellite service operator acceptance solution.
Resources:
- Podcast: “Will Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Reshape Wireless Communications?”
- Demo Video: “Accelerate NB-IoT NTN Devices Testing”
- Brochure: “NB-IoT NTN Device Acceptance”
- Keysight Products: S8705A RF/RRM DVT and Conformance Toolset, S8707A RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset, S8704A Protocol Conformance Toolset, E7515B UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform.
