Keysight Leads Skylo Non-Terrestrial Network Certification Program with Validated Test Cases

09/12/2024

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has extended the number of its test cases available for the Skylo Technologies non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification program to 21. Available in the Keysight RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset (RCAT), the new test cases give developers additional ways to certify 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) NTN chipsets, modules, and devices using narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) for Skylo's network.

As mobile operators begin to extend secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth connectivity across their entire geographical footprint through NTN, chipset and device makers are searching for tools to validate and certify products for these new networks. Recognizing this critical industry need, Keysight and Skylo have been collaborating to develop seamless NTN certification testing solutions approved by organizations such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the PTCRB.

The new, jointly developed test cases cover radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects of NB communication that are unique to NTN. These include the technical challenges posed by doppler effects arising from the distance and relative speed between devices and satellites. The RCAT Skylo release addresses this by emulating real world conditions including geostationary orbit (GEO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR). The RCAT solution achieves a balance between test complexity and the emulation of real-world network conditions.

This strategic partnership positions Keysight as the leading test equipment vendor for the Skylo Certification program and NTN testing. Keysight and Skylo are continuing to collaborate on supplementary tests for future releases of Skylo's NTN certification program. This ongoing commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to the long-term success of NTN development since the initial test case release in September 2023.

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