Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek validate industry’s first 3GPP Rel. 17 NTN NB-IoT protocol conformance test cases

Rohde & Schwarz has partnered with MediaTek to verify the first NTN NB-IoT protocol conformance test cases according to 3GPP 36.523-1 on MediaTek’s NTN IoT capable MT6825 chipset. This achievement sets the course for NTN device conformity approval – a significant step in bringing next-generation IoT devices based on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to the market and enabling ubiquitous connectivity on land, at sea, and in the air.

Caption: The R&S CMW500 now covers first NTN NB-IoT protocol conformance test cases in line with 3GPP Rel. 17.

With the successful validation of the industry’s first protocol conformance test cases for 3GPP Rel. 17 NTN NB-IoT, Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek accelerate adoption of non-terrestrial network-based IoT use cases spanning multiple sectors such as smartphone, consumer, automotive, agriculture, maritime, logistics, and mining. The release and development of these test cases is a major stepping stone for future device certification mandated by industry committees such as GCF and PTCRB.

This first release of NTN NB-IoT protocol test cases is based on 3GPP RAN#5 specifications delivered by ETSI task force MCC160. In detail, the test cases verify the changes of MAC, RLC, and NAS layers, focusing on the device’s ability to transmit GNSS data efficiently, manage multiple TACs, utilize Rel. 17 extended t-reordering, deliver accurate NAS reject causes and responses, handle HARQ within the NTN context under varying DRX configurations, and accurately interpret timing advance from SIB31 contents.

Rohde & Schwarz has extended its market-leading NB-IoT solution with 3GPP Release 17 NTN features to provide the ecosystem with R&D, production, and conformance testing functions. The protocol conformance test cases were developed using the R&S CMW500 radio communication tester, which allows engineers to assess their NTN NB-IoT devices under realistic conditions, establishing a real-time, comprehensive connection with the simulated satellite network and testing the relevant signaling and RF scenarios in line with the 3GPP Release 17 specification. The test solution emulates geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) as well as low earth orbit (LEO) constellations. It helps engineers to verify NTN device challenges like time and frequency synchronization due to prolonged delay and Doppler effect, low Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), power saving mechanisms, satellite ephemerides, and GNSS acquisition, to name just a few of the core features.

Over the past year, Rohde & Schwarz has collaborated with leading chipset vendors and developed extensive test cases for R&D validation of NTN NB-IoT Rel. 17 features. For further information on NTN test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/_256719.html

Rohde & Schwarz
The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.34 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

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Loberg Dominique
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Dominique.Loberg@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com