Keysight Technologies and Capgemini Validate 5G NR RAN Solution for Non-Terrestrial Networks

• Collaboration to perform end-to-end validation of NTN using Capgemini’s 5G NR Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) framework

• Capgemini enables rapid deployment of 5G NR NTN radio access network (RAN) by validating network protocols and orbit channel modeling

• Solution can simulate low-orbit satellite constellations and simulate real network traffic

Keysight Technologies announced that it has successfully verified the NTN test scenario with Capgemini. The test environment is based on Capgemini's 5G NR CU and DU framework that supports NTN, and uses Keysight's UeSIM UEE and Propsim channel emulation solutions to achieve end-to-end performance verification by simulating real network traffic.

Keysight Technologies and Capgemini Validate 5G NR RAN Solution for Non-Terrestrial Networks

The verification was conducted based on the 3GPP Release 17 standard, which introduces multiple enhanced radio access network features. In the context of NTN, the gNodeB of the 5G RAN continues to play a key role in satellite-based communication systems. The gNodeB provides more reliable connections, extending the coverage of 5G to remote areas, while paving the way for new NTN deployments such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected vehicles, driving innovation.

Capgemini validated its 5G NR gNodeB features using Keysight's UEE solution, which emulates NTN-enabled end-user devices, and Propsim, which emulates satellite operating environments such as latency and Doppler shift. The solution can effectively address the complex challenges of operating 5G NR gNodeB in an NTN environment by quickly testing and validating network protocols and orbital channel modeling.

Capgemini’s 5G NR NTN CU/DU framework capabilities were first demonstrated live at Mobile World Congress 2024, using Propsim to simulate a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and UEE solutions to emulate real network traffic. This demonstration was showcased at the Satellite Show, which took place from March 19 to 21, 2024.

“Capgemini’s 5G NTN software framework is specifically designed to help the satellite communications industry accelerate the deployment of diverse satellite communications systems,” said Rajat Kapoor, head of software frameworks at Capgemini . “Our validation and interoperability with key partners like Keysight is critical to quickly meet the growing demand for 5G NR NTN deployments. This includes different deployment modes, transparent or regenerative, as well as broadband and IoT applications, ensuring adaptability to a variety of scenarios.”

Cao Peng, vice president and general manager of Keysight's wireless test division , said: "Keysight's leading Sky-to-Lab NTN portfolio accelerates the development and deployment of NTN systems, providing the most advanced simulation capabilities for terminal devices. Combined with mobility, channel and orbit modeling, these capabilities are necessary to test various satellite communication systems in real scenarios in a laboratory environment. By working together with partners like Capgemini, Keysight will continue to contribute to the accelerated deployment of Open RAN in NTN."