How Are 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks Driving Satellite Link Impairment And Hardware-In-The-Loop Emulation?

Development of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is accelerating as the industry pushes toward truly global connectivity. NTN extends beyond traditional satellite communications to include high-altitude platform systems (HAPS), balloons, aircraft, and drones. When satellite-based, NTN incorporates Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) systems into the 3GPP 5G ecosystem.

Historically, users relied on separate devices for terrestrial and satellite connectivity. With 5G NTN, that divide is disappearing. Future mobile devices will seamlessly connect to both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, enabling continuous service regardless of geography. Over time, satellite platforms are expected to host 5G base stations directly, while also delivering high-bandwidth backhaul to remote locations.

NTN is divided into two primary categories: NTN-IoT and NTN-NR (New Radio). NTN-IoT has already expanded global IoT coverage across land, sea, and air—supporting asset tracking, agriculture, maritime monitoring, disaster response, automotive services, and SOS communications. Most current deployments operate in GEO orbit, where broad coverage is prioritized over latency.

NTN-NR represents the next major evolution, directly connecting smartphones and 5G devices to satellite and HAPS platforms. Operating primarily in LEO or at high altitudes to reduce latency and signal loss, NTN-NR enables low-data-rate services, voice, messaging, automotive connectivity, and seamless 5G backhaul.

As 3GPP continues advancing NTN standards, the vision of ubiquitous, uninterrupted connectivity is rapidly becoming reality.