Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are able to significantly extend coverage by moving from a terrestrial infrastructure to hybrid space. However, Keysight Technologies highlights the challenges that can threaten the successful deployment of these networks.

We’ve all experienced our mobile phones not having service. If we are not connected to Wi-Fi and move too far away from our network’s base station, which is a terrestrial infrastructure, connection is lost.

However, this is about to change with the advent of 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs).

NTNs refer to a constellation of satellites or high-altitude platforms (HAPs) that function as relays, extending the coverage and capacity of terrestrial 5G networks.

These networks present many benefits such as extended coverage, low latency, high throughput and spectrum sharing. As such, there is much hype over the commercial possibilities of 5G NTN.

Potential 5G NTN use cases for military and government include coverage for forward battlefields...