Anritsu has verified 3GPP Rel-17 NR NTN test cases on its ME7834NR platform, enabling protocol testing for satellite-based 5G device connectivity.
Anritsu Corporation has announced its successful verification and support of 3GPP RAN5 Release 17 NR NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks) test cases on its ME7834NR 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are wireless systems that operate above Earth’s surface using platforms such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. Release 17 of the 3GPP standard introduces NR NTN, enabling 5G devices to connect to satellite networks using existing terrestrial protocols. This marks a major step towards seamless global 5G coverage, particularly in areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile infrastructure.
Anritsu’s support for these NR NTN test cases aims to enable uninterrupted mobile connectivity, data, voice, and messaging anywhere on the planet. This is expected to benefit individuals, businesses, and industries reliant on constant communication access.
The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1 and are aligned with requirements in TS 38.331. Anritsu has submitted the validated test cases to 3GPP’s Radio Access Network Working Group 5 (RAN WG5), where they are now publicly accessible via the RAN5 portal.
The ME7834NR is registered as Test Platform 251 with both the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PTCRB. It supports 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Testing (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) across multiple Radio Access Technologies.
This includes 5G NR in both Standalone and Non-Standalone modes, as well as LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-A Pro, W-CDMA, and now NTN. When combined with Anritsu’s MA8171A OTA RF chamber and RF converters, the platform also enables testing across sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G NR frequency bands.
