Increased the number of test cases for the Skylo NTN certification program to 21.
Provides a certification method for 3GPP 5G Rel-17 NTN chipsets, etc. using NB-IoT

Keysight Technologies (hereinafter Keysight) announced on the 4th that it has increased the number of test cases for the Skylo Technologies (hereinafter Skylo) Non-Terrain Network (NTN) certification program to 21.

New test cases available in Keysight’s RF/RRM Carrier Acceptance Toolset (RCAT) provide developers with additional ways to certify 3GPP 5G Release 17 (Rel-17) NTN chipsets, modules, and devices using Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) for Skylo’s networks.

As mobile operators begin to expand secure and reliable broadband networks across wide areas via NTN, chipset and device manufacturers are seeking tools to verify and certify their products for these new networks.

Recognizing these urgent industry demands, Keysight and Skylo have collaborated to develop seamless NTN certification test solutions approved by organizations such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PTCRB.

The new test cases jointly developed by the two companies are available only on NTN This covers the radio frequency (RF) and functional performance aspects of NB communication.

This includes technical challenges such as the Doppler effect caused by the distance and relative velocity between the device and the satellite.

RCAT Skylo Release solves these problems by emulating real conditions including geostationary orbit (GEO), geosynchronous orbit (GSO), and signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SINR).

RCAT solutions maintain a balance between test complexity and the emulation of real network conditions.

This strategic partnership has enabled Keysight to solidify its position as a leading test equipment vendor for the Skylo certification program and NTN testing.

Keysight and Skylo are also continuing their collaboration on additional testing for future releases of the Skylo NTN certification program.

This ongoing collaboration for innovation demonstrates the significant effort the two companies have put into the long-term success of NTN development, starting with the release of the first test cases in September 2023.

“The two companies have shared a very special journey together, and we are very pleased to see this bear fruit,” said Ian Milne, Head of Quality and Standards at Skylo Technologies. “Leaders in the industry are paying attention to Skylo’s certification program, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Keysight to achieve our shared goal of ensuring high-quality services for hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks where Skylo plays a key role.”

Jose Ignacio Espinola, Director of Keysight’s NTN Authentication Solutions, stated, “Keysight supports the scaling of NTN“As a pioneer, we develop and prioritize certification tests using a combination of 3GPP and service provider standards, strive to be the first in the market to launch advanced test solutions, and lead certification work with all major vendors and chipset manufacturers regarding testing core aspects of satellite communications,” they stated. “This achievement with Skylow is the fruit of Keysight’s hard work, and inspired by this, we will continue to contribute to the successful development of NTN in the future.”