LooUQ Embedded Modem Application Supports Automatic Satellite and Terrestrial Network Switching

Nordic Semiconductor is moving forward to expand IoT device development that supports both satellite and cellular networks. Based on a cellular IoT module that has obtained non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification, the company provides solutions capable of maintaining connectivity even in remote regions.

On the 10th, Nordic Semiconductor announced that its cellular IoT module nRF9151 has been applied to LooUQ's embedded modem MTC2-N9151 and obtained Skylo non-terrestrial network (NTN) certification. Through this, IoT device developers can now develop products utilizing both satellite and terrestrial cellular networks more rapidly.

The nRF9151 is a cellular IoT module supporting LTE-M, NB-IoT, NB-NTN satellite connectivity, and DECT NR+. It integrates an open application MCU and security functions in a single package, designed to implement satellite connectivity functionality without requiring additional separate satellite communication hardware.

Skylo operates a 3GPP-based NB-NTN network in collaboration with mobile carriers, and certified devices can automatically switch between terrestrial and satellite networks. The nRF9151 obtained Skylo certification by adding NTN satellite support functionality through a firmware update.

LooUQ's MTC2-N9151 is the first certified successor embedded modem developed based on the nRF9151. Manufacturers utilizing this can shorten product certification procedures by leveraging existing certifications. Additionally, it supports automatic switching between satellite and cellular networks depending on coverage environment.

An actual application example is Remsight, a U.S. water resources technology company. Remsight is monitoring remote water resource facilities in the western United States using the MTC2-N9151 based HydroProxy platform. The solution is designed to support continuous data transmission even in regions with limited cellular coverage.

Nordic sees this technology being utilized in IoT fields operating in remote environments such as smart agriculture, energy infrastructure, asset tracking, and logistics management.

Christian Seder, Senior Director at Nordic Semiconductor, stated, "The nRF9151 is a highly integrated IoT module supporting LTE-M, NB-IoT, NB-NTN, and NR+," and added, "It can serve as the foundation for next-generation devices requiring connectivity anywhere in the world."