5G • Services
NTN Architecture
Non-Terrestrial Networks Architecture
3GPP Rel-17 standard integrating satellite constellations directly into the 5G New Radio ecosystem.
Technical Explanation
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) adapt 5G NR physical and protocol layers to operate directly over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. This provides universal 5G connectivity to maritime vessels, trans-continental aircraft, and remote rural deserts without terrestrial cell towers.
Key Functions
- Enables direct satellite-to-smartphone and satellite-to-IoT 5G connectivity
- Standardized in 3GPP Release 17 for LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations
- Overcomes terrestrial coverage dead zones across oceans, deserts, and airspace
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.300, TR 38.821
Interfaces
Uu
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