How Gatehouse Satcom is advancing IoT from space

Curious about how our 5G NTN NB-IoT NodeB performs? We sat down with our Product Director, Svend Holme Sørensen, to explore how Gatehouse Satcom helps clients succeed with 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) NB-IoT services in space.

Expanding 5G NB-IoT NTN services into space

When asked what someone looking to build a 5G NTN NB-IoT satellite service would gain from partnering with Gatehouse Satcom, Svend highlighted our comprehensive approach. Gatehouse Satcom supports you from the earliest planning stages, evaluating the feasibility and benefits of 5G NB-IoT NTN, right through to a running service. According to Svend, “We can provide analysis and simulations to prove the value of 5G NTN services, followed by a test and demo system to experience the capabilities in your own lab or existing satellite constellation. Finally, we offer a dedicated NodeB designed specifically for incorporation into a satellite-based 5G service.”

Why a purpose-built NodeB matters

Svend also emphasized what makes Gatehouse Satcom’s NodeB stand out. Rather than adapting a terrestrial solution for space, our NodeB is purpose-built for NTN, delivering optimal performance from the start. “Developed from scratch to support 5G NB-IoT NTN,” he explained, “it runs on a commercial off-the-shelf software-defined radio platform and is designed for deployment as a full payload or modular component.” This flexibility allows it to support connectivity from all orbits, including LEO, MEO, and GEO, and to operate in both regenerative and transparent modes.

Ensuring compatibility with core networks and chipsets

Another key question is whether the NodeB works seamlessly with other essential components, such as core networks and chipsets. Svend confirmed that our 5G NB-IoT NTN NodeB has been successfully verified in a lab environment with all major suppliers of 5G NTN chipsets and core networks. This ensures smooth integration and a reliable path to market for any satellite IoT service.

Alignment with 3GPP standards for greater flexibility

Finally, we discussed how our NodeB aligns with 3GPP standards, which is an important factor for future-proofing any satellite IoT solution. Svend pointed out that our 5G NB-IoT NTN NodeB is fully compliant with 3GPP standards, which have included NTN specifications since Release 17. This compliance allows a range of commercially available NB-IoT devices to operate seamlessly on both terrestrial and satellite-based networks, providing enhanced flexibility to end users.

Key Takeaways

• Gatehouse Satcom supports you from initial feasibility studies through to a fully operational 5G NTN NB-IoT satellite service.
• Our NodeB is designed specifically for space, offering optimal performance and flexible orbit coverage.
• Compatibility with leading core networks and chipsets ensures streamlined deployment.
• Adherence to 3GPP standards (Release 17 and beyond) guarantees a future-proof solution.

Dr. Svend Holme Sørensen, Product Director at Gatehouse Satcom is spearheading the product management for 5G products for non-terrestrial networks. Gatehouse Satcom is a full member of 3GPP and actively contributing to the standardization through extensive knowledge of satellite communication. For further inquiries, contact Dr. Sørensen at [email protected] or connect on LinkedIn.

Want to know more about 5G NTN NB-IoT?

See our popular webinars titled:

Exploring use cases of 5G NB-IoT NTN: Push to talk, two-way messaging & firmware update

How can you obtain 5G NTN connectivity for your current GEO system?