Operate
Full eNodeB
License the 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB for production. Get onboarding, ICDs, integration support, training, and ongoing updates so you can deploy, configure, and run services with confidence across LEO, MEO, and GEO.
5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB
Launch NTN NB-IoT services faster with a proven eNodeB that integrates with industry-leading modules, terminals, and devices.A field-proven NB-IoT eNodeB for satellite operators and integrators building satellite-based services. Reduce time-to-deployment, simplify system integration, and establish a scalable foundation for global IoT connectivity.
eNodeB for Commercial 5G NTN NB-IoT Operation
3GPP Release 17 aligned
Transparent + Regenerative supported
The satellite communications industry is at a turning point. With the introduction of 3GPP Release 17, NB-IoT can now be deployed over Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), enabling truly global IoT coverage – even in the most remote and underserved regions.
Deploy at scale
Deploy a commercial-grade NTN eNodeB tailored to your constellation, payload, and operational model.
- LEO/MEO/GEO ready
- Ground-based or in-orbit eNodeB deployment
- Designed to fit system constraints
Integrate into live networks
Integrate cleanly into existing core and OAM environments without disrupting operational workflows.
- Reference adapters for faster onboarding
- Core and OAM hooks for live operation
- 3GPP-aligned interfaces
Verify readiness and operate reliably
Demonstrate operational readiness before launch, then operate and optimize with confidence.
- Pre-launch verification and acceptance criteria
- Runtime tuning and configuration
- Continuous optimization in live service
NB-IoT eNodeB Features
Built as a 3GPP NTN NB-IoT eNodeB with full stack layers, validated on commercial-of-the-shelf hardware for real deployments - enabling reliable, low-power IoT connectivity in challenging environments.
3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN Compliant
Ensures seamless interoperability with standardised Non-Terrestrial Networks and future-proofs your investment.
Flexible Deployment
Supports both transparent (ground-based) and regenerative (onboard satellite) architectures, with proven operation across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits.Comprehensive Core Integration
S1-AP interface for smooth integration with Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and standard OAM (NETCONF/O1, VES) for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.Optimised for IoT
Advanced coverage enhancement, efficient paging, and support for both single-tone and multi-tone uplink - enabling reliable, low-power IoT connectivity in challenging environments.Robust Performance
Adapted for long round-trip times (RTT), with RACH and timing advance enhancements for GEO satellites, and advanced power control for consistent link quality.Modular Software Delivery
Delivered as compiled software with modular options (full stack, L2-L3, PHY), supporting integration with a wide range of hardware platforms.Bringing NTN IoT to Market
The NB-IoT eNodeB is built for real-world deployment. It supports satellite operators and integrators as they move from lab validation to full commercial operation across LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations.
Commercial Service Deployment
Rapidly launch and scale IoT services for any application, leveraging standards-compliant integration and proven reliability. Our solution is validated for operation across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits, ensuring robust performance in real-world satellite environments.
Network Integration and Optimization
Seamlessly integrate with existing networks and optimise performance for diverse operational scenarios. The software supports both transparent (ground-based) and regenerative (onboard satellite) architectures, and is compatible with a wide range of hardware platforms and core network interfaces.
Pre-Launch System Demonstration
Validate your solution through lab testing, in-orbit trials, and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, ensuring readiness for real-world deployment. Our flexible architecture allows for comprehensive system demonstration and risk reduction before commercial rollout.
Operational Control and Lifecycle Support
Maintain service quality and reliability with comprehensive monitoring, support, and lifecycle management. The eNodeB software stack includes advanced OAM interfaces for configuration, fault management, and performance reporting, supporting long-term operational excellence.
An end-to-end solution
Rather than just delivering software, Gatehouse Satcom partners with you throughout the deployment journey – providing the tools, integration, and support needed to ensure your service is a success.
Integrations & Configurations
OAM Configuration
Radio Hardware Integration
Core Integration
UE/Terminal Interoperability
NTN Native Software
5G NTN
NB-IoT
eNodeB
Layer 3
Layer 2
PHY
Customer Success Services
Training
Support & Upgrades
Documentation & Guidance
Flexible Architecture for Transparent and Regenerative NTN
Designed for real networks. The eNodeB fits transparent bent-pipe and regenerative payloads, connects to EPC or 5GC, and aligns with OAM and RF requirements across LEO, MEO, and GEO.
Select a mode to view topology and interfaces.- UE/DeviceUE/Device
- NB-IoT-capable devices (sensors, meters, trackers, etc.) located on the ground or in mobile environments.
- Communicate wirelessly with the satellite using standard NB-IoT protocols.
- Benefit from low-power operation, extended coverage, and full 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT compatibility.
- The satellite (GEO, MEO, or LEO) acts as a transparent relay (“bent-pipe”).
- Receives NB-IoT signals from UEs and relays them to the ground station without onboard processing.
- Supports flexible operation across multiple orbits.
- Hosts the NB-IoT eNodeB software stack on commercial off-the-shelf hardware.
- Manages all radio communications with UEs via the satellite link.
- Handles integration with the core network (EPC) and operational management.
- Provides OAM (NETCONF/O1, VES) interfaces for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.
- Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC) manages user authentication, session handling, and data routing.
- Receives data from the eNodeB via the S1-AP interface (EPC) or NG interface (5GC, if supported).
- Enables seamless connectivity to external networks and services.
Satellite
Satellite in Mirror Function
Ground station
Ground station eNodeB
NETWORK
Core Network
- UE/DeviceUE/Device
- NB-IoT-capable devices (sensors, meters, trackers, etc.) located on the ground or in mobile environments.
- Communicate wirelessly with the satellite using standard NB-IoT protocols.
- Benefit from low-power operation, extended coverage, and full 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT compatibility.
- The satellite (GEO, MEO, or LEO) hosts the NB-IoT eNodeB software stack as an onboard payload.
- Processes NB-IoT signals directly on the satellite, managing radio communications with UEs.
- Connects to the core network via a high-speed feeder link, reducing reliance on ground infrastructure.
- Supports advanced NTN architectures and multi-orbit operation.
- Provides feeder link connectivity between the satellite and the core network.
- May offer additional operational management, monitoring, or backup functions.
- Supports integration with customer-specific RF front-ends if required.
- Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC) manages user authentication, session handling, and data routing.
- Receives data from the eNodeB (now onboard the satellite) via the S1-AP interface (EPC) or NG interface (5GC, if supported).
- Enables seamless connectivity to external networks and services.
Satellite
Satellite with NodeB
Gateway
Gateway (Ground Station)
Core Network
Terrestrial Core Network
Proven in Real-World Conditions
Gatehouse Satcom’s 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB Software is thoroughly tested and trusted by industry leaders. Validation covers demanding scenarios such as burst loss resilience, Doppler-effect handling, and challenging channel conditions to ensure robust performance.
Through collaborative campaigns with satellite operators, hardware partners, and leading institutions, the software has demonstrated interoperability and reliability across GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations. These real-world trials confirm standards-compliant connectivity and operational excellence for commercial NTN deployments.
Recent NB-IoT eNodeB press releases
Validating NTN NB-IoT operation across GEO, MEO and LEO environments has confirmed the robustness and standards compliance of our eNodeB implementation.
Jesper NoerChief Commercial Officer | Gatehouse Satcom
Engage with Gatehouse Satcom on Your 5G NTN Journey
Whether you are evaluating NTN, integrating systems, or preparing for launch, we offer engagement models that match each stage of development and deployment.
Validate
NB-IoT Validation Platform
Use a configurable NB-IoT NTN environment for lab, HIL, or field validation. Exercise real NTN protocol behaviour, test interfaces with commercial UE, and verify performance under LEO and GEO link conditions before moving to full integration.
Analyze
Feasibility Study
Work with our engineers on architecture reviews, payload fit, and concept of operations. Get simulation-based studies, link assumptions, and a practical integration plan aligned with your timeline.
Not sure which option fits your program?
Our commercial team can help clarify scope, technical needs, and the most suitable engagement path for your device development stage.
Talk to SalesTechnical Specifications
The 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB Software is developed for full 3GPP compliance and flexible deployment across satellite and ground infrastructures. It supports transparent and regenerative modes and can be tailored to your network architecture.
- 3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN (NB-IoT) compliant, ensuring interoperability with standardised Non-Terrestrial Networks.
- Operating bands: Band 255 (L-band) and Band 256 (S-band); additional RF front-end options can be integrated per customer platform. For NR/Ka-band plans, see NR roadmap.
- FDD operation.
- CIoT EPS Optimisation (Control-plane: Data-over-NAS) for efficient low-bandwidth messaging.
- NTN system information: SIB31 (satellite/ephemeris & timing); SIB32 (earth-moving/discontinuous coverage)—broadcast and handled per 3GPP.
- Tracking-area signalling (TAC) per 3GPP for NTN operation.
- HARQ behaviour configurable (e.g., constrained/disabled modes where allowed by Release 17 IoT-NTN maintenance).
- Timing inputs (product requirement): PPS/GNSS and orbital inputs via OAM to meet NTN timing and frequency discipline in both transparent and regenerative deployments.
- S1-AP (S1-C/S1-U) towards EPC, supporting standard Evolved Packet Core procedures.
- OAM (NETCONF/O1, VES): configuration (cells, orbital data, core), fault/performance reporting, and lifecycle management.
- Earth-moving cell support, extended timing advance and repetition controls for large service footprints across GEO, MEO, and LEO.
- RACH adaptations for long round-trip times, ensuring robust access on GEO links.
- Delivered as compiled software with modular options (full stack, L2-L3, PHY). Documentation, commissioning procedures and operator training included.
- Continuous NTN operations support via GNSS handling and validity, self-assessment and fault/performance export (VES).
- Configurable HARQ behaviour for operational fine-tuning in permitted modes.
- Standards tracking and upgrades (L3 procedures supported) to accommodate future protocol enhancements.
- Delivered as compiled software with modular configuration options. Offers optional source-level integration under a separate license. Includes comprehensive documentation, commissioning procedures, and operator training.
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The software is designed to support continuous NTN operations through features such as GNSS handling and validity reporting, allowing system self-assessment and error mitigation.
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NTN extensions, SIB’s and Flags, and System information supported ensure that broadcast configurations can be updated and maintained as network requirements evolve.
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Proprietary HARQ disabling allows fine-tuning performance behaviors based on operating modes or maintenance needs.
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L3 procedures supported provides longevity and upgradability for future protocol enhancements.
FAQ
Frequently asked question on the subject of 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB.
Gatehouse Satcom supports the full operational lifecycle of the eNodeB, including configuration support, upgrades, maintenance, and long-term roadmap alignment with evolving 3GPP NTN specifications. This ensures that deployed systems can be maintained, evolved, and scaled as NTN services mature.
The eNodeB has been validated under realistic NTN conditions, including long RTTs, varying link characteristics, and dynamic coverage scenarios. Its design supports stable operation across satellite orbits and challenging radio environments, enabling predictable service behaviour in live NTN deployments.
Yes. The eNodeB architecture supports deployment in both transparent and regenerative NTN configurations. This flexibility allows operators to align the solution with satellite payload design choices while maintaining consistent operational behaviour and standards compliance across different network topologies.
The eNodeB integrates with standard-compliant EPC and 5G core environments using 3GPP-aligned interfaces. It is designed to fit into existing operational architectures, supporting integration with core network functions, monitoring systems, and operational workflows without requiring proprietary adaptations.
Yes. The 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB is designed and delivered as an operational network element for commercial service deployment. It is built to support continuous operation, integration with operational core networks and OAM systems, and long-term lifecycle management across GEO, MEO, and LEO environments.
Ready to accelerate your NTN deployment?
Raphaela Teixeira
Sales Executive
If you are preparing for live NB-IoT service over satellite, our team can help you reduce integration time and move confidently toward operational readiness.
Please reach out to me or fill out this form to start a conversation.