Standards-compliant NTN implementation
Implements 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT NTN features, as documented in the internal UE Product Description regarding Release-17 adaptations, with roadmap alignment to Release-18 and beyond.
5G NTN NB-IoT Reference UE
Accelerate NTN UE implementation and device development with a proven, 3GPP Release-17-aligned UE software stack.Built for satellite operators, device manufacturers, and integrators who require full control, traceability, and predictable performance in NTN-specific device implementations. Reduce integration time and ensure standards alignment from early prototyping through advanced device development using our UE software stack.
Built for Those Who Need to Go Beyond the Chipset
3GPP Release 17 compliant
Optimized for SDR platforms
Shift toward operational NTN
As 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks progress from trials to operational systems, device requirements are becoming more stringent. Standard chipsets offer limited visibility into NTN-specific behaviour – including PHY, MAC, RLC, and RRC adaptations – which can restrict development flexibility, protocol control, certification, and reliability objectives in advanced programs.
3GPP standards for longevity
The Gatehouse Satcom 5G NTN NB-IoT UE implementation implements 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT NTN features and is optimized for Software Defined Radio platforms. Its development roadmap aligns with upcoming NTN enhancements in Release-18 and beyond, ensuring long-term consistency with the evolving standard.
Flexibility for development
The software’s modular and portable architecture is designed for integration with SDR and customer-specific hardware platforms, including those with strict SWaP constraints. Full stack visibility and AT-command control support tailored UE implementations, enabling detailed design verification, security assurance, and controlled behaviour in mission-specific environments.
Key Capabilities for Reliable NTN Device Development
The 5G NTN NB-IoT UE Software provides a complete, standards-aligned implementation of the NTN link layer, designed for predictable integration, controlled behaviour, and compatibility with specialized hardware platforms.
Full-stack protocol visibility
Provides transparent access to PHY, MAC, RLC, and RRC behaviour, including message-level transparency for verification setups, and supports debugging through AT-command interfaces to enable verification, auditing, and integration control.
Optimized for SDR and custom hardware
Runs on Software Defined Radio platforms and is designed for integration with devices that have strict SWaP constraints or unique form factors, supporting multiple execution environments including ARM, FPGA, and SDR platforms.
Designed for realistic NTN link conditions
Supports GEO, MEO, and LEO configurations with timing adaptations, coverage enhancement levels, and long-RTT handling, including configurable delay, Doppler, and channel behaviour parameters.
Secure and traceable device operation
Includes standardized authentication, ciphering, and integrity features, with registration and authentication behaviour implemented per 3GPP specifications, supporting high-assurance program requirements.
Integration-ready architecture
Offers structured interfaces, debugging tools, and configuration options that support development workflows and controlled testing environments, shortening development and validation cycles.
5G NTN NB-IoT UE Software
Structured to support engineering evaluation, architectural decision-making, and operational readiness.
From Prototypes to Specialized Deployments
The UE software supports development workflows for UE behaviour verification and protocol testing in lab environments, where device behaviour, link control, and standards alignment must be verified across laboratory, field, and operational implementations and testing deployments. It also supports integration into Validation Platform setups and test frameworks.
Global Asset Tracking
The software enables devices to maintain a stable link as they move in and out of terrestrial coverage, supporting integration into NTN-capable device architectures. This makes it well suited for tracking containers, equipment, or fleet assets across oceans or remote regions.
Critical Infrastructure Monitoring
Energy grids, pipelines, and communication sites often sit far from cellular networks. The UE software supports reliable sensor connectivity with narrowband messaging and controlled link operation for condition monitoring, intrusion alerts, and status reporting.
Remote Field Operations and Agriculture
Sensors in fields, forests, or large production sites can transmit data such as soil moisture, temperature, or equipment status. The software ensures coverage for terminals under development for field deployments in areas where terrestrial networks are sparse or non-existent.
Consumer and Professional Messaging Devices
Messaging terminals, handhelds, and emergency communication units can integrate the software into device designs and form factors to secure satellite connectivity when travellers, field workers, or safety teams are outside mobile coverage.
Architecture Designed for Control and Integration Flexibility
The UE software provides a complete NTN waveform and protocol stack that can be integrated into SDR platforms or custom hardware, with clear interfaces for configuration, debugging, and system-level validation.
Application
Protocol stack
Hardware platform
NTN environment
Application logic
Supports service logic integration via UE software interfaces.
NTN protocol stack
RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY aligned with 3GPP Release‑17 NB‑IoT NTN specifications and roadmap.
SDR and custom hardware
Designed for execution on SDR platforms and adaptable hardware configurations.
Software defined waveform
Waveform behaviour exposed for verification through structured interfaces.
NTN eNodeB
Supports transparent and regenerative configurations in GEO and LEO constellations.
Core network
Supports integration with EPC or 5GC environments. for service delivery, authentication, and billing.
GEO and LEO link conditions
Supports configurable propagation profiles for GEO and LEO per test environment needs.
Trusted Technology, Verified Through Collaboration
The 5G NTN NB-IoT Reference UE software implementation is a standards-aligned UE software implementation that has been shaped, tested, and refined through participation in European and international 5G NTN programs. It has contributed to early NTN validation programs and has been validated in multiple test environments, including partner testbeds and Validation Platform setups, with UE software verified through controlled NTN conditions and protocol analysis.
Gatehouse Satcom’s UE software implementation has contributed to early 5G NTN validation programs with ESA and industry partners by providing a standards-aligned and interoperable foundation for satellite-based connectivity.
Jesper NoerChief Commercial Operator | Gatehouse Satcom
From Evaluation to Integration — Choose Your Engagement Path
Whether you are assessing architecture fit, validating link behaviour, or integrating custom hardware, Gatehouse Satcom offers engagement models that support each stage of NTN device development.
Operate
UE Software License
License the 5G NTN NB-IoT UE software for integration into SDR platforms or custom hardware. UE software licensing supports integration into customer platforms, with access to documentation, support channels, and ongoing updates aligned with the evolving 3GPP NTN roadmap for development and integration programs.
Validate
Validation Platform
Use a configurable NB-IoT NTN environment to support verification of UE protocol behaviour, signalling, and stack-level debugging in lab and test environment setups. A ready-to-use demonstrator allows you to explore real NTN protocol behaviour, validate link performance, and exercise interfaces with commercial UEs under controlled LEO, MEO, and GEO link conditions before moving to full integration.
Analyze
Feasibility and Design Study
Work with Gatehouse engineers to perform feasibility assessments for customized UE implementations and evaluate how 5G NTN NB-IoT UE functionality fits your device architecture or mission need. Receive technical concept mapping, preliminary design guidance, and recommendations for the next implementation or integration stage.
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 UE software provides a complete NTN waveform and protocol stack aligned with the 3GPP NB-IoT NTN standard. It supports 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT NTN adaptations, as documented internally, and is designed for integration into SDR platforms and customer-specific hardware environments. UE behaviour and protocol functionality depend on integration targets and hardware environments.
- Implements 3GPP Release‑17 NB‑IoT NTN adaptations with roadmap alignment to Release‑18 and future NTN enhancements.
- Supports NTN‑adapted SIB acquisition, long RTT behaviour, Doppler conditions, and coverage enhancement levels CE0 to CE2.
- Conforms to 3GPP‑specified authentication, registration, and security procedures, with full visibility into signalling flows for verification workflows.
- Provides a complete protocol stack including PHY, MAC, RLC, RRC, EMM, and EPS layers, with message‑level transparency for analysis.
- Supports standardized interworking behaviours across both transparent and regenerative eNodeB configurations.
- Designed for execution on Software Defined Radio platforms and supports integration into diverse hardware environments.
- Implemented in C++17 and able to leverage FPGA acceleration for timing‑critical functions where applicable.
- Provides structured interfaces for configuration, control, and optional ephemeris data input, supporting development and test workflows.
- Supports integration into custom form factors and development platforms with varying SWaP characteristics.
- Includes debugging and logging hooks suitable for lab verification, development environments, and validation workflows.
- Supports configuration of propagation delay, Doppler characteristics, and channel behaviour for GEO, MEO and LEO NTN scenarios.
- Provides NB‑IoT waveform support including single‑tone and multi‑tone modes at 15 kHz and 3.75 kHz spacing.
- Offers access to measurement signals such as NSSS and NRS for link evaluation and analysis.
- Supports NTN‑adapted downlink measurement procedures and RACH processing behaviour tailored to long‑delay environments.
- Enables secure data transfer through 3GPP‑standard ciphering and integrity protection algorithms, including NEA0‑2 and NIA0‑2.
- Provided as a software package designed for integration into SDR or customer‑specific platforms.
- Includes documentation, integration guidance, and structured support pathways for development and validation activities.
- Maintained in alignment with ongoing 3GPP NTN developments and updates resulting from validation programs.
- Supports lifecycle maintenance for long‑term NTN development programs requiring predictable update cycles.
- Provides an application‑level interface for device development, control, telemetry, and configuration.
- Includes structured debugging and logging interfaces suitable for laboratory, HIL, and field validation uses.
- Supports ephemeris and timing data inputs needed for NTN positioning‑related adaptations.
- Uses standardized internal interfaces that provide predictable behaviour across different integration targets and hardware platforms.
- Supports integration with SIM and authentication modules via generic 3GPP‑compliant authentication interfaces.
- Supports execution on ARM‑based platforms and can leverage FPGA acceleration for selected baseband functions.
- Supports deployment on SDR boards and low‑SWaP development platforms.
- Operates reliably across configurable GEO and LEO link profiles and long‑delay NTN environments.
- Supports NTN behaviour in mixed NTN and terrestrial contexts where applicable.
- Interoperable with multi‑vendor eNodeB and core network configurations following 3GPP NTN profiles.
- Supports flexible RF front‑end integration through customer‑specific hardware interfaces.
FAQ
Frequently asked question on the subject of 5G NTN NB-IoT Reference UE
Commercial chipsets are designed for deployment and typically expose limited insight into internal protocol behaviour. The Gatehouse Satcom UE software implementation is designed for development, validation, and integration workflows, providing full stack visibility, message-level transparency, and AT-command control. This enables detailed protocol verification, debugging, and controlled testing that are not possible with closed chipset solutions.
Yes. The UE software is commonly used in mixed environments alongside commercial UEs, network simulators, and satellite infrastructure. This allows teams to exercise interoperability, compare behaviour, and validate interfaces under controlled NTN conditions before progressing to full system integration.
The UE software is typically used during feasibility studies, architecture definition, protocol validation, and early device development. It is also relevant in later phases where controlled testing, debugging, and standards alignment must be verified before committing to hardware finalisation or operational rollout.
Yes. The software is designed to support lab, HIL, and field-oriented testing environments. It can be integrated into Validation Platform setups and test frameworks to model realistic NTN link conditions across GEO, MEO, and LEO scenarios, enabling verification of UE behaviour across laboratory, field, and operational testing contexts.
The UE software is provided as a reference UE software implementation intended for development, validation, and integration activities. It enables teams to design, test, and refine their own NTN-capable device architectures, rather than serving as a finished commercial UE product.
Let’s talk about your NTN device plans
Raphaela Teixeira
Sales Executive
The 5G NTN NB-IoT UE Software supports programs that require controlled link behaviour, standards alignment, and integration into SDR or custom hardware.
If you are exploring feasibility, planning validation activities, or preparing a device architecture, our team can help clarify the best engagement path.
Please reach out or send us a message through the form to start the conversation.