Rohde & Schwarz is accelerating the adoption of 5G-based New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR-NTN) by achieving the highest number of GCF-validated NR-NTN conformance test cases to date. The validation spans all three key testing areas defined in 3GPP Release 17 — RF, Radio Resource Management (RRM), and Protocol Conformance Testing (PCT). The achievement was showcased at the latest Global Certification Forum (GCF) meeting, CAG #86, held in Düsseldorf.
Following the successful validation of the first 5G-based NR-NTN at the PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board), Rohde & Schwarz continued its efforts to enable validation at the GCF (Global Certification Forum). The validated test cases within GCF WI-555 (Work Item) are defined in accordance with the 3GPP test specifications for RF (Radio Frequency), RRM (Radio Resource Management) and PCT (Protocol Conformance Testing) and were executed with Rohde & Schwarz conformance test solutions.
All measurements were conducted on the R&S TS8980 Conformance Test Platform, the R&S TS-RRM and the CMX500 in frequency range 1 (FR1) verifying the latest NR-NTN chipset from Samsung as device under test (DUT).
3GPP conformance testing is essential for ensuring that devices and networks comply with global standards. 5G NR-NTN testing presents challenges that extend beyond those encountered in traditional terrestrial networks, primarily due to the vastly different operating environment and the dynamic nature of satellite-based communication.
At the core of the Rohde & Schwarz conformance test solutions is the CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester, which also supports early research and development through integrated fading and channel emulation, along with an intuitive tool for visualizing satellite constellations – all in a single-box test setup. In addition, the user-friendly R&S CONTEST test system software platform facilitates the seamless execution of 3GPP test cases.
