Keysight Validates First Test Case for 3GPP Release 17 Non-Terrestrial Networks Standard

• Protocol conformance test case supports non-terrestrial networks using narrowband internet of things technology
• Validation obtained at Conformance Agreement Group meeting #76 will speed certification of devices, chipsets, and modules using non-terrestrial networks technology

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has validated the first protocol conformance test case for 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 17 (Rel-17) standards for non-terrestrial networks using narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) technology. The validated test case, which is for use with Keysight’s 5G network emulation conformance test platform (TP168), was obtained at the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) #76 meeting of the Global Certification Forum (GCF).

Satellite-to-ground communication based on 5G standards is a critical step to building NTNs that deliver ubiquitous mobile connectivity and broadband internet access to populations living in rural areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking. Widespread 5G NTN deployments can provide critical health, safety, and financial benefits to rural populations while improving economic conditions for industrial sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and transportation.

The new NB-IoT NTN test case is available through the S8704A Protocol Conformance Toolset and verifies that chipsets and devices can handle the path loss and delays associated with NTN. Keysight’s Protocol Conformance Toolset provides designers with a comprehensive suite of test cases prioritized by GCF and PTCRB that can be used to certify chipsets, modules, and devices and accelerate time to market.

Muthu Kumaran, General Manager, Keysight, said: "This 3GPP Release 17 LTE NTN test case validation underscores Keysight's commitment to the NTN device ecosystem and the ability to rapidly adopt new 5G New Radio specifications.”

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product lifecycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.