5G TN/NTN Development

Stay Ahead in 5G Terrestrial & Non-Terrestrial Networks

We support the analysis and development of 5G TN/NTN using system-level simulation, helping organizations explore and understand technologies early – from research and system design to standardization and deployment.

As a full member of the 3GPP and ETSI, we actively contribute to ongoing 5G TN/NTN and 6G standardization, shaping the future of satellite communications. This gives us early insight into how specifications evolve, helping ensure that your technology remains aligned, interoperable, and future-proof.

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Ensure quality and interoperability

Use simulation-based analysis to assess technology compatibility with global standards as well as existing networks and devices.

Gain first-hand insight

Stay informed on ongoing and upcoming developments in 5G TN/NTN and beyond. With numerous contributions to 3GPP standardization, we keep you up-to-date about the latest technical developments.

Reach the market sooner

Make informed design decisions early using simulation-backed results, reducing costly rework and shortening development cycles.

The Evolution & Future of 5G TN/NTN

The development of 5G TN/NTN systems is closely tied to 3GPP standardization, which has expanded from terrestrial networks to include non-terrestrial components. While early 3GPP releases focused purely on terrestrial networks like 3G and 4G, Release 17 (finalized in 2022) introduced the first normative requirements for NTN, reflecting the growing role of satellites in extending coverage beyond terrestrial reach.

Since Release 17, Magister has actively contributed to 3GPP and ETSI standardization, supporting TN/NTN development through system-level simulation. Looking ahead to 6G, we are involved in international projects exploring next-generation TN/NTN technologies and their future evolution.

Satellite and terrestrial connectivity simulated

ALIX: System Simulator for 5G TN/NTN Evaluation

ALIX is a protocol-level system simulator well-suited for evaluating 5G TN/NTN networks.

It enables detailed analysis of network performance, supports alignment with 3GPP standardization, and allows exploration of future technologies. ALIX also enables objective comparison of alternative communication technologies, including 5G NR and DVB.

Learn more about ALIX

Projects in Terrestrial & Non-Terrestrial Network Integration

Enabling Smooth TN/NTN Coexistence Towards 6G

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NexaSphere: Enabling Smooth TN/NTN Coexistence Towards 6G

The NexaSphere project aims to design a 3D communication network, integrating spaceborne, airborne, and terrestrial infrastructures to serve evolving needs across aviation, railway, and automotive sectors.

Crucial themes of the project include 6G, AI, and unified TN/NTN. Magister leads the system-level simulation and validation of TN/NTN networks, enabling smooth coexistence towards 6G.

Improving the mobility of the 5G satellite network

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HELENA: Improving the mobility of the 5G satellite network

In the ESA-funded HELENA project, we’re exploring improvements for the 5G satellite network and supporting the standardization efforts of NTN within the 3GPP.

Our responsibilities include supporting Release 18 enhancements and planning for Release 19 within the 3GPP, as well as investigating higher-frequency use cases – such as VSATs on ships or aircraft.

Overall, HELENA aims to make NTN solutions more performant and enable new use cases.

Exploring use cases for 5G-Advanced and 6G NTN

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EAGER: Researching future 5G-Advanced and 6G NTN technologies

The EAGER project researched 5G-Advanced and 6G NTN technologies in the context of 3GPP standardization. Magister led the simulative analysis for future 5G-Advanced and 6G NTN technologies, contributing to the 3GPP standardization process.

The project explored and identified potential use cases and technologies for 5G-Advanced and 6G satellite communications, contributing to the groundwork for future 5G and 6G standards.

Evaluating TN/NTN coexistence

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5G-SPECTRA: Evaluating TN/NTN coexistence

In the 5G-SPECTRA project, Magister developed simulation tools for evaluating terrestrial and non-terrestrial network coexistence.

Our simulations examined adjacent NTN/TN channel interference and contributed valuable data to the 3GPP Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network for 5G NTN radio performance standards.

This work plays a key role in enabling the integration of NTN solutions with terrestrial 5G systems, ensuring that NTNs can complement and coexist with TN coverage in both high-traffic and remote areas.

Explore more projects on 5G & 6G TN/NTN

5G-EMERGE project

The 5G-EMERGE project is developing an integrated satellite-terrestrial system to deliver high-quality media content closer to users.

Led by the EBU and funded by ESA, the project explores 5G NR-NTN integration and supports European leadership in media delivery innovation.

DYNASAT project

The DYNASAT project promoted 5G NTN technologies, demonstrating new techniques like satellite multi-connectivity, coordinated dynamic spectrum access in TN/NTN scenarios, and non-coordinated spectrum sharing in hybrid TN/NTN environments.

ALIX project

The ESA-funded ALIX project supported the integration of satellite components into 3GPP’s 5G standards by leading and contributing to key technical reports and change requests across Releases 15, 16, 17, and 18.

MARINA project

The MARINA project, led by Magister and funded by ESA, developed a fair method for comparing DVB-S2X and 5G NR technologies for GEO broadband satellite networks.

It revealed key performance differences and contributed findings to ETSI and 3GPP standardization efforts.

NTN-CPD project

The NTN-CPD project will demonstrate a software-based control plane for 5G NR in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), focusing on NGSO constellations.

It aims to align with 3GPP standards while identifying needed enhancements through detailed simulation using Magister’s Nova tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Non-Terrestrial Networks

What are Non-Terrestrial Networks?

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are wireless communication systems that operate above the Earth’s surface.

They use spaceborne or airborne assets to provide connectivity – such as satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), as well as high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) commonly known as drones.

What are the benefits of Non-Terrestrial Networks?

Non-Terrestrial Networks extend network coverage to underserved, remote and hard-to-reach areas, where terrestrial network coverage is limited or unavailable. Therefore, NTNs are essential for applications such as emergency response and critical communications.

What is NTN in 5G?

NTN in 5G refers to the integration of non-terrestrial elements – like satellites – into the 5G mobile network.

While traditional 5G relies on ground-based infrastructure, 5G NTN extends connectivity beyond terrestrial coverage, supporting remote areas, and enhanced network resilience.

The 3GPP introduced the first set of normative 5G NTN requirements in Release 17.

What is NTN in 6G?

While 6G standards are still under development, a key expectation is that NTNs will be natively integrated from the outset – unlike in 5G, where it was added later.

The NTN component fully integrated into 6G better meets industry needs and consumer expectations.

This is made possible by advancements in the satellite industry and the need to consider NTN/TN integration since the beginning.

What does 3GPP standardization mean?

The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) brings together seven telecommunications standard development organizations around the world.

Since its establishment in 1998, 3GPP has developed technical specifications for cellular telecommunication systems, including radio access, core network, and service capabilities.

Initially focused on terrestrial networks, 3GPP expanded its scope to include Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) during 5G studies. It’s currently working on standards for 5G-Advanced as part of Release 19.