We support the exploration and development of 5G Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G TN/NTN) using advanced, system-level simulation. Our work helps organizations understand, evaluate, and compare 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 processes, helping shape the future of satellite communications. By gaining an early insight into standardization processes, we help ensure that your technology stays future-proof, competitive, and aligned with industry advancements.
Ensure that your products and technologies meet the latest global standards with 5G simulators.
Assess compatibility with existing networks and devices.
Gain insight into ongoing and upcoming standardization processes, including 5G and beyond.
With numerous contributions to 3GPP standardization, we keep you up-to-date about the latest technical developments.
With our simulation-backed 5G TN/NTN insights and involvement in standardization, you can make informed design decisions early.
This reduces costly rework and shortens your path to market.
The development of 5G TN/NTN systems is closely linked to 3GPP standardization, which has expanded from terrestrial networks to include non-terrestrial components.
While early 3GPP work focused solely on terrestrial networks such as 3G and 4G, Release 17 (finalized in 2022) introduced the first normative requirements for NTN, reflecting the growing role of satellite networks in extending coverage beyond terrestrial reach.
Since Release 17, Magister has been an active contributor to 3GPP and ETSI standardization, supporting TN/NTN development through system-level simulation. Looking ahead to 6G, we are involved in international research projects exploring next-generation TN/NTN technologies and contributing to their future development.
Read more: The NexaSphere project
Read more: Native NTN and AI: Current Visions for the 6G Network
Read more: From 5G to 6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN)
Our ALIX simulator is especially well-suited for 5G simulation for TN/NTN.
Operating on a packet level resolution, ALIX makes it possible to evaluate network performance, keep up with 3GPP 5G TN/NTN standardization efforts, and explore future technologies such as 5G-Advanced and 6G NTN.
Gain deep insight into communication technology and network performance and differences: such as DVB-S2X and 5G NR.
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.
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.
NexaSphere project
The EU-funded NexaSphere project is pioneering unified 3D networks that integrate terrestrial, aerial and satellite systems to enable seamless multi-connectivity for mobile transportation and smart communities.
It aims to validate next-gen 5G & 6G TN/NTN architectures through real-world prototypes and simulations.
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.
Forsway project
In this project, we supported Forsway in comparing DVB-S2X/RCS2 and 5G NR-NTN technologies for a GEO satellite scenario, providing key insights into how 5G NR compares to traditional DVB technologies for SatCom.
DASCE project
In the DASCE project, Magister enhanced the C-DReAM simulator towards evaluating NGSO satellites’ direct-to-hand-held access to 5G.
6G-SatMTC project
The 6G-SatMTC project, funded by Business Finland, aims to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks to ensure reliable communication for authorities in critical situations.
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.
By enabling high-speed internet access in these regions, 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.
Book a consultation with our specialists to explore your 5G TN/NTN standardization needs.
Accelerating the future of wireless system development today with system-level digital twins and detailed simulations.
Sepänkatu 14 C 16 FIN-40720 Jyväskylä, Finland
Business ID: 1998796-8
VAT number: FI19987968
info(at)magister.fi
