The demonstration verifies vendor interoperability, whereas publicly validating the n252 S-band in a non-terrestrial community system
In sum — what to know:
The demo: Keysight, Samsung achieved a dwell NR-NTN connectivity on a commercial-grade Samsung modem chipset in a demo at CES 2026.
The check tools: The trial used Keysight’s UXM 5G Wi-fi Check Platform for precisely emulating 3GPP NTN situations.
The broader objective: The demo seeks to speed up the launch of direct-to-cell satellite tv for pc connectivity on mass-market gadgets by enabling modem distributors, satellite tv for pc operators, and gadget producers to judge NTN connectivity and vendor interoperability.
On the Shopper Electronics Present 2026 (CES) in Las Vegas final week, Keysight demoed a dwell new radio non-terrestrial community (NR-NTN) connection in n252 frequency band — a brand new 3GPP S-band launched in Rel 19 that’s turning into core to enabling business direct-to-cell (DTC) purposes.
The demonstration that included dwell satellite-to-satellite (Sat-to-Sat) mobility was performed on a commercial-grade Samsung modem chipset, utilizing Keysight’s UXM 5G Wi-fi Check Platform.
The trial was aimed toward verifying cross-vendor interoperability and public validating of the n252 band in an non-terrestrial community (NTN) system.
“Testing should replicate actual gadget constraints, real looking mobility, and full end-to-end system conduct, not simply primary hyperlink efficiency, stated Manuel Blanco, 5G strategic planner and product supervisor at Keysight, talking of the significance of holistic testing for any frequency bands, particularly the n252 because it associated to direct-to-cell companies.
“Validation outcomes immediately impression gadget readiness, community design, and operator confidence as companies transfer from trials towards business launch,” he added.
However, modelling satellite-to-satellite handovers (HO) realistically within the lab isn’t a small feat. Validating state continuity, timing alignment, and edge-case conduct underneath the dynamic situations of HO is considerably extra advanced than within the predictable terrestrial mobility situations.
The UXM 5G Wi-fi Check Platform — an all-in-one check resolution for 5G New Radio, LTE, and Wi-Fi — was picked for its capacity to precisely emulate 3GPP NTN situations, together with satellite tv for pc hyperlink traits, mobility, and protocol conduct, a requirement for direct-to-cell situations and interoperability with terrestrial networks.
As famous, not like most trials which use prototype programs, Keysight’s demo makes use of Samsung’s commercial-grade modem silicon. “Utilizing commercial-grade modem silicon shifts the demo from feasibility to deployability. It reveals that NTN capabilities are working inside actual product constraints, not prototype assumptions,” Blanco stated.
The result’s larger confidence amongst gadget distributors and operators, as they work in the direction of aligning gadget integration, interoperability, and repair planning with the deployment timelines.
The trial matches with Keysight’s broader NTN imaginative and prescient to allow business gamers to design, validate, and deploy NTN networks utilizing end-to-end emulation from gadgets and radio entry community (RAN) to core and transport.
“This full-system strategy permits prospects to check real looking interactions, mobility, and edge circumstances early, lowering deployment danger, and accelerating time to market,” Blanco stated.
The work with Samsung comes after the businesses collaborated early final 12 months on an AI-RAN Alliance initiative to implement AI in Samsung’s 5G-Superior and 6G applied sciences with Nvidia.
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have emerged as a well-liked instrument of connectivity in lots of international locations. Orbiting at altitudes between 160 km to 2,000 km, LEO satellites supply excessive bandwidth and low-loss transmission. Their low deployment prices have additional made them a horny possibility for enabling satellite tv for pc terrestrial built-in networks (STIN). Nonetheless, their quick orbital speeds and want for frequent handovers have led to thorny points, like sign storms and repair interruptions, underscoring the significance of lab-based emulation in satellite tv for pc connectivity.
