Microwave Vision Group (MVG) and Anritsu have created a joint testing solution supporting Over-The-Air (OTA) validation of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications for mobile and IoT devices. MVG has adapted its multi-probe OTA systems to integrate the capabilities of Anritsu’s Radio Communication Analyser MT8821C, delivering a lab-based environment for realistic satellite link emulation in compliance with 3GPP requirements.
As NTN deployments gain momentum particularly through LEO satellite constellations Mobile and IoT devices must now demonstrate robust performance under conditions that differ significantly from terrestrial operation. These include Doppler shift due to satellite motion, increased signal propagation delays, complex network reselection mechanisms between satellite and ground networks, and roaming across regulatory domains. Emulating these variables accurately in the lab is critical to ensure device readiness and reduce dependency on field trials.
To address this challenge, MVG has configured its OTA systems such as the SG system and StarLab to host Anritsu’s MT8821C as the core signal generation and analysis platform. The MT8821C, widely recognized for its reliability in LTE and IoT testing, brings advanced RF and protocol capabilities into MVG’s controlled OTA measurement environments. This allows manufacturers to evaluate critical metrics such as Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and receiver sensitivity under satellite-like test conditions.
The MT8821C supports a wide frequency range and provides stable, high-throughput RF testing for LTE, LTE-Advanced, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT terminals. Within the MVG system, it enables synchronized measurements through WaveStudio software, allowing test engineers to simulate and assess device performance under realistic NTN conditions aligned with 3GPP TS 36.521-4.
The solution is particularly suitable for those working on global asset tracking, remote monitoring, and industrial IoT applications—areas where NTN networks will be key to expanding coverage. It also facilitates testing against network specifications such as those defined by Skylo, helping vendors verify performance and readiness for deployment on commercial NTN services.
