A few weeks ago, Sridhar Kuppanna, CTO of ST Engineering iDirect talked here about our 5G NTN Strategy. Building on that foundation, Shravan Gaddam now dives deeper into our recently achieved milestone POCs. These demonstrations showcase non-3GPP access to the 5G Core and inter-provider roaming. Read the full announcement here.
Q: What is the significance of integrating satellite ground systems with 5G Core?
Shravan: Interoperability with the 5G Core is crucial for satellite operators and service providers looking to scale their capabilities and fully leverage 5G Core services. The POC demonstrates how they can leverage the operational efficiencies of the 5G Core while continuing to utilize their satellite ground system assets including their deployed satellite modems. It enables existing satellite modems to be brought into a 5G network supporting identity management, billing, and back-office integration through the same 5G core system as 3GPP networks. The approach is intended to facilitate incremental adoption of 5G NTN by leveraging already deployed satcom architecture and enabling seamless interoperability between satellite and terrestrial networks. This isn’t just about feasibility; it’s about creating a viable path forward for satellite operators and service providers on their pathways to a unified 5G ecosystem as outlined in our 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) strategy.
Q: What does the POC demonstrate and what technical enhancements have been made?
Shravan: This POC demonstrates the operational feasibility of our first pathway to 5G NTN. We are integrating our Intuition ground system into the established 5G infrastructure while staying aligned with 3GPP standards. To connect the 5G Core with a satcom network (a.k.a. non-3GPP network) the Access Gateway Function (AGF) of the 5G Core infrastructure essentially serves as the bridge. The AGF manages communication layers, including control plane for signaling, user plane for mapping Layer 2 VLAN and authentication and registration to interact with the 5G core maintaining consistent traffic policies and QoS across access types. While the off-the-shelf AGF we used for this POC is based on 3GPP standards, we implemented several customization functions in our Satellite Interworking Gateway (SIG) to enhance the operation and interconnection of the non-3GPP network. The enhancements as part of the Satellite Interworking Gateway consist of a Fixed Network Residential Gateway (FN-RG) and APIs as well as an Intermediate Agent (IA) to ensure smooth interaction between non-trusted, non-3GPP components and the AGF of the 5G Core. Importantly, these enhancements do not compromise the integrity of 3GPP standards. Instead, they build upon them to create a streamlined and adaptable integration.
Q: What does that mean for our customers?
Shravan: Bringing together our Intuition ground system architecture with the 5G Core enables our satellite operators and service provider customers to manage both satellite and terrestrial or other non-terrestrial 5G systems in a unified way. The POC demonstrates that our customers can leverage the operational efficiencies of the 5G Core while continuing to utilize satellite-specific waveforms such as DVB-S2X and MX-DMA MRC, ensuring reliable performance until the satellite-optimized 5G NR waveform matures. Importantly, this integration will deliver immediate benefits that stem from 5G core access without requiring operators to overhaul their existing infrastructure including modems or hub architecture.
Q: Why is this a key milestone in the broader 5G NTN strategy?
Shravan: This POC is a foundational step in our broader 5G NTN strategy. By integrating satellite systems into the 5G Core now, we’re building the groundwork for more advanced developments, including satellite-optimized gNodeB technology and hybrid User Equipment (UE) modems capable of supporting 5G New Radio (5G NR) in the future when the waveform matures.
Looking at technology adoption in the Telco or Terrestrial industry, a proven approach is to build the core network first and then transition to the endpoints. This ensures smoother evolution from an end-to-end system perspective. We are leveraging this same approach by addressing the needs of existing networks through incremental steps starting at the core. Our customers can begin by integrating their current satellite network infrastructure into the 5G Core, adapting their operational streams and APIs. Once this integration is seamless, they can expand to adopt 5G NTN architecture, such as gNodeB and expand to the network endpoints, transitioning to 5G NTN UE and 5G NR.
This two-pronged approach ensures that satellite operators and service providers are well-prepared to evolve alongside the telecom landscape. It allows them to remain competitive with 5G NTN while mitigating the risks associated with prematurely adopting unfinished concepts.
By demonstrating these capabilities now, we’re positioning operators ahead of the curve as the ecosystem matures.
The POC also demonstrated inter-provider roaming, another key advancement in global connectivity. We asked Shravan about the significance of this network interoperability capability for our satellite and service provider customers.
Q: What did the inter-provider roaming POC demonstrate, and how does it enhance global connectivity?
Shravan: Our POC proved that inter-provider roaming between non-3GPP networks is both feasible and practical. Historically, satellite operators worked in silos, relying on proprietary systems. This collaboration breaks down those silos, enabling users to roam seamlessly between different satellite networks. This capability mirrors terrestrial roaming agreements, where cooperation between providers allows for uninterrupted services as users move across network boundaries.
The impact on global connectivity is significant, enabling operators to extend coverage to traditionally underserved areas or regions where building networks is geographically or regulatory challenging. This opens opportunities to deliver better services to more customers, increasing time to market, and fostering customer loyalty as they keep control of their users as they roam into visiting networks. For home network operators it enables new cooperation opportunities and exploring new revenue streams by increasing fill rates of their networks. For end-users, the benefits are seamless service, broader coverage, and consistent connectivity in regions where traditional infrastructure falls short.
This capability not only improves user experience but also elevates the entire satellite- telecom ecosystem by making it more collaborative and dynamic.
Q: How does this fit into ST Engineering iDirect’s hybrid roaming strategy, and what future possibilities does it unlock?
Shravan: This POC is just the beginning of our hybrid roaming vision. Ultimately, we want to enable seamless roaming between non-3GPP networks, 3GPP non-terrestrial and terrestrial networks.
By starting with inter-provider roaming, we’ve laid the groundwork for this next phase. Building on 3GPP standards ensures that we can implement hybrid roaming efficiently. Future POCs will focus on demonstrating these advanced capabilities, solidifying our approach to uniting terrestrial and satellite systems.
Q: How does this milestone pave the way for the future of 5G and 6G?
Shravan: Adhering to 3GPP standards is the backbone of this success. By focusing on interworking and roaming now, we’re making sure that these systems can scale and adapt as the world transitions towards a unified 5G and 6G future. By uniting satellite and terrestrial networks under standardized frameworks, we’re setting the stage for unparalleled scalability and connectivity.
These POCs for non-3GPP access and inter-provider roaming are laying foundational steps ensuring satellite operators and service providers can modernize without losing sight of long-term goals. With every milestone, we aim to redefine what’s possible in the telecom industry, preparing for a fully connected 5G/6G-enabled world. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.