Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are set to revolutionize IoT connectivity as they roll out and bridge connectivity gaps between satellite and cellular networks. NTNs have transformative potential for IoT connectivity across the globe because they exploit the wireless communications capabilities of satellites while travelling through areas in which there is no cellular, fiber or copper connectivity infrastructure. NTNs are well-suited for applications in transport, energy, maritime, heavy industry and agriculture because they enable seamless coverage in remote and underserved areas.
Traditionally, the cost of launching new satellites into space resulted in high usage costs for satellite communications, limiting the adoption of NTN modules because of unsustainable costs for some use cases. However, the reuse of existing geo-stationary equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites and the use of newer low earth orbit (LEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, which can be launched into space at lower cost, is opening up new markets in IoT, automotive and mass-market consumer devices. To meet this demand and enable IoT developers to adopt NTN technology, Quectel has introduced NTN modules, such as the BG95-S5 and BG770A-SN, which combine terrestrial and satellite communication support to enable reliable, low power connectivity even in remote and previously unserved locations.
Streamlining deployment of NTN modules in devices
To streamline the deployment process and simplify creation of NTN-enabled devices, Quectel is collaborating with Skylo, a provider of direct-to-device NTN service across four continents. Skylo offers coverage over an area of more than 50 million square kilometers in partnership with satellite operators, mobile network operations, tier-1 chipset makers and OEMs. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo’s NTN virtual radio access network (vRAN) to deliver a connectivity solution that seamlessly roams between terrestrial and satellite networks. This provides an uninterrupted wireless link between devices and equipment on the ground and cellular or satellite networks, depending on the best available capacity.
A recent Quectel Masterclass titled ‘How NTN modules integrate cellular and satellite to revolutionize IoT connectivity’ has taken a detailed look at NTN market developments and how Quectel’s NTN modules and Skylo’s satellite technology are enabling ubiquitous wireless connectivity across the globe. Presented by Steve Linke, Head of North America Business Development and Strategy at Quectel, and Vijay Krishnan, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Skylo, the Masterclass introduces NTN technology and shares details on the IoT use cases for NTN modules.
In addition, the Masterclass takes a deep-dive into Quectel’s single and dual mode NTN module portfolio and provides insights into the end-to-end support that Quectel provides developers and designers. This extends from module testing to integration and sector-specific experience to ensure the widest range of use cases can be supported with robust technical expertise. The Masterclass also explores Skylo’s satellite connectivity solution to augment terrestrial networks, detailing how Skylo’s commercial NTN vRAN features 3GPP standards-based cloud-native base stations and core network to ensure the widest possible uptake of satellite connectivity.
View the Masterclass ‘How NTN modules integrate cellular and satellite to revolutionize IoT connectivity’.
