- Ericsson, Grupo Oesía and UC3M demonstrate how a portable 5G gNodeB can rely on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) as backhaul, for the provision of 5G services in remote areas where only satellite coverage is available.
- In addition, the satellite link was used to demonstrate improved resiliency for end-user connectivity, with flexible switching of 5G traffic (ATSSS) to route it to 5G infrastructure (3GPP access) or over the satellite link (non-3GPP access).
Madrid, February 24, 2025. The joint effort of Ericsson, Grupo Oesía and UC3M has validated that Non Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are viable as backhaul for 5G networks. For this purpose, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network has been used as a transport network between the gNodeB of a portable private network system (remote system) and the Control Plane functions in the 5TONIC Lab Data Center (core of the 5G public network).
A typical scenario in which this solution shows its value is that of a remote location with no Internet connectivity. The collaborators have demonstrated that a lightweight, portable 5G private network system can be deployed to provide high quality local private communications service to 5G connected devices at that location, and also connect over the NTN link to a public 5G Control Plane as well as to the Internet.
In addition, the use of the satellite network as a complement to 5G access was validated by implementing a solution based on 3GPP Advanced Traffic Steering-Switching-Splitting (ATSSS). The process maintained uninterrupted operation of the 5G network, with latency ranging from 10 milliseconds (with fiber) to up to 125 milliseconds (with satellite) continued to ensure that UEs continued to register and send and receive traffic, confirming a smooth transition from the end-user’s point of view.
This ecosystem collaboration has been facilitated by Professor Daniel Segovia of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in the context of the 6G-Integration project, within the Spanish UNICO 5G R&D program supported by NextGenerationEU funds. In this project, Ericsson has provided both the 5G radio access and the core network infrastructure, and Grupo Oesía has contributed with innovative satellite communications devices and services, while UC3M has overseen the overall coordination of the project.
Manuel Lorenzo, Director of Technology and Innovation at Ericsson Spain, says: “In 5TONIC lab, Ericsson has achieved an important milestone, in collaboration with Grupo Oesía and UC3M, demonstrating how a portable gNodeB can use Non-Terrestrial Networks as backhaul to provide 5G services in remote areas where only satellite coverage is available. This pioneering integration also enables a seamless transition between mobile and satellite access, to maintain continuous operation in 5G networks in many scenarios.”
Daniel Segovia, from UC3M’s Department of Signal Theory and Communications, says: “This collaboration demonstrates the potential of Non-Terrestrial Networks, especially in remote or devastated areas, to expand 5G connectivity beyond traditional infrastructures. The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry in advancing next-generation communication technologies.”
María Graña, Technology Director of Inster-Grupo Oesía, said: “Inster, the hyperspecialized company in Broadband Satellite technology of Grupo Oesía, has developed an advanced satellite terminal with electronic addressing antenna in Ku band that operates in the LEO Eutelsat OneWeb constellation. With this collaborative work with Ericsson and the Carlos III University of Madrid we have managed to demonstrate the integration of this portable LEO satellite terminal with the remote gNodeB, providing the necessary backhaul to maintain 5G communications, which represents a significant achievement for satellite communications.”
Looking ahead, the collaboration between these companies and institutions will address the use of NTN as an access network, working in integration with the 3GPP network, enabling the digital transformation of rural areas.