Keysight Technologies, Inc. demonstrates NR-NTN connection

Keysight Technologies, Inc. demonstrated a live end-to-end New Radio non-terrestrial network connection with Samsung Electronics at CES 2026, validating satellite-to-satellite mobility and cross-vendor interoperability and marking a milestone for direct-to-cell Satellite Communications (Satcom) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) commercialization.

The public validation of band n252 served as the first confirmation of that spectrum band in an operational NTN system and was presented as a potential foundation for upcoming LEO Constellation (Low Earth Orbit) (LEO) Constellations targeting global broadband and Internet of Things (IoT) coverage; the result demonstrated progress toward large-scale NTN integration supporting standards-based connectivity for consumers, connected vehicles, IoT devices, and critical communications.

The demonstration leveraged Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions to replicate multi-orbit Low Earth Orbit (LEO) scenarios, emulate SAT-to-SAT mobility, and execute end-to-end routing while carrying live user traffic; when paired with Samsung’s next-generation commercial 5G 5G New Radio (NR) modem chipset (part number not stated), the setup verified standards compliance, user throughput performance, and multi-vendor interoperability. Together with earlier demonstrations in bands n255 and n256, the work validated NR-NTN FR1 frequency bands end-to-end and allowed modem vendors, satellite network operators, and device manufacturers to analyze cross-band mobility, inter-satellite handovers, and radio performance under controlled NTN emulation conditions.

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, Keysight, said:

“Together with Samsung’s System LSI Business, we are demonstrating the live NTN connection in 3GPP band n252 using commercial-grade modem silicon with true SAT-to-SAT mobility. With n252, n255, and n256 now validated across NTN, the ecosystem is clearly accelerating toward bringing direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to mass-market devices. Keysight’s NTN emulation environment enables chipset and device makers a controlled way to prove multi-satellite mobility, interoperability, and user-level performance, helping the industry move from concept to commercialization.”

The companies described plans for NR-NTN deployments targeted for global scaling in 2026 and said Release 19-compliant NTN technologies were ready to move from proof-of-concept trials to operational field testing while paving the way for future 6G NTN evolution.