In a significant advancement for global connectivity, VIAVI Solutions and Rohde & Schwarz have partnered with SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation to launch the “Universal NTN Innovation Lab” in Yokohama, Japan.
This initiative aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies, leveraging satellite communications to provide robust and reliable connectivity worldwide.
Pioneering the Universal NTN Innovation Lab
Established in November 2024 at SKY Perfect JSAT’s Yokohama Satellite Control Center, the Universal NTN Innovation Lab serves as a dedicated environment for technical testing aligned with 3GPP 5G NTN standards.
The lab focuses on validating end-to-end connectivity and performance across various satellite orbits, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).
Key use cases involve measuring quality of service over expansive coverage areas, assessing user equipment performance amidst varying distances and mobility, and ensuring overall reliability and stability of satellite communications.
Advanced Testbed Components
The collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive NTN testbed incorporating cutting-edge technologies:
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VIAVI TM500-AS2: A streamlined version of VIAVI’s flagship base station tester, supporting full 3GPP protocol compliance, including Doppler and delay pre-compensation.
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R&S CMX500: A mobile communication network tester offering channel emulation and fading in a single unit, encompassing all 3GPP fading profiles.
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VIAVI TeraVM Real Data Applications (RDA) Engine: Enables rich and realistic application and traffic scenarios to test system performance under varying conditions.
Initial testing at the lab targets GEO satellites operating in the Ku-band, facilitating high-capacity, wide-bandwidth communications essential for 5G NTN technologies.
Leadership Perspectives
Hiroyuki Yagihashi, Deputy Group President of Business Innovation Group at SKY Perfect JSAT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We are proud to work with our partners to launch Japan’s first geostationary satellite-based 5G NTN demonstration. We deeply appreciate the support and advanced technology provided by partners such as VIAVI Solutions and Rohde & Schwarz. We look forward to accelerating the technology demonstration and use case development, paving the way for significant progress in commercializing the NTN business.”
Jonus Chen, Regional Vice President, North Asia at VIAVI, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“We are excited to deliver validation solutions for SKY Perfect JSAT, to support their ambitions as the largest satellite operator in Asia. Our partnership with Rohde & Schwarz on the NTN testbed is fulfilling operator requirements for critical testing of satellite and HAPS networks and the traffic that runs across them.”
Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, emphasized the project’s innovation:
“It fills us at Rohde & Schwarz with pride and honor to empower SKY Perfect JSAT’s Universal NTN Innovation Lab with our state-of-the-art solutions, in collaboration with VIAVI. By testing Ku-Band and 5G NTN technology as defined in 3GPP Release 19, we are standing at the cutting-edge of technology.”
Global Collaborations and Demonstrations
The partnership’s impact extends beyond Japan. At MWC Barcelona 2025, VIAVI and Rohde & Schwarz showcased the importance of ecosystem collaboration in advancing AI-RAN, 6G, NTN, and open networks. Demonstrations included:
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KT’s 5G NTN Communication Technology: A demonstration of full HD video transmission over a 5G NTN communication link, validated using the joint NTN testbed from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI.
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NTN Digital Twin Testbed: An emulation of real-world satellite communication scenarios, enabling comprehensive testing of network performance under various conditions.
These global collaborations underscore the critical role of integrated testing environments in the development and deployment of next-generation communication technologies.
Advancing Towards a Connected Future
The establishment of the Universal NTN Innovation Lab marks a pivotal step in the evolution of satellite communications and 5G NTN technologies. By leveraging advanced testing solutions and fostering international collaborations, VIAVI, Rohde & Schwarz, and SKY Perfect JSAT are driving innovation towards a future of seamless, high-quality connectivity accessible anywhere, anytime.
