Milestone achievement paves the way for satellite's key role in 5G future
Herndon, Va. and London, United Kingdom, October 21, 2020: ST Engineering iDirect, the leading satellite ground infrastructure company, and Avanti Communications, the leading Ka-band high throughput satellite operator across Europe, Middle East and Africa, today announced that their solutions have enabled the successful integration of a commercially available 5G core network into a live satellite network in the SaT5G project. This marks a major milestone for the Sat5G initiative and the industry, as it is the first time a live satellite network has been managed and operated using a standard and unmodified commercially available 5G core network.
alt=Sat5G width=600 height=338 data-lazy-srcset=https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sat5g-e1560966281947.jpg 600w, https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sat5g-e1560966281947-300x169.jpg 300w data-lazy-sizes=(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px data-lazy-src=https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sat5g-e1560966281947.jpg />The Sat5G project involves the integration of satellite into 3GPP 5G testbed networks. Using the testbeds, several 5G use case demonstrations over live satellite links were performed, with the satellite links performing several different tasks. The project undertook research and demonstrated the benefit of satellite technology in delivering content to the network edge. This provides backhaul to cellular base-stations, improves broadband experience to premises, and provides connectivity to aircraft, moving platforms through emulated GEO and over-the-air MEO satellite connectivity.
Two key technological advances in 5G are the virtualization of network functions (VNFs) and the use of end-to-end slices providing network services with specified quality of service (QoS). The SaT5G project successfully designed and deployed several satellite-specific VNFs on OpenStack and Kubernetes, and developed an integrated architecture which allows satellite links to carry network slices seamlessly.
Utilizing Avanti's GEO HYLAS-4 live satellite capacity, ST Engineering iDirect's 5G-enabled Intelligent Gateway (iGW) satellite ground infrastructure provided the satellite connectivity for the University of Surrey (5GIC) 5G testbed. The integrated 5G Non-Terrestrial-Network (NTN), consisted of a remote terminal installed at 5GIC, which connected over the live satellite to the 5G-enabled ST Engineering iDirect hub installed at Avanti's ground earth station at Goonhilly. The satellite connection continues to use the native satellite radio at the physical layer. The 5G-enabled Intelligent Hub gateway included physical network functions for terminating the native satellite connection, along with a satellite RAN and a standard and unmodified commercially available 5G core network, both of which were virtualized.
alt=Sat5G width=800 height=566 data-lazy-srcset=https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sat5G_10022020_a4-800.jpg 800w, https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sat5G_10022020_a4-800-300x212.jpg 300w, https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sat5G_10022020_a4-800-768x543.jpg 768w, https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sat5G_10022020_a4-800-600x425.jpg 600w data-lazy-sizes=(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px data-lazy-src=https://s5j3t3r9.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sat5G_10022020_a4-800.jpg />The 5G-enabled satellite hub connected to the 5GIC testbed using a dedicated L2 connection, which allowed deployment of the satellite connection endpoint within the 5GIC core network. The satellite connection provided an end-to-end L2 over satellite connection between the 5GIC 5G testbed mobile core network and the remote mobile network 5G UE terminals, which are connected via 5G smallcells. All the 5GIC testbed use cases used the integrated 5G NTN system for live satellite connectivity to demonstrate the end-to-end use cases.
Leveraging key technologies in satellite connectivity and our established cooperation with industry partners, the Sat5G project has validated the benefits for specific use cases that are unlocked by 5G, said Semir Hassanaly, Head, Cellular Backhaul and Trunking at ST Engineering iDirect. The project has helped us to gain unique experiences and insights which we can capitalize on to align and enhance our offerings to meet the current and future needs of the backhaul, broadcast, aerospace, maritime and government market verticals.
Simon Watts, SaT5G Project Director, Avanti Communications, added, Many new developments were made within the SaT5G project to create world leading prototype solutions for the integration of satellite connectivity in to 5G terrestrial networks, laying foundations for the creation of new products and services. These services are likely to depend on the management and orchestration of satellite capacity to allow the Mobile Network Operators to deliver 5G services to their end users. The experience gained within SaT5G will allow Avanti to develop its cellular backhaul solution to include integrated 5G satellite connectivity.
Leveraging key technologies in satellite connectivity and our established cooperation with industry partners, the Sat5G project has validated the benefits for specific use cases that are unlocked by 5G. Semir Hassanaly, Head, Cellular Backhaul and Trunking at ST Engineering iDirect
Mike Fitch, Technical Manager of SaT5G said, SaT5G is about integrating satellite links with heavy emphasis on standardization to allow trusted operation and to facilitate industry adoption. The focus is on enhanced mobile broadband to fixed and mobile networks, including support for orchestration and slicing, with the satellite links providing backhaul connectivity either alone or i
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
04/06/2026
Sony Electronics is introducing the SRG-AS10, a 4K 60p-compatible PTZ auto-frami...
04/06/2026
This recent grad from Spring, TX, led creative-video output for the Aggies' men's basketball team last season and has been producing video and creating ...
04/06/2026
For the first time at a women's golf major, every player in the field will r...
04/06/2026
Three Panasonic PT-RQ45 40,000-lumen 3-Chip DLP projectors made their first live...
04/06/2026
Bitmovin and Akamai have announced a collaboration with NRJ Group, a French mult...
04/06/2026
Telestream will exhibit at InfoComm 2026 (Booth N7952), demonstrating media work...
04/06/2026
Sony has announced the development of RIALTO 65, a 65mm format image sensor block for the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera, targeting release in the first half of...
04/06/2026
KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America will exhibit at InfoComm 2026 (Booth N8025, June ...
04/06/2026
Bell Media's TSN and RDS are the exclusive Canadian broadcasters of FIFA Wor...
04/06/2026
The Challenge: Receiving Heavy Media Files From Road Games Quickly and ReliablyT...
04/06/2026
MASV, a managed file transfer platform used in broadcast and live sports product...
04/06/2026
NESN has announced the appointment of Fahad Haider as Vice President of Operations and Engineering. Haider returns to NESN, where he previously served as Vice P...
04/06/2026
David J. Halberstam, who spent almost 50 years in sports as a broadcaster and an executive, died June 2 after a years-long battle with brain cancer.
Over his l...
04/06/2026
Although collegiate production programs are tasked with delivering high-quality ...
04/06/2026
California studio, two production trucks, global distribution system are combine...
04/06/2026
New global program empowers and supports storytellers through scriptwriting course and access to industry experts
TikTok and Sundance Institute today announce...
04/06/2026
Steinberg DAWs now boast in-depth Tonalic integration
Celemony's innovative virtual session musician plug-in has just received an update that brings ARA...
04/06/2026
Get Hands-On With Over 20 Mic Brands
GearExpo UK is fast approaching, and if you've been looking for a chance to check out some new mics, then you'r...
04/06/2026
Combos feature new Amplifier Intelligence engine
Positive Grid's latest release sees the company introduce two new combo amplifiers that promise to offe...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming infrastructure, and Akamai, the cybersecurity and cloud computing company that powers and protects business onli...
04/06/2026
American Underground (AU), the Startup Hub of the South and a community of mor...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
NVIDIA and Microsoft Reinvent Windows PCs for the Age of Personal AI
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
RTX Spark - a 1-Petaflop Superchip, the Full...
04/06/2026
Inside the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Grade
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
Simone Grattarola discusses shaping the look in DaVinci Resolve...
04/06/2026
Cine Gear Expo Announces 2026 Awards of Excellence Recipients
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
Ed Lachman ASC, Caleb Deschanel ASC, and M. David M...
04/06/2026
St. Vincents Live with Orchestra Tour to Feature Berklee Alum Ruby Plume Berklee alumni St. Vincent and Ruby Plume will appear on the same bill across seven d...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
All the Truth in My Lies Coming to Netflix on August 28
Entertainment
04 June 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Download the imag...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
Larry Tanz, VP of Content, EMEA, Delivers a Keynote Speech at ...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
Turn Your Living Room into a Stadium With the New FIFA World ...
04/06/2026
Keeping conversations real on LinkedIn Published on Jun 4, 2026 Categories: Product News
LinkedIn Corporate Communications
Share
LinkedIn
Facebook ...
04/06/2026
BackStory follows four Irish young people as they travel back to their parents' homelands
Modern Irish identity is enriched by cultures and influences from...
04/06/2026
June's forecast with GeForce NOW: 100% chance of gaming.
GeForce NOW is lining up new adventures for the month, from big-name blockbusters to quirky indies...
03/06/2026
SES and Viva, Mexico's ultra low-cost airline, have launched multi-orbit satellite inflight connectivity on Viva's Airbus aircraft. A total of 60 A320s ...
03/06/2026
The College Football Playoff, ESPN, and TNT Sports have announced kick times and...
03/06/2026
RED Digital Cinema will exhibit at Cine Gear Expo 2026 (Booth 33, June 5-6, Universal Studios Lot), hosting three panels and hands-on product demonstrations.
P...
03/06/2026
Roku has announced the Soccer Zone, a dedicated hub for FIFA World Cup 2026 content available across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argent...
Milestone achievement paves the way for satellite's key role in 5G future
