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 ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
30/09/2026
Schibsted Media, one of Norways largest and most influential digital media publishers and content producers, has invested in mixers and digital signal processor...
30/09/2026
Big Blue Marble announces the addition of live multiview channels to Cloud Video Kit, its broadcast-grade video processing platform. The feature is powered by A...
30/09/2026
Leading video software provider Synamedia today announced that Telekom Slovenije, Slovenia's largest provider of telecommunications and TV services, is open...
30/09/2026
PODCAST EXPO 2026 Recorded Using Blackmagic Design Workflow
Brie Clayton September 29, 2026
0 Comments
Conference featuring 24 sessions over two days ...
30/09/2026
IBC2026 Show Report
David Kirk September 29, 2026
0 Comments
The International Broadcasting Convention has long been Europe's equivalent of the US...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
30/09/2026
Mavis has launched Mavis Camera 8.2, the latest release of its professional camera app for the iPhone and iPad. This update brings support for iPhone 18 Pro and...
29/09/2026
Oak View Group (OVG) has announced Cisco as an Official Technology Partner, with plans to standardize infrastructure across its venue network on Cisco solutions...
29/09/2026
SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP) won three honors at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
Program awards went to Bucs BP in the Sports Program Live category (produced ...
29/09/2026
The Professional Women's Hockey League has announced home openers for all 12 teams for the 2026-27 season, along with a broadcast partnership with CBC under...
29/09/2026
Manifold technologies has been recognized as a contributor to the Media eXchange...
29/09/2026
FuboTV has announced My Local Sports, allowing subscribers in select markets to add their local regional sports network (RSN) as an add-on to a Fubo Sports subs...
29/09/2026
Asian News International (ANI), a wire agency and video news provider based in India, has deployed Grass Valley's AMPP Media Operating System and Framelight...
29/09/2026
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has deployed Ikegami UHK-X600 cameras as part of an upgrade to IP-based production infrastructure. The deployment ...
29/09/2026
REMI, REMCO models will drive the bulk of the broadcaster's NHL productions ...
29/09/2026
Three years in, the facility is supporting more centralized race production, com...
29/09/2026
NBC, Peacock, and NBSN are carrying all four Wild Card series with a production ...
29/09/2026
19 Nonfiction Projects Across All Stages of Production to Receive More Than $1 million in Support as Documentary Film Program Approaches 25th Anniversary
LOS ...
29/09/2026
Two new plug-ins launch alongside updated bundles
Zynaptiq have just announced the launch of two new plug-ins, alongside new and improved versions of two of...
29/09/2026
All-in-one bus processor revealed
Wes Audio's ng product range has come a long way since it was first introduced, and now includes a tasty selection of ...
29/09/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Ikegami announces that the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, has chosen Ikegami UHK-X600 camera systems as part of an advance to IP-based operation ...
29/09/2026
Blendkit Offers 20% Discount to Celebrate Crossing 150K Asset Milestone
Brie Clayton September 29, 2026
0 Comments
Blendkit, the largest 3D asset libr...
29/09/2026
Interactive streaming specialist Ease Live supported more than 76.5 million fan sessions across three major European media operators during this summers FIFA Wo...
29/09/2026
Ease Live has added support for VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) to its graphical overlay technology, opening up new ways for broadcasters, streamers and rights...
29/09/2026
Rise AV has announced the launch of the inaugural Rise AV Awards, a new global awards programme celebrating the women, advocates and organisations across the AV...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
29/09/2026
Clear-Com announced that First Baptist Nashville has upgraded its production communications with a Clear-Com intercom solution as part of a comprehensive sanct...
29/09/2026
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Captured Action Shots for Sketch
Brie Clayton September 28, 2026
0 Comments
Camera's portable design and dynamic range...
29/09/2026
Kean Production Services Deploys AJA ColorBox to Deliver Consistent, Accurate Co...
29/09/2026
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Nominated for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards A total of 28 Berklee alumni and faculty earned nominations across 20 categories this ye...
29/09/2026
Berklee's K-Pop & Beyond Explores Connections Between K-Pop and Hip-Hop Now in its fifth year, the series brings together artists, industry leaders, and s...
29/09/2026
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN, OR AT ANY ADDRESS IN, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITO...
29/09/2026
We tend to think we live in a digital world, with hopes and fears around artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, data centres and the next big technolo...
Milestone achievement paves the way for satellite's key role in 5G future
