Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

SaT5G: ST Engineering iDirect and Avanti Communications Play Integral Roles in Successful Integration of 5G Core Network into Live Satellite Network

22/10/2020

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
LINK: https://www.idirect.net/news/sat5g-st-engineering-idirect-and-avanti-c...
See more stories from newtec

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

09/06/2026

Nielsen launches Four-Screen Ad Deduplication measurement on YouTube campaigns in Italy

Media buyers and sellers can now compare YouTube reach from computer, mobile, an...

09/06/2026

Andrew Beaudet Joins Brompton as Head of Sales, Americas

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Mediaset Italia Deploys Mediagenix Platform To Modernize Scheduling

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Mediaset Italia Modernizes Content Supply Chain and Chann...

A project aimed at modernizing scheduling operations across Mediaset's channel portfolio Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions to profitab...

09/06/2026

ACT Entertainment Debuts tvONE 4RU CALICO PRO at InfoComm...

tvONE, an ACT Entertainment brand, debuts its most powerful video processor ever built: the 4RU CALICO PRO (C7-PRO-4200), at InfoComm 2026 (Booth N6813). Engine...

09/06/2026

Composer and Conductor Eric Whitacre to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Berklee Valencia's 2026 Commencement

Composer and Conductor Eric Whitacre to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Berklee Va...

09/06/2026

Comcast Advertising Adds Purchasing Data from Affinity Solutions

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Midwich to Distribute Miri Technologies in North America

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Nielsen: North American Soccer Fans Jump to More Than 136 Million

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Grass Valley and Lawo Collaborate to Advance Open Dynamic...

Technology collaboration to validate AMPP and Lawo HOME orchestration integration, showcasing Dynamic Media Facility principles in practice. Grass Valley and ...

09/06/2026

Bitmovin Player Web X Powers Axel Springer New Audio News...

Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming solutions, today announced that Axel Springer SE, international media and technology company, has deployed Playe...

09/06/2026

LiveU Delivers First Remote VAR Deployment Across the Pac...

LiveU, the global leader in live IP-video solutions, today announced a landmark deployment with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) that has brought Video ...

09/06/2026

Sam Craig Joins Grass Valley as VP, Global Pre-Sales

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Arkansas TV Will Continue to Air PBS Programming

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Glensound to Show DARK22M Network Audio Interface at InfoComm 2026

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

EVS Rebrands, Trims Its Name

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for June 25 Open Meeting

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

09/06/2026

Two Alumni Win Tony Awards

Two Alumni Win Tony Awards Mike Morris and Cedric Leiba Jr. won awards for Best Orchestrations and Best Play, respectively. June 8, 2026 By Tori Donahue ...

09/06/2026

ENNI Will Be Using AEP.EnerS4 Billing Solution

Enni Continues to Rely on Arvato Systems - And Will Be Using AEP.EnerS4 Billing Solution Arvato Systems to implement transformation project for SAP S/4HANA Ut...

09/06/2026

RT Radio 1 is bringing Arena and Cil House to London celebrating 100 years of RT

These special programmes will highlight RT 's connection with the Irish diaspora This year, RT is marking 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland with...

08/06/2026

SVG Sit-Down: FIFA's Oscar Sanchez and HBS's Paul King on Deploying 16 Production Teams in 16 World Cup Venues

The two execs discuss the goals and the challenges of building a huge multi-cult...

08/06/2026

SVG All-Stars: Judi Weiss, Senior Manager, Remote Operations (Studio), ESPN

This industry legend has been a road warrior since the early '90s and is, today, a lynchpin on College GameDay The sports-production industry continues to ...

08/06/2026

DAZN Extends Combat Sports Portfolio with EFC Partnership

DAZN has agreed a multi-year rights partnership with Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), expanding its global combat sports portfolio. DAZN will broadcast EFC...

08/06/2026

Whitepaper: TVU Networks Tackles the Future of Sports Production

As fans move across broadcast, streaming, social, mobile and creator-led platforms, and they expect every angle, in real time, TVU Networks has released a new e...

08/06/2026

Infront Strengthens Diamond League Global Broadcast Network Through Spate of New Agreements

Infront has further strengthened the 2026 Diamond League's international bro...

08/06/2026

Grass Valley Appoints Sam Craig as Vice President, Global Pre-Sales

Grass Valley has announced the appointment of Sam Craig as Vice President, Global Pre-Sales. Based in the United States, Craig will lead Grass Valley's glob...

08/06/2026

SMPTE Announces Summer 2026 IP Networking and ST 2110 Course Lineup

SMPTE has announced its summer 2026 education lineup covering IP networking and SMPTE ST 2110, including two standalone courses, a 13-week boot camp, and a hand...

08/06/2026

Sportradar and Kalshi Announce Multi-Year Data and Infrastructure Partnership for Prediction Markets

Sportradar Group AG has announced a multi-year global agreement with Kalshi, a p...

08/06/2026

FIFA and Gamefam Launch FIFA World Cup 2026 Event on Roblox

FIFA and Gamefam have announced the launch of a FIFA World Cup 2026 event on Roblox, running June 5 through July 31, 2026. The event centers on FIFA Super Socce...

08/06/2026

Stanley Pup 2026: Fun Is the Goal When the Rescue-Dog Competition Returns for Year 3

A collaboration of NHL Productions, Monumental Sports, and Michael Levitt Produc...

08/06/2026

Bryce Adair, CBS Production Assistant, Dies in Car Crash at 31

CBS Sports production staffer Bryce Adair has died at the age of 31 after sustaining injuries during a car accident on Wednesday while in Ohio working the the P...

08/06/2026

Behind the Mic: Russell Wilson and Kyle Long Join CBS Sports The NFL Today

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and repo...

08/06/2026

WMT Digital Launches Sports Customer Data Platform Built to Turn Fan Intelligence into Revenue

WMT Digital today announced the launch of WMT Fan Intelligence, designed to unif...

08/06/2026

Miami Heat Ink New Deal With WPLG Local 10, Join NBAs Growing OTA Crowd

The Heat are the seventh NBA team to air their games over-the-air next season...

08/06/2026

Paramount and UFC Expand Media Rights Partnership to Canada Beginning in 2027

Paramount and UFC have announced an expansion of their media rights partnership making Paramount the exclusive home of UFC Numbered Event main cards in Canada ...

08/06/2026

Qatar Football Association Deploys Virtual Advertising Technology for First Time with Sponix

The Qatar Football Association (QFA), in cooperation with Sponix and broadcaster...

08/06/2026

Project B Appoints HBS as Official Host Broadcaster for Global Basketball Circuit

Project B has announced the appointment of Host Broadcast Services (HBS) as Offi...

08/06/2026

Ohio State's Marco Fragale on the Growth of On-Campus B1G+ Productions and StudentU

The Buckeyes now produce and stream upwards of 200 sports events annually with a...

08/06/2026

Meet the New GLOW Ambassadors Leading Spotify's Global Pride Celebration

At Spotify, our commitment to the LGBTQIA community is year-round. Through GLOW, our global music program, we celebrate and amplify the contributions of queer ...

08/06/2026

GearExpo UK: Keyboard & Synth Update

Get Hands-on With Keyboard & Synth Brands GearExpo UK wouldn't be complete without some synth action, and we've got some of the industry's most ...

08/06/2026

IK Multimedia's ARC On-Ear gains IEM support

50 popular in-ear monitoring system profiles added The latest update for IK Multimedia's headphone-correction system has just arrived, and introduces ca...

08/06/2026

Audeze announce the MM-520

Manny Marroquin signature cans upgraded with SLAM Technology The flagship model in Audeze's Manny Marroquin Signature Series has just been treated to an...

08/06/2026

Air domain supremacy redefined - New counter UAS, space solutions and directional communications from Rohde & Schwarz debut at ILA

Air domain supremacy redefined - New counter UAS, space solutions and directiona...

08/06/2026

BBC announces Hercule, starring Edward Bluemel as Agatha Christie's legendary detective Hercule Poirot

he BBC and BritBox have announced that Edward Bluemel (We Might Regret This, My ...

08/06/2026

Sam Craig Joins Grass Valley as VP, Global Presales

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

08/06/2026

SMPTE Sets Course Lineup With ST 2110, IP Networking Focus

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...