NB-IoT-NTN
Test satellite IoT devices using NB-IoT-NTN. Support is included by default in all AMARI Callboxes.
3GPP support: Release 17/18 NTN, plus Release 19 IoT-NTN-TDD for NB-IoT.
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Develop and debug NB-IoT-NTN, NR-NTN and LTE/NR direct-to-cell (D2C) device scenarios with a configurable radio network, core network and integrated NTN channel simulation. Make each test repeatable, from initial connection to application traffic.
NB-IoT-NTN · NR-NTN · LTE/NR direct-to-cell · GEO, MEO and LEO
Test satellite IoT devices using NB-IoT-NTN. Support is included by default in all AMARI Callboxes.
3GPP support: Release 17/18 NTN, plus Release 19 IoT-NTN-TDD for NB-IoT.
Test devices implementing NR-NTN, with the AMARI NW NTN Option and a Callbox configuration matched to the required bands, bandwidth and cells.
3GPP support: Release 17 NR-NTN and supported Release 18 enhancements, including FR2 NTN.
Explore direct-to-device satellite connectivity with conventional LTE devices. Amarisoft documents D2C operation in LTE FDD non-NTN bands, with satellite-related timing and Doppler compensation handled on the network side. Requires the AMARI NW NTN Option.
Device compatibility: UE-side Release 17 NTN support is not required.
Explore D2C scenarios with conventional NR SA devices using NR FDD non-NTN bands. The device uses its terrestrial NR capabilities rather than NR-NTN signalling. Requires the AMARI NW NTN Option.
Device compatibility: UE-side Release 17 NTN support is not required.
Check network acquisition and connection procedures for NB-IoT-NTN, NR-NTN or LTE/NR D2C. Review NTN-specific system information where applicable. Capture the exchanges that explain why a device connects—or fails to connect.
Explore device behaviour under satellite propagation delay and frequency shift. Use repeatable conditions to investigate timing and frequency compensation.
Run your application traffic through the emulated network. Compare connectivity and behaviour as you change the selected satellite scenario.
Extend the test plan to satellite-to-terrestrial transitions or handover where supported by the selected mode and device. Select the cells, network instances and device features needed for each procedure.
LTEsat is Amarisoft's satellite companion software for the eNB/gNB. The constellation tool is included with AMARI Callboxes and helps turn orbital scenarios into repeatable NTN tests.
Prepare or replay satellite trajectories offline. Calculate ground tracks, azimuth and elevation from a ground position, or export Earth-centred coordinates for scenario preparation.
Map ground cells to configured Amarisoft eNB/gNB instances. LTEsat updates their serving-satellite selection as a LEO constellation moves, supporting tests across successive satellite passes.
View the constellation on a world map through the SAT tab. Inspect satellite passes, elevation, azimuth, distance and RAN associations alongside logs. Preview the scenario without a RAN, then connect the matching NTN configuration.
Example workflow: define a constellation and ground cells, preview their satellite passes, connect the Callbox RAN, then repeat device connection and traffic tests while reviewing satellite selection and protocol logs.
| Model | Recommended starting point | Configuration guidance |
|---|---|---|
| AMARI Callbox Mini | Single-cell development | Start with a compatible single-cell configuration for IoT or limited-bandwidth LTE/NR testing. Confirm the required RF band and antenna configuration. |
| AMARI Callbox Classic | LTE-focused test configurations | Consider for LTE D2C and LTE-based IoT test plans, or supported limited-bandwidth NR configurations. Match the scenario to the available cells and radio resources. |
| AMARI Callbox Advanced | Multi-cell LTE/NR testing | Consider for additional cells and wider NR carrier configurations. Size the setup around your bands, bandwidths and antenna requirements. |
| AMARI Callbox Ultimate | Expanded radio resources | Consider when the simultaneous cells or radio resources required by the test plan exceed the Advanced configuration. |
| AMARI Callbox Extreme | Larger multi-cell configurations | Consider for demanding LTE/NR test plans requiring more simultaneous radio resources. Select the relevant software and RF options. |
| AMARI Callbox Elite | Separate network instances | Supports two eNB/gNB instances and up to two core instances, with SDR resources allocated to each. Useful when the scenario requires separate networks. |
Choose for NB-IoT-NTN, NR-NTN or LTE/NR D2C according to the complete RF and software configuration. Confirm bands, simultaneous cells and scenario requirements with Amarisoft. NR-NTN and LTE/NR D2C require the AMARI NW NTN Option; FR2 requires the options and hardware described below.
All AMARI Callboxes include NB-IoT-NTN support, NTN channel simulation, the LTEsat constellation tool and five SIM cards.
NR-NTN and LTE/NR D2C require the AMARI NW NTN Option. FR2 operation requires the AMARI NW FR2 Option.
FR2 also requires the AMARI FR2 Hardware Package, available in SKUs covering different frequency bands. Select the package matching your target band and a compatible Callbox model. Connect the device through a suitable conducted RF path with appropriate attenuation, or a controlled radiated setup.
Illustrative laboratory setups to adapt to your device and test plan.
Compatible NB-IoT-NTN device + test SIM + selected Callbox. Configure the cell and matching subscriber credentials, establish a baseline connection, then vary the NTN delay and Doppler conditions while reviewing signalling and application traffic.
NR-NTN device + selected Callbox with the AMARI NW NTN Option and integrated channel simulation. Use LTEsat to configure and visualise the chosen constellation scenario. Re-run the same scenario after a device firmware change and compare logs.
Compatible LTE or NR SA device + test SIM + selected Callbox with the AMARI NW NTN Option. Follow the corresponding Tech Academy D2C guide, configure an LTE FDD or NR FDD cell in a supported non-NTN band, and apply the selected satellite scenario. Establish the connection, run application traffic and examine protocol logs.
The Callbox emulates the laboratory network and NTN channel conditions. These example setups do not require a live satellite link.
These setups support device development, debugging and functional testing. Any operator acceptance or certification programme has its own requirements.
Share your target mode—NB-IoT-NTN, NR-NTN, LTE D2C or NR D2C—along with bands, orbit scenario, device model and required cells. Our team can match the Callbox configuration and accessories to your test plan.
Discuss your NTN test setup
