The new age of IoT: 5G terrestrial and satellite networks working together
The convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial (NTN) satellite networks is revolutionizing the Internet of Things (IoT). In this article, we explore how this integration enhances coverage, resilience, and the efficiency of critical infrastructures.
Datakorum was founded in 2014 with a clear vision: low-power, narrowband mobile networks (NB-IoT) had high potential to provide internet connectivity to key assets in critical infrastructures, sending small volumes of data over long periods, especially in remote locations, basements, or underground chambers. This vision has led us to deploy massive IoT gateways, offering innovative solutions to face the current challenges of water, energy, and mobility management companies. These solutions allow real-time data collection from hard-to-reach locations, improving the efficiency and sustainability of these infrastructures.
Ten years later, we are witnessing a new revolution in telecommunications: the convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial (NTN) satellite networks to offer global NB-IoT coverage, improve network capacity, and ensure more robust and resilient connectivity. Currently, it is estimated that only 10% of the Earth's landmass is connected by terrestrial networks, mainly concentrated in cities and their surroundings. For the remaining 90%, connectivity will only be possible through non-terrestrial networks, providing new opportunities and solutions for the remote management of critical infrastructures in remote areas.
What is NTN?
Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are wireless communication systems operating above the Earth's surface using low (LEO), medium (MEO), and geostationary (GEO) orbit satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and drones. These networks provide continuous coverage, even in highly isolated areas without terrestrial network access. Currently, devices must connect separately to terrestrial 3GPP networks or satellites, requiring additional hardware. With NTN-5G convergence, all mobile devices will be able to connect to both terrestrial and satellite networks seamlessly within the 3GPP ecosystem, and in the future, satellites will function as base stations.
The combination of both terrestrial and satellite networks promises ubiquitous IoT connectivity with guaranteed quality, even in remote areas
5G NTN networks evolve in two variants: NTN-IoT and NTN-NR, catering to different use cases. NTN-IoT, which leads the market, extends IoT reach with global coverage on land, sea, and air, mainly operating in GEO and LEO orbits. As technology advances, NTN-NR will gain importance, directly connecting smartphones and 5G gateways with LEO satellites, enabling low-speed data, voice, and messaging services, and expanding the applications of non-terrestrial networks.
Until now, satellite communications were unthinkable for this type of use and were prohibitively expensive, but the emergence of new companies providing connection services through their own constellations of low orbit (LEO) satellites and their convergence with cellular connectivity for IoT have changed the rules of the game. These technologies arrive with the promise of ubiquitous IoT connectivity, guaranteed quality, easy maintenance, and low cost.
The convergence of terrestrial and NTN networks
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT and LTE-M) wireless communications have positioned themselves as the best technology for IoT applications that demand low-speed data transmission, high energy efficiency, and wide coverage. Their implementation in remote asset management, such as utility meters and industrial sensors, has been overwhelming. However, one persistent challenge is the deficient coverage of terrestrial networks in rural or remote areas, affecting connection stability and data quality, resulting in the loss of crucial data packets.
The convergence of 5G and satellite (NTN) networks ensures service continuity and data integrity, minimizing the loss of critical data packets
The convergence of 5G and satellite (NTN) networks offers a robust and reliable solution to this problem. By combining these two technologies, global coverage is achieved, ensuring that NB-IoT devices maintain constant and stable connectivity, even in remote areas. This integration not only improves coverage but also provides greater redundancy and resilience. In the event of failures or poor coverage in terrestrial networks, NB-IoT devices can dynamically switch to the satellite network, ensuring service continuity and data integrity.
From our experience in deploying NB-IoT devices, we have observed how this convergence makes data transmission more reliable, ensuring that critical data is delivered accurately and timely. This significantly improves the quality of collected data, facilitating better decision-making.
In environmental monitoring projects where IoT sensors must operate in remote areas, the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks ensures that critical data on air quality, water levels, and soil conditions are reliably transmitted, supporting conservation initiatives and responses to environmental emergencies. Meters, motors, and valves for irrigation will also benefit from this convergence, allowing uninterrupted connectivity in rural areas where it is currently non-existent, improving efficiency and precision in agricultural resource management and increasing yields.
NTN networks not only offer global coverage but also act as a crucial backup network in emergency situations or natural disasters
For the management of critical infrastructures such as electricity, water, and gas distribution networks, IoT devices must operate reliably at all times. Hybrid 5G-NTN networks ensure that monitoring and control operations are not interrupted, allowing for a rapid response to problems and reducing the risk of infrastructure failures.
NTN networks as backup
A fundamental aspect of this convergence is the ability to use satellite networks as a backup in case of terrestrial network failures. This feature is crucial for applications that require high availability and reliability. In emergencies or natural disasters, terrestrial networks can be affected, causing connectivity disruptions. NTN networks can act as a backup, maintaining communication and allowing for the coordination of rescue and recovery efforts, as recently demonstrated in the Ukraine war. For businesses and critical services, loss of connectivity can have severe consequences. Downtime can be costly and detrimental to many operations. The ability to automatically switch to a satellite network in case of terrestrial failures ensures business continuity and keeps IoT systems running while terrestrial networks are restored.
Ensuring that our NB-IoT gateways can seamlessly switch between terrestrial and satellite networks requires advanced interoperability solutions and common standards. Additionally, with more data being transmitted through different networks, data security and privacy are crucial. We implement robust security protocols and encryption technologies to protect the information. Adopting a converged infrastructure can be costly. However, the benefits in terms of operational efficiency, data quality, and new business opportunities can justify the initial investment.
From our experience in deploying NB-IoT devices, we envision a future where 5G-NTN connectivity will be a key factor for the success of global IoT initiatives, transforming industries and improving quality of life worldwide. It will not only strengthen current IoT applications but also contribute to the development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and predictive analytics that depend on accurate and reliable data.
Innovation award
Datakorum's motivation has always been clear and compelling: to be the first to offer cutting-edge IoT communication technologies to our clients. As a result of this effort, at the beginning of this year, we were selected to participate in the "Satellite NB-IoT Early Adopter Program" led by Deutsche Telekom in collaboration with Skylo and Murata. The 19 participants from 9 countries in the program had exclusive access to the organizers' state-of-the-art solutions, including early access to the first satellite NB-IoT modules based on new standards and a global satellite network, allowing us to develop solutions with convergent 5G-NTN device prototypes using test hardware.
Our proposal consisted of a solution to remotely monitor intelligent dynamic air purge valves in pipes without cellular coverage, for which we were awarded the "Innovation Award" at the Deutsche Telekom Satellite IoT Day.
We are proud to have contributed to this innovative program and to have received this recognition, which highlights the effort of our development team and reinforces our commitment to innovation and excellence in the IoT connectivity sector.
