Rohde & Schwarz, working in close collaboration with Samsung, has taken a significant step toward the commercialization of 5G-based non-terrestrial networks (NR-NTN) by successfully validating the first NR-NTN conformance test cases defined under 3GPP Release 17. The milestone positions Rohde & Schwarz as the first test and measurement provider to deliver validated 5G NR-NTN coverage across all three mandatory test domains: radio frequency (RF), radio resource management (RRM) and protocol conformance testing (PCT).

The validation was carried out in line with PTCRB Request for Testing (RFT) 555 specifications using Rohde & Schwarz’s conformance test solutions. Test cases were executed on the R&S TS8980 Conformance Test Platform, R&S TS-RRM solution and the CMX500 one-box signaling tester, operating in frequency range 1 (FR1). Samsung’s latest NR-NTN chipset served as the device under test, confirming readiness for future satellite-enabled 5G services.

Conformance testing plays a critical role in preparing new mobile technologies for commercial deployment, ensuring global interoperability, device reliability and consistent user experience. In the case of NR-NTN, testing complexity increases significantly due to factors such as long propagation delays, highly dynamic satellite orbits, diverse link conditions and operating environments that differ fundamentally from terrestrial networks.

Goce Talaganov, Vice President of Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said comprehensive RF, RRM and PCT testing is essential to building a stable and scalable mobile ecosystem. He noted that collaboration with industry leaders such as Samsung demonstrates confidence in Rohde & Schwarz’s end-to-end conformance solutions to enable next-generation connectivity.

At the centre of the NR-NTN conformance solution is the CMX500 5G one-box tester, which supports both early R&D and formal validation through integrated channel emulation, satellite constellation visualisation and single-box testing. Combined with the R&S CONTEST software platform, it enables efficient execution of standardized 3GPP test cases across all required domains, accelerating the path to market for satellite-based 5G services.