Non-terrestrial networks are moving from experimental satellite systems to an increasingly important part of the 5G connectivity landscape. This eBook, developed by Radisys in collaboration with TeckNexus, examines how NTN is evolving through 3GPP standardization, new deployment architectures, and software-driven approaches to mobility and performance optimization. It gives telecom and satellite stakeholders a practical view of how NTN can support broader coverage, direct-to-device connectivity, and new service opportunities across land, sea, and air.
As satellite and terrestrial networks continue to converge, operators face growing pressure to understand how NTN fits into future 5G strategies. This eBook explains how the shift from proprietary satellite systems to 3GPP-aligned NTN architectures is improving interoperability, expanding use cases, and enabling more standards-based global connectivity. It explores how NTNs can support mobile broadband, IoT, emergency response, maritime and aviation communications, remote connectivity, and broader digital inclusion across underserved areas.
Why This eBook Matters
NTN is no longer a niche topic. It is becoming a strategic area of focus for mobile operators, satellite providers, network architects, and infrastructure vendors. The eBook outlines the practical implications of this shift, including deployment trade-offs, mobility complexity, beam design choices, and the role of software-defined RAN in making NTN more scalable and operationally viable. It also explains how 3GPP Releases 17, 18, and 19 are shaping deployment models for transparent and regenerative architectures.
What You Will Learn in This eBook
This content is designed for telecom operators, satellite providers, RAN architects, standards teams, and product or engineering leaders evaluating NTN opportunities. Without revealing the full eBook, readers can expect coverage of:
- How NTN evolved from experimental satellite systems to standards-based 5G architectures
- The role of 3GPP standardization in enabling convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks
- Transparent NTN architectures, including deployment models, gateway design, mobility procedures, interference mitigation, and latency challenges
- Regenerative NTN architectures, including onboard processing trade-offs, partial vs. fully regenerative models, and SWaP implications
- Quasi-Earth fixed beams versus Earth-moving beams and how they affect mobility management and cell design
- Beam hopping concepts, scheduling considerations, QoS assurance, and the operational role of software-defined RAN in 5G NTN deployments
Who Should Download This eBook
This resource is relevant for organizations that are:
- Building or evaluating NTN strategies within 5G and satellite portfolios
- Designing 3GPP-aligned satellite connectivity solutions
- Exploring direct-to-device, rural connectivity, maritime, aviation, or remote enterprise use cases
- Assessing transparent versus regenerative deployment models
- Looking to improve mobility, coverage efficiency, and service quality in power-constrained satellite environments
Inside the Full eBook
Readers will find a structured exploration of NTN evolution, architecture models, mobility management, beam control, and performance optimization. The diagrams across the eBook show transparent bent-pipe deployment models, regenerative gNB-on-board and DU-on-board architectures, quasi-Earth fixed beam and Earth-moving beam behavior, and beam hopping scheduling examples that illustrate how satellite resources can be allocated more efficiently.
Download the eBook
Get access to The Evolution of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): 5G NR Architectures, Mobility, and Performance Optimization to better understand the standards, architecture options, mobility models, and scheduling strategies shaping the next phase of satellite-enabled 5G connectivity.
