What is a non-terrestrial network (NTN)?

A non-terrestrial network (NTN) is a type of wireless communication network used for applications such as mobile communications.

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The term refers to multilayered networks linking terrestrial base stations, ships at sea, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and communication satellites in space. These characteristics allow an NTN to overcome the limitations of land-based networks, dramatically expanding the coverage of the communication infrastructure to include areas such as mountain valleys and areas of the ocean far from land.

Among non-terrestrial networks, this article focuses on wireless communication networks comprising elements at high altitudes, far above the land and the sea. R&D, test beds, and demonstrations are starting to be rolled out as part of plans for the development of non-terrestrial networks in the stratosphere and outer space in preparation for the advent of the next-generation telecommunications standard known as Beyond 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System, B5G)/6G (6th Generation Mobile Communication System).

From the stratosphere to outer space. Configuration and features of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs).

Different Types of Transmission Equipment in a Non-Terrestrial Network