Keysight Technologies to Showcase NR-NTN Mobility Testing at MWC 2026

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced an ambitious demonstration of its new radio non-terrestrial networks (NR-NTN) capabilities in collaboration with Samsung Electronics at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. This significant event will highlight the company's lab-based validation of NR-NTN devices, aligning with the anticipated rollout of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies, including the much-publicized Starlink Direct to Cell initiative.

As the telecommunications landscape evolves with the advent of 5G and the future prospects of 6G networks, the integration of satellite connectivity is becoming increasingly crucial. However, the deployment of LEO satellite systems presents unique challenges. These include rapid movement, frequent handovers, dynamic link conditions, and strict positioning requirements. In the absence of live satellite networks during the initial stages of development, vendors are turning to robust laboratory-based methods to evaluate mobility, service continuity, and the throughput performance of their devices.

Keysight's demonstration at MWC will leverage its state-of-the-art NTN Network Emulator Solutions, which effectively replicate the characteristics of LEO satellites within a controlled lab environment. The demonstration will feature a seamless integration of Keysight's 5G Network Emulator with a Samsung NR-NTN modem. This setup will validate crucial elements such as satellite and device mobility, service continuity, and the performance of higher-throughput Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) configurations, all under parameters that reflect real-world Starlink deployment scenarios.

In addition to its core testing capabilities, Keysight will also showcase its advanced positioning emulation features, bolstered by its recent acquisition of Spirent. The PNT Xe technology will enhance global navigation satellite system-based positioning, providing an end-to-end validation workflow that is critical for the accurate testing of NR-NTN devices.

Jungwon Lee, Executive Vice President of the System LSI Modem Development Team at Samsung Electronics, commented on the collaboration: “NR-NTN introduces new technical challenges for modem design, particularly around mobility, handover, and link adaptation in LEO environments. This demonstration with Keysight allows us to validate NR-NTN modem performance under representative satellite conditions, helping ensure readiness for future satellite-based 5G services.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, also emphasized the importance of this demonstration: “Direct-to-device satellite connectivity is moving from concept to deployment, making early end-to-end NR-NTN validation essential. Our lab-based, live-application testing gives the ecosystem a repeatable way to prove interoperability and performance, cutting risk and time-to-market while keeping users connected beyond terrestrial coverage.”

As satellite connectivity continues to play an integral role in the evolution of telecommunications, Keysight Technologies is positioning itself as a leader in the validation of NR-NTN devices. Its collaboration with Samsung at MWC 2026 marks a pivotal step towards the realization of satellite-based 5G services, paving the way for a future where connectivity knows no bounds.

For further insights into Keysight Technologies' innovative solutions, visit their official website.