February 3, 2025
In a world increasingly driven by data and connected devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionising industries from agriculture to healthcare. However, as IoT devices proliferate, they encounter a significant hurdle: the availability of reliable and ubiquitous connectivity. Terrestrial networks, while advanced, have inherent limitations, particularly in remote, rural, or disaster-stricken areas where infrastructure may be inadequate or non-existent.
Enter Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), an emerging technology poised to fill this connectivity gap. By leveraging satellites, high-altitude platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), NTN is set to redefine the boundaries of IoT and unlock its full potential.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) refer to communication systems that operate outside traditional terrestrial infrastructure, such as cell towers and fibre-optic cables. These systems utilise satellites (Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, and Geostationary Orbit), high-altitude platforms (like balloons or airships), and UAVs to provide connectivity.
For IoT, NTN offers unprecedented advantages:
• Global Coverage: Unlike terrestrial networks, NTN can connect devices anywhere on the planet, including remote oceans, deserts, and polar regions.
• Resilience: NTNs are less vulnerable to physical disruptions, such as natural disasters, that can damage terrestrial infrastructure.
• Scalability: With the increasing number of devices requiring connectivity, NTN can expand capacity without the need for extensive ground-based installations.
The rise of NTN is driven by several technological and market trends:
Advancements in Satellite Technology:
Recent innovations in satellite design and deployment have made NTN more viable and cost-effective. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb, offer low-latency, high-bandwidth connections, making them suitable for IoT applications.
Standardisation Efforts:
The integration of NTN into IoT has been accelerated by 3GPP Release 17, which introduced standards for NTN as part of 5G. This standardisation ensures seamless interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Market Demand:
Industries such as logistics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring increasingly demand global IoT connectivity, pushing the adoption of NTN to meet these needs.
Government and Industry Support:
Public and private investments in NTN infrastructure, coupled with partnerships between cellular operators and satellite providers, have created a robust ecosystem for growth.
IoT NTN is not just about connecting devices—it’s about enabling transformative applications that were previously impossible or impractical. Here are some of the key areas where IoT NTN is making a difference:
Agriculture:
Precision farming relies on data from sensors monitoring soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop health. NTN enables connectivity in rural areas, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions and improve yields.
Logistics and Supply Chain:
Real-time tracking of goods, especially across international borders or remote regions, is a critical requirement for modern logistics. NTN ensures uninterrupted communication with IoT-enabled tracking devices, improving efficiency and reducing losses.
Disaster Recovery and Emergency Response:
In the aftermath of natural disasters, terrestrial networks are often damaged or overwhelmed. NTN provides reliable communication for first responders and supports IoT devices used in search-and-rescue operations.
Environmental Monitoring:
From tracking wildlife movements to measuring climate change indicators, NTN enables IoT devices to operate in remote or inaccessible areas, providing valuable data for research and conservation efforts.
Maritime and Aviation Applications:
Ships and aircraft require continuous connectivity for navigation, safety, and operational efficiency. NTN ensures these critical assets remain connected even in the most remote parts of the globe.
While IoT NTN holds immense promise, it is not without its challenges:
Cost:
The deployment and operation of satellite constellations and other NTN infrastructure can be expensive, though costs are gradually decreasing with advancements in technology.
Latency:
Although LEO satellites reduce latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites, it remains a concern for time-sensitive IoT applications.
Integration with Terrestrial Networks:
Achieving seamless handover and interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is a technical challenge that requires ongoing innovation.
The future of IoT NTN is bright, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
Hybrid Networks:
The convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks will create hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both. For example, devices could use terrestrial networks in urban areas and switch to NTN in remote locations.
Expansion of Use Cases:
As NTN matures, new applications will emerge, including autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and even space-based IoT ecosystems.
Lower Costs:
Economies of scale and technological advancements will drive down the costs of NTN deployment, making it accessible to a broader range of industries and businesses.
Impact on Industries and Consumers:
IoT NTN will democratise connectivity, enabling small businesses, start-ups, and developing countries to participate in the IoT revolution. It will also empower consumers with smarter, more connected devices, regardless of location.
IoT NTN represents a paradigm shift in how we think about connectivity. By extending the reach of IoT beyond terrestrial boundaries, it has the potential to transform industries, bridge the digital divide, and create a more connected world. As this technology continues to evolve, it’s not just about staying connected—it’s about unlocking new possibilities and shaping the future of innovation.
Article written by Andrew Man - Siretta Back