So, what are Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)?

NTNs, or Non-terrestrial Networks, are wireless communication platforms positioned above the Earth's surface. They are established through satellite deployment in low, medium, or geostationary orbits, drones, high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and other aerial systems. Of all these systems, only NTNs are uniquely positioned to provide uninterrupted global coverage, making them essential for various communication applications requiring high reliability and resilience, such as natural disasters and other disruption scenarios where traditional terrestrial networks may be compromised.

• According to a recent study, the global 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks market size was valued at USD 4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 62.48 billion by 2031, growing at a 41.14% CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2031).
• The increased use of NTNs for disaster recovery and resilience will be a crucial factor shaping the 5G NTN market.
• Consequently, they are poised to play a critical role in developing the 6G ecosystem.

...and what is 5G Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF)?

The 5G Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) is a critical component within the 5G network architecture, designed to enable seamless communication between 5G networks and non-3GPP networks. Non-3GPP networks are wireless networks that do not adhere to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, commonly used for cellular communication technologies like GSM, UMTS, LTE, and now 5G. The primary role of the 5G N3IWF is to facilitate interworking between the 5G core network (5GC) and non-3GPP access networks, such as Wi-Fi, satellite, or even legacy cellular technologies like GSM and CDMA. It allows devices connected to non-3GPP networks to seamlessly access services and resources that the 5G core network provides. 
 

How can 5G N3IWF transform Non-Terrestrial Networks?

N3IWF enables seamless communication and connectivity between 5G and Non-Terrestrial Networks such as satellite-based or High-altitude Platform (HAPs) networks. Here's how N3IWF powers NTNs: 
 

• Protocol Translation

Non-terrestrial networks often use different communication protocols compared to terrestrial networks. The N3IWF acts as a protocol translator, converting non-terrestrial networks' signaling and data formats into formats compatible with 3GPP standards, allowing seamless integration and communication between the two access networks. 
 

• Interoperability

NTNs often use different communication protocols and standards compared to 5G networks. The N3IWF bridges the 5G core network and NTNs, translating protocols and ensuring seamless interoperability between them. It allows devices connected to 5G networks to communicate with devices and services on NTNs, extending the reach of 5G connectivity to remote or inaccessible areas. 
 

• Handover Support

In scenarios where devices move between coverage areas served by 5G and non-terrestrial networks, the N3IWF facilitates smooth handovers by managing the transition of connections between the two networks. This ensures uninterrupted communication and maintains quality of service (QoS) for users, even as they move across different coverage areas.
 

• Latency Optimization

Due to the long distances involved in satellite communications, NTNs often face challenges related to latency. The N3IWF helps optimize latency by implementing efficient routing and processing mechanisms, reducing the communication delay between devices connected to 5G networks and those on NTNs. This is particularly important for applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as remote healthcare or autonomous vehicles. 
 

• Network Optimization

N3IWF helps optimize network resources and performance for communication between 5G networks and NTNs. It dynamically adjusts routing decisions, bandwidth allocation, and other parameters to maximize efficiency and throughput, ensuring optimal utilization of available network capacity and improving overall network performance.
 

• Security Enhancement

The N3IWF ensures secure communications between non-terrestrial networks and 5G networks. It implements robust security mechanisms such as authentication, encryption, and integrity protection to safeguard data transmission over the interworking link against unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data. 
 

• Quality of Service (QoS) Management

N3IWF assists in managing QoS parameters for connections between non-terrestrial and 5G networks. Coordinating QoS requirements and policies between the two networks ensures that users receive the expected performance and reliability regardless of the network they are connected to. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 5G N3 Interworking Function (N3IWF) plays a pivotal role in extending the reach and capabilities of 5G networks to non-terrestrial environments. It enables seamless communication, enhanced connectivity, and innovative use cases in remote or rural connectivity, maritime communication, disaster management and recovery, and IoT applications. 

Get the Amantya Advantage

Amantya's N3IWF is designed to act as a gateway, allowing non-3GPP access networks (like Wi-Fi and SatCom) to connect to the 5G Core Network (5GC) via a common interface. It enables the exchange of data, voice, and multimedia services between cellular networks and non-cellular technologies such as Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and satellite networks. It facilitates communication with satellite and non-terrestrial networks (NTN Networks), expanding connectivity options for remote and underserved areas. 

Want to know more? Contact us at connect@amantyatech.com