Japan Radio Co., Ltd.
SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology

Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (President: Ken Koarai, “JRC”), SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Representative Director, President & Chief Executive Officer: Eiichi Yonekura, “SKY Perfect JSAT”), the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo (Dean: Yasuhiro Kato, Professor: Akihiro Nakao, “The University of Tokyo”), and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (President: Hideyuki Tokuda, “NICT”) have successfully demonstrated dynamic switching of backhaul paths and QoS control in a 5G network environment that integrates a geostationary (GEO) satellite link, low earth orbit (LEO) satellite links, and terrestrial links. This achievement paves the way for the construction of highly reliable satellite-5G networks capable of flexibly responding to diverse services and network conditions.

This demonstration was conducted as part of the commissioned research “Research and Development of Satellite-Terrestrial Integration Technology in Beyond 5G” (No. 21901) by NICT, JAPAN.

Key Points

• Successfully demonstrated dynamic routing and Quality of Service (QoS) ^*1 control in satellite-5G networks, across varied scenarios.
• Validated performance under simulated disaster response conditions.
• Improved reliability and flexibility of satellite-5G network communications.
  
  

Background

In the era of Beyond 5G, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)—which connect space, air, and sea through multi-layered communication infrastructures such as satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and drones—are attracting attention for their scalability and wide-area coverage. Each infrastructure component of NTN has unique communication characteristics in terms of latency and stability, making flexible communication paths essential for various applications. Standardization efforts for NTN connectivity in 5G are also progressing within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP^*2), and initiatives toward commercializing satellite-5G networks are accelerating both domestically and internationally.

NICT has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the European Space Agency (ESA) to strengthen Japan-Europe collaboration in this field, promoting global technology development and realization of NTN infrastructure.

Building on this context, JRC, SKY Perfect JSAT, The University of Tokyo, and NICT have planned and carried out demonstration experiments aimed at developing networks capable of flexibly adapting to diverse communication demands and varying link conditions.

Demonstration of Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Technology

Figure 1: Network configuration integrating a GEO satellite, LEO satellites, and local 5G systems

The participating organizations jointly built and tested a network integrating a GEO satellite, LEO satellites, and local 5G systems. The demonstration validated next-generation communication technologies, including link monitoring, dynamic path switching, application-based backhaul^*3 allocation, and adaptive QoS control based on bandwidth availability. A simulated disaster scenario was also conducted to assess the feasibility of a flexible network infrastructure combining satellite and 5G technologies. All trials were successfully completed, confirming both the effectiveness of end-user communications and the potential to enhance the reliability of future social infrastructure through sustainable, adaptable networks that meet diverse communication needs.

Roles and Achievements of Each Organization

Future Outlook

JRC, SKY Perfect JSAT, and The University of Tokyo will continue to promote the utilization of these R&D results for disaster prevention agencies and further develop technical demonstration environments for 5G NTN deployment and future use cases. The local 5G systems supporting flexible satellite-terrestrial integration will be promoted for commercial deployment through industry-academia collaboration. The organizations will continue research and field demonstrations of the core technologies developed in this project, aiming to realize a society where seamless connectivity is available anytime, anywhere, through flexible networks bridging space and ground.

NICT will further deepen collaboration with domestic and international partners and promote R&D and implementation of satellite-terrestrial integration and NTN technologies from a global perspective, aiming to realize a three-dimensional network connecting land, sea, air, and space.

Please refer to this for the common press release used by all companies. (PDF 840KB)

Glossary

*1 QoS (Quality of Service) Control:
Mechanisms for adjusting communication priorities and bandwidth.

*2 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project): 
A project among standardization bodies for mobile network specifications.

*3 Backhaul: 
Communication path connecting wireless base stations to the network core.

*4 Slicing:
Technology for dividing a single network into multiple virtual networks optimized for different services or needs.

*5 5G Core:
The part of the 5G network responsible for connection and routing.

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