Real-time in-lab evaluation of indirect satellite connectivity with the SeRANIS beyond 5G demonstrator

Indirect satellite connectivity combines terrestrial base stations and satellite backhaul links to extend mobile network coverage where terrestrial transport networks are lacking. Satellite backhaul via low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations offers reduced latency compared to geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites. However, latency is higher and more variable than typical requirements for 5G and Beyond 5G (B5G) systems, which raises questions about the quality of experience (QoE) in integrated networks. This paper presents the Seamless Radio Access Networks for Internet of Space (SeRANIS) B5G demonstrator, an in-lab solution that combines a complete 5G system, an end-to-end satellite emulator, and tools for testing typical mobile network services. The demonstrator can switch between terrestrial and satellite backhaul, offering the opportunity to evaluate and compare performance between backhaul solutions. The performance of a video call/conference service is analysed under different network conditions in terrestrial and satellite backhaul scenarios. The paper shows objective metrics and the results of a subjective test on transmission quality conducted on 19 subjects. Results show a similar QoE between terrestrial and LEO backhaul for a video call/conference service, confirming that LEO backhaul is a viable solution to mitigate the “digital divide” affecting communities in rural or remote areas.