ETL and NXGSAT Demonstrate Interoperable 5G NTN Architecture Using DIFI

ETL Systems and NXGSAT have showcased a fully interoperable, end-to-end 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) solution, demonstrating how open, standards-based satellite architectures can be deployed using commercially available technology.

The demonstration combined NXGSAT’s software-defined 5G NTN user equipment modem with ETL’s GENUS Digital platform, integrated via the Digital IF Interoperability (DIFI) standard. The result is a modular, multi-vendor system that bridges digital modem functions with RF hardware through a common interface.

At the heart of the approach is DIFI, an open standard designed to enable seamless exchange of digital intermediate frequency signals between different components and vendors. By standardising this interface, the companies aim to simplify integration, reduce vendor lock-in and accelerate deployment of 5G NTN networks.

The significance of the demo lies in its practicality. Rather than a lab concept, it shows that fully virtualised, interoperable satellite networks aligned with 3GPP 5G NTN standards can already be built using existing products.