Extending NB-IoT to space: RINA leads satellite connectivity breakthrough for ESA
How RINA and RAME adapted terrestrial IoT protocols for LEO satellites to enable smart services in remote regions
| Business | Period | Client |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | 2020 - ongoing | ESA |
Challenge
The NB-IoT4Space project was initiated to address a pressing global issue: the lack of reliable IoT connectivity in rural and underserved regions. Traditional terrestrial networks often fail to reach these areas, limiting the deployment of smart technologies. The challenge was to adapt the NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) protocol, originally designed for ground-based networks, to function effectively over LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite links. This required overcoming significant technical hurdles such as:
- Long transmission distances.
- High latency.
- Doppler shifts affecting signal integrity.
The goal was to validate, in a lab-emulated environment, that NB-IoT could operate seamlessly and reliably in non-terrestrial conditions.
Applied expertise
RINA led the project as both technical coordinator and engineering manager, overseeing all phases from concept to validation. Key contributions included:
- Designing the overall workflow and system architecture.
- Defining technical requirements and ensuring compliance.
- Developing operational scenarios and conducting system-level modeling.
- Preparing and executing a comprehensive test plan.
RINA’s partner, RAME S.r.l., focused on the software development needed to adapt NB-IoT for satellite use. RAME also built a sophisticated satellite channel emulator, enabling realistic testing and iterative refinement of the protocol.
Together, RINA and RAME combined engineering, coordination, and development expertise to push the boundaries of IoT connectivity.
Impact
The goal of the project is to validate satellite-specific adaptations to the NB-IoT protocol using advanced laboratory emulation. This breakthrough opens the door to:
- Smart agriculture in remote areas.
- Infrastructure monitoring where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
- Industry 4.0 applications in isolated environments.
By extending standardized, cost-effective IoT protocols to space, NB-IoT4Space lays the foundation for ubiquitous IoT services, transforming how data is collected and used across sectors and geographies.
