Open NTN Testbed Release 3: Advanced NTN Mobility & Handover
Open NTN Testbed Release 3 provides a software-defined environment for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network experimentation, integrating OCUDU RAN, OAI UE Simulator, and a 5G Core with a unified rfsimulator foundation. This release expands upon previous versions by supporting advanced mobility scenarios such as inter-cell handover, in-cell switching, and satellite train simulations, alongside features like dynamic propagation delay compensation and NTN timing synchronization. The testbed operates entirely in simulation, eliminating the need for hardware like SDRs or physical satellites, and allows for reproducible complex scenario testing. Future development will focus on multi-UE support, larger constellations, and integration with a TOSSI Digital Twin platform for end-to-end network visualization, ultimately aiming for an AI-native experimentation platform. A dedicated LEO satellite tracker is also under development to provide real-time visibility of satellite positions and coverage.