Terminology » Difference Between TN and NTN (Non Terrestrial Network)

Difference Between TN and NTN (Non Terrestrial Network)

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Introduction : In the evolving world of communication technology, TN (Terrestrial Networks) and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) play a crucial role in connecting people across the globe. While TN refers to traditional ground based infrastructure such as 4G/5G towers, Wi-Fi, and fiber networks, NTN extends connectivity beyond the Earth’s surface using satellites, High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and UAVs (i.e. drones).

Terrestrial Network (TN)

  • Communication network where base stations, towers and infrastructure are on the ground.
  • Provides connectivity using terrestrial radio waves (cellular, Wi-Fi etc.).
  • Limited coverage due to terrain, tower density and infrastructure cost.

Examples: 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, Fiber, DSL

Non Terrestrial Network (NTN)

  • Communication network that uses spaceborne (satellites) or airborne platforms (HAPS, UAVs, balloons) to provide connectivity.
  • Provides wide area coverage
  • Used where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable (e.g. remote, ocean, disaster zones).

Examples: Satellite Internet (Starlink, Oneweb ), HAPS based network, Satellite phone network (e.g. Iridium, Thuraya)

Key differences

FeatureTerrestrial Network (TN)Non Terrestrial Network (NTN)
LocationGround based towers and fiber networksSpaceborne (Satellites) & airborne (UAV, HAPS)
Coverage areaLocal to regionalVery wide, regional to global
LatencyLowerHigher
Mobility SupportOptimized for urban/suburban mobilityWorks in remote areas, oceans, deserts, disaster recovery
ReliabilityCan be disrupted by terrain, natural disastersLess terrain dependent, but affected by weather /space conditions

Conclusion: To summarize, the key difference between TN and NTN lies in their infrastructure and coverage. Terrestrial Networks (TN) rely on ground-based towers and are widely used for urban and suburban connectivity, offering low latency and high reliability. On the other hand, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) use satellites and airborne platforms to extend coverage to remote, rural and oceanic regions, ensuring seamless communication where terrestrial systems fall short. As 5G and beyond technologies continue to evolve, the integration of TN and NTN will play a vital role in building a truly global and resilient communication ecosystem.