ITU publishes new framework for IoT support in converged fixed, mobile and satellite networks
A new ITU-T Recommendation sets out technical requirements and procedures for supporting internet of things services across converged fixed, mobile and satellite networks in IMT-2020 and future systems.
The International Telecommunication Union has published Recommendation ITU-T Y.3226, defining requirements and a reference framework for supporting internet of things in fixed, mobile and satellite convergence networks for IMT-2020 and beyond.
The Recommendation specifies an overview, technical requirements, architectural frameworks, network function enhancements, operational procedures and security considerations for integrating IoT services into converged networks. It addresses scenarios where terrestrial and satellite infrastructures operate jointly to provide wide-area connectivity, including in areas with limited ground coverage.
Y.3226 outlines requirements such as satellite network management for IoT, power-saving mechanisms for devices in discontinuous satellite coverage, sufficient access capacity for massive IoT deployments, and performance measurement indicators tailored to satellite-supported IoT environments. It also describes access and mobility management procedures, including tracking area update processes in cases with and without serving gateway changes.
Security provisions focus on lightweight authentication for resource-constrained IoT devices and privacy safeguards aligned with existing IMT-2020 security requirements.
Approved in December 2025 by ITU-T Study Group 13, the Recommendation contributes to ongoing standardisation efforts under the Y-series on future networks and IoT, including convergence models defined in earlier ITU-T Y.3200 and Y.3201 texts.
