Bridging Terrestrial and Satellite Networks: Exploring the Possibilities for 6G TN-NTN Convergence
- Paper number
IAC-24,B2,6,7,x87793
- Author
Dr. Carlos Guimarães, Siemens AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. José Quevedo, Siemens, Portugal
- Coauthor
Dr. Florian Zeiger, Siemens AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Markus Sauer, Siemens AG, Germany
- Year
2024
- Abstract
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) integration within mobile networks is increasingly gaining traction by the academy and industry alike. While 5G has started to provide some degree of integration, in particular High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs), 6G NTN aims at seamlessly expanding such integration towards satellite networks to provide ubiquitous coverage, high data rates, and low latency anywhere and at any time. To this end, 6G is expected to enable various levels of cooperation between the terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial counterparts, each placing different requirements (e.g., ease of integration, performance, security, and trustfulness). This work delves into the technical details of the distinct strategies towards the realization of such 6G TN-NTN integrated vision, providing a taxonomy for the 6G TN-NTN architecture design, and related topologies, to match the requirements and constraints of current and future industrial use cases. In doing so, this work follows a holistic approach and explores today´s mechanisms leveraging e.g. on non-3GPP approaches, RAN integration models, overlay techniques, and hybrid models. Their strengths and weaknesses are examined as well as the applicability of each strategy across existing and novel use cases, technical feasibility, standardization gap and cost considerations. Ultimately, this work is considered to contribute to the ongoing discussions and standardization efforts of both 6G and satellite communities, and a better understanding of the role of TN-NTN convergence within industrial use cases.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-24,B2,6,7,x87793.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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