Diego Tuzi, Estephania Flores Aguilar, Thomas Delamotte, Gunes Karabulut Kurt and Andreas Knopp
Article (2023)
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Abstract
Satellite direct-to-cell (D2C) connectivity considers the communication between satellites and low-cost handheld devices on Earth. It represents one of the most challenging aspects of the integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Low Earth orbit (LEO), sub-6GHz bands, and large aperture satellite antennas are the key to enable D2C connectivity. The industry is tackling the problem with a conventional approach, consisting of the design of very large reflectors or phased arrays. This article proposes a new way to face the problem: the distributed approach. A satellite base station (BS) is decomposed into several small platforms in a so-called swarm configuration to form a sparse phased array. The use of small satellites promises cost-effective solutions, while distributed satellite systems (DSSs) increase the fault tolerance, and thus the reliability, of the entire constellation. This article compares the performance of conventional and distributed approaches under different conditions. It shows that distributed approaches outperform conventional ones even under unfavorable conditions and pessimistic assumptions. Important tradeoffs are derived showing the flexibility of distributed approaches. Finally, major research aspects for exploiting the full potential of the distributed approach are highlighted.
Uncontrolled Keywords
phased arrays; 6G mobile communication; pace vehicles; idustries; satellite antennas; satellites; low earth orbit satellites
Subjects: |
2500 Electrical and electronic engineering > 2500 Electrical and electronic engineering 2500 Electrical and electronic engineering > 2508 Communications networks 2500 Electrical and electronic engineering > 2511 Antennas and propagation 2500 Electrical and electronic engineering > 2525 Wireless communication systems |
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Department: | Department of Electrical Engineering |
Funders: | NSERC / CRSNG, Digitalization and Technology Research Center of the Bundeswehr, European Union - NextGenerationEU |
Grant number: | RGPIN-2022-03355 |
PolyPublie URL: | https://publications.polymtl.ca/57324/ |
Journal Title: | IEEE Wireless Communications (vol. 30, no. 6) |
Publisher: | IEEE |
DOI: | 10.1109/mwc.002.2300179 |
Official URL: | https://doi.org/10.1109/mwc.002.2300179 |
Date Deposited: | 29 Jan 2024 14:38 |
Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2024 17:17 |
Cite in APA 7: | Tuzi, D., Aguilar, E. F., Delamotte, T., Karabulut Kurt, G., & Knopp, A. (2023). Distributed approach to satellite direct-to-cell connectivity in 6G non-terrestrial networks. IEEE Wireless Communications, 30(6), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1109/mwc.002.2300179 |
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