Sky High 5G: New Radio for Air-to-Ground Communications

TL;DR

This paper explores the application of 5G New Radio technology to air-to-ground communication systems, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve in-flight connectivity data rates and discussing future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of existing A2G systems, confirms the feasibility of 5G NR for A2G with performance analysis across various bands, and identifies key challenges and solutions.

Findings

NR A2G systems can significantly enhance data rates.

Performance is validated across sub-7 GHz to millimeter wave bands.

Major challenges include signal propagation and hardware constraints.

Abstract

Today, mobile operators are starting to deploy Fifth-Generation (5G) networks to expand the coverage ubiquity of broadband wireless service. In contrast, in-flight connectivity remains limited and its quality of service does not always meet the expectations. Embracing 5G New Radio (NR) in Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication systems can help narrow the gap between airborne and ground connectivity. In this article, we focus on 5G NR based direct A2G communications. We first provide an overview of the existing A2G systems which are based on earlier generations of mobile technologies. Then we confirm the feasibility of NR A2G systems with a performance study in a range of bands from below 7 GHz to millimeter wave frequencies. The results show that NR A2G systems can provide significantly improved data rates for in-flight connectivity. We also identify the major challenges associated with NR A2G communications, discuss enhancements to counteract the challenges, and point out fruitful avenues for future research.