5G from Space: An Overview of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

This paper reviews 3GPP's efforts to adapt 5G technology for non-terrestrial satellite networks, covering design challenges, system aspects, and standardization processes.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the design considerations and standardization efforts for integrating 5G with satellite-based non-terrestrial networks.

Findings

Identification of key design challenges for 5G non-terrestrial networks

Explanation of system and radio access network adaptations

Insights into standardization rationales and future directions

Abstract

We provide an overview of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) work on evolving the 5G wireless technology to support non-terrestrial satellite networks. Adapting 5G to support non-terrestrial networks entails a holistic design spanning across multiple areas from radio access network to services and system aspects to core and terminals. In this article, we describe the main topics of non-terrestrial networks, explain in detail the design aspects, and share various design rationales influencing standardization.