Modeling Uplink Coverage Performance in Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytical model to evaluate uplink coverage in hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks, considering satellite constellation size and terrestrial base station density, aiding in optimal network design for IoT applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analytical framework that extends terrestrial models to include satellite layers, providing insights into uplink coverage in hybrid networks.

Findings

Coverage improves with larger satellite constellations.

Higher terrestrial base station density enhances uplink coverage.

The model guides optimal hybrid network deployment for IoT.

Abstract

Once deemed a far-fetched vision, emerging deployments of massive satellite constellations will soon offer true global coverage. When these constellations overlay the evolving terrestrial networks, a new hybrid continuum is formed which has the potential to provide uninterrupted coverage. In this paper, we provide an analytic framework for the uplink coverage probability in hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks. The framework extends well-developed terrestrial models that utilize tools from stochastic geometry by incorporating an additional layer that fits the emerging next generation satellite-terrestrial networks. The paper captures the impact of both (i) the constellation size, and (ii) the terrestrial base station density on the coverage of the uplink traffic which is dominant in applications relying on wireless sensor networks, such as the Internet of Things. This framework provides insights that guide the design of hybrid network infrastructures for a desired quality of service.