Integrating Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Networks: 3D Opportunities and Challenges

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and innovative use-cases for 3D wireless network architectures involving ground, air, and space communications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the opportunities, challenges, and standardization efforts in 3D wireless network integration, proposing paradigms for re-engineering terrestrial networks with aerial and non-terrestrial infrastructure.

Findings

Identification of key opportunities in 3D network integration

Analysis of standardization activities and open research problems

Proposed paradigms for multi-operator terrestrial and non-terrestrial network cooperation

Abstract

Integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks has the potential of connecting the unconnected and enhancing the user experience for the already-connected, with technological and societal implications of the greatest long-term significance. A convergence of ground, air, and space wireless communications also represents a formidable endeavor for the mobile and satellite communications industries alike, as it entails defining and intelligently orchestrating a new 3D wireless network architecture. In this article, we present the key opportunities and challenges arising from this (r)evolution by presenting some of its disruptive use-cases and key building blocks, reviewing the relevant standardization activities, and pointing to open research problems. By considering two multi-operator paradigms, we also showcase how terrestrial networks could be efficiently re-engineered to cater for aerial services, or opportunistically complemented by non-terrestrial infrastructure to augment their current capabilities.