Distributed Massive MIMO for LEO Satellite Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel distributed massive MIMO architecture for LEO satellite networks, enhancing connectivity, throughput, and handover management through AI-driven optimization, marking the first application of DM-MIMO in this context.

Contribution

It proposes the first DM-MIMO architecture for LEO SatNets, along with a joint power and handover optimization framework implemented via AI for real-time operation.

Findings

Proposed architecture outperforms conventional methods in simulations.

AI-based D-JPAHM effectively balances throughput and handover rates.

Distributed MIMO enhances connectivity and QoS in LEO satellite networks.

Abstract

The ultra-dense deployment of interconnected satellites will characterize future low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellations. Exploiting this towards a more efficient satellite network (SatNet), this paper proposes a novel LEO SatNet architecture based on distributed massive multiple-input multiple-output (DM-MIMO) technology allowing ground user terminals to be connected to a cluster of satellites. To this end, we investigate various aspects of DM-MIMO-based satellite network design, the benefits of using this architecture, the associated challenges, and the potential solutions. In addition, we propose a distributed joint power allocation and handover management (D-JPAHM) technique that jointly optimizes the power allocation and handover management processes in a cross-layer manner. This framework aims to maximize the network throughput and minimize the handover rate while considering the quality-of-service (QoS) demands of user terminals and the power capabilities of the satellites. Moreover, we devise an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution to efficiently implement the proposed D-JPAHM framework in a manner suitable for real-time operation and the dynamic SatNet environment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to introduce and study DM-MIMO technology in LEO SatNets. Extensive simulation results reveal the superiority of the proposed architecture and solutions compared to conventional approaches in the literature.