6G for Connected Sky: A Vision for Integrating Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

This paper envisions a 6G network integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems, proposing a multi-layer architecture to connect aerial and ground users, and discusses key design and research challenges.

Contribution

It introduces the 6G-SKY architecture for integrated airspace and NTN networks, addressing heterogeneity and multi-layer management in 6G.

Findings

Proposes a multi-layer 6G-SKY architecture connecting aerial and ground users.

Identifies key challenges in multi-layer 3D network design and management.

Highlights research directions for integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

Abstract

In this paper, we present the vision of our project 6G for Connected Sky (6G-SKY) to integrate terrestrial networks (TNs) and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and outline the current research activities in 6G research projects in comparison with our project. From the perspectives of industry and academia, we identify key use case segments connecting both aerial and ground users with our 6G-SKY multi-layer network architecture. We explain functional views of our holistic 6G-SKY architecture addressing the heterogeneity of aerial and space platforms. Architecture elements and communication links are identified. We discuss 6G-SKY network design and management functionalities by considering a set of inherent challenges posed by the multi-layer 3-dimensional networks, which we termed as combined airspace and NTN (combined ASN). Finally, we investigate additional research challenges for 6G-SKY project targets.