A brief introduction to satellite communications for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

TL;DR

This paper provides a concise overview of satellite communications within Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), highlighting their role in enhancing 5G connectivity in remote areas amidst rapid satellite growth.

Contribution

It offers a foundational tutorial on satellite communications for researchers interested in developing Space-Terrestrial Integrated Networks (STIN) and NTNs for 5G support.

Findings

Rapid increase in satellite numbers expected in next decade

NTNs enable improved 5G coverage in remote areas

Foundational knowledge for satellite communication research

Abstract

At present (year 2023), approximately 2,500 satellites are currently orbiting the Earth. This number is expected to reach 50,000 satellites (that is, 20 times growth) for the next 10 years, thanks to the recent advances concerning launching satellites at low cost and with high probability of success. In this sense, it is expected that next years the world will witness a massive increase in mobile connectivity thanks to the combination of 5G deployments and satellites, building the so-called Space-Terrestrial Integrated Network (STIN), thanks to the emergence of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). This document overviews the foundations of satellite communications as a short tutorial for those interested in research and development on Space-Terrestrial Integrated Networks (STIN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for supporting 5G in remote areas.