Performance analysis of satellite-terrestrial integrated radio access networks based on stochastic geometry

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of coverage performance in satellite-terrestrial integrated radio access networks (STIRAN) using stochastic geometry, focusing on LEO satellites and terrestrial base stations for 6G.

Contribution

It develops a novel system model and derives mathematical expressions for coverage probability considering real-world antenna patterns and network parameters.

Findings

Coverage probability depends on base station density and satellite orbital inclination.

Theoretical results are validated through simulations.

Network design parameters significantly influence coverage performance.

Abstract

To enhance coverage and improve service continuity, satellite-terrestrial integrated radio access network (STIRAN) has been seen as an essential trend in the development of 6G. However, there is still a lack of theoretical analysis on its coverage performance. To fill this gap, we first establish a system model to characterize a typical scenario where low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial base stations are both deployed. Then, stochastic geometry is utilized to analyze the downlink coverage probability under the setting of shared frequency and distinct frequencies. Specifically, we derive mathematical expressions for the distances distribution from the serving station to the typical user and the associated probability based on the maximum bias power selection strategy (Max-BPR). Taking into account real-world satellite antenna beamforming patterns in two system scenarios, we derive the downlink coverage probabilities in terms of parameters such as base station density and orbital inclination. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical derivations is verified through experimental simulations, and the influence of network design parameters on the downlink coverage probability is analyzed.