Evaluating the Influence of Satellite Systems on Terrestrial Networks: Analyzing S-Band Interference

TL;DR

This paper investigates S-band interference caused by non-terrestrial networks on terrestrial networks, analyzing how satellite positions affect interference levels and identifying minimum separation distances to mitigate performance degradation.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of satellite-induced interference on terrestrial networks and proposes guidelines for separation distances based on satellite positions.

Findings

Interference level depends on satellite and user equipment relative positions.

The angle between user direction and sub-satellite point significantly impacts interference.

Minimum separation distance to keep interference below 0 dB is identified.

Abstract

The co-existence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) is essential for achieving comprehensive global coverage in sixth-generation cellular networks. Given the escalating demand for spectrum, there is an ongoing global discourse on the feasibility of sharing certain frequencies currently utilized by terrestrial networks (TNs) with NTNs. However, this sharing leads to co-channel interference and subsequent performance degradation. This paper specifically investigates the interference caused by NTNs on TNs in the S-band and its relationship with the relative position between satellite and TN user equipment. We analyzed the transmission mechanisms of satellite signals and employed the ITU two-state model for our interference analysis. Through simulations, we evaluated the interference intensity at different separation distances and slant ranges. Our findings reveal that the angle between the user equipment direction and the sub-satellite point direction from the beam center significantly influences the interference level. Furthermore, we determine the minimum separation distance needed to keep the interference-to-noise ratio of NTN interference below 0 dB.