Integrated 6G TN and NTN Localization: Challenges, Opportunities, and Advancements

TL;DR

This paper reviews the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial 6G networks for high-precision localization, discussing technical challenges, recent advancements, and potential applications through case studies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of the technical and practical aspects of TN-NTN localization integration, including recent standardization and industrial innovations.

Findings

Identification of key 6G enablers for localization

Evaluation of TN-NTN integration challenges and opportunities

Illustration of potential through numerical case studies

Abstract

The rapid evolution of cellular networks has introduced groundbreaking technologies, including large and distributed antenna arrays and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in terrestrial networks (TNs), as well as aerial and space-based nodes in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). These advancements enable applications beyond traditional communication, such as high-precision localization and sensing. While integrating TN and NTN enablers will lead to unparalleled opportunities for seamless global localization, such integration attempts are expected to face several challenges. To understand these opportunities and challenges, we first examine the distinctive characteristics of the key 6G enablers, evaluating their roles in localization from both technical and practical perspectives. Next, to identify developments driving TN-NTN localization, we review the latest standardization and industrial innovation progress. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of TN-NTN integration, illustrating its potential through two numerical case studies.