Digital Fairness Algorithms for Satellite Uplink NOMA

TL;DR

This paper addresses digital fairness in satellite uplink NOMA systems by developing algorithms for rate equalization and SIC ordering, enhancing equitable access for IoT devices in wide coverage areas.

Contribution

It introduces novel algorithms for user rate equalization and SIC ordering tailored for satellite uplink NOMA, considering multi-slot scenarios and complexity-performance trade-offs.

Findings

Optimal SIC ordering improves fairness

Power moderation enhances minimum user rates

Trade-off analysis guides complexity management

Abstract

Achieving digital fairness by using NOMA is one of the more pressing issues in modern wireless communication systems for 5G/6G networks. This is particularly true in the case of satellite uplink systems supporting a population of IoT wireless devices scattered in a wide coverage area. In this scenario, the variability of the link budget across space and time increases the challenges of preventing a situation where only a subset of network users can transmit while others are left unable to do so. This work investigates the characteristics of an uplink NOMA system with the goal of equalizing the achievable rate of the IoT network subscribers. Within the context of single-slot NOMA, two key outcomes are achieved: the determination of the optimal SIC ordering at the receiver and the exploration of power moderation, coordinated by the receiver, to maximize the minimum user rate. In the context of multi-slot NOMA, which is particularly relevant to the satellite scenario under consideration, a user rate equalization algorithm is proposed and its performance is analyzed numerically. The trade-off between network performance, measured in terms of user rates, and complexity, determined by the number of SIC steps implemented at the receiver, is thoroughly evaluated for the satellite scenario under consideration.