Non-Terrestrial Networking for 6G: Evolution, Opportunities, and Future Directions

IF 10.1 1区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Engineering Pub Date : 2025-06-02 DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2025.05.013

Feng Wang, Shengyu Zhang, Huiting Yang, Tony Q.S. Quek

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

From fifth-generation (5G) communication technology onward, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have emerged as a key component of future network architectures. Especially through the rise of low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations, NTNs enable a space Internet and present a paradigm shift in delivering reliable services to even the most remote regions on Earth. However, the extensive coverage and rapid movement of satellites pose unique challenges in user equipment access and inter-satellite transmission, impacting the quality of service and service continuity. This paper offers an in-depth review of NTN networking technologies in the context of six-generation (6G) mobile networks evolution, focusing on access management, satellite mobility, and hetero-network slicing. Building on this foundation and considering the latest trends in NTN development, we then present innovative perspectives on emerging challenges, including satellite beamforming, handover mechanisms, and service delivery. Lastly, we identify key open research areas and propose future directions to improve NTN performance and accelerate satellite Internet deployment.

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6G非地面网络：演进、机遇和未来方向

从第五代（5G）通信技术开始，非地面网络（ntn）已成为未来网络架构的关键组成部分。特别是通过低地球轨道卫星星座的兴起，ntn使空间互联网成为可能，并在向地球上最偏远的地区提供可靠服务方面呈现出一种范式转变。然而，卫星的广泛覆盖和快速移动给用户设备接入和卫星间传输带来了独特的挑战，影响了服务质量和服务连续性。本文深入回顾了六代（6G）移动网络演进背景下的NTN网络技术，重点介绍了接入管理、卫星移动性和异构网络切片。在此基础上，并考虑到NTN发展的最新趋势，我们提出了对新兴挑战的创新观点，包括卫星波束形成、切换机制和服务交付。最后，我们确定了关键的开放研究领域，并提出了提高NTN性能和加速卫星互联网部署的未来方向。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Engineering Environmental Science-Environmental Engineering

自引率

1.60%

发文量

335

审稿时长

35 days

期刊介绍： Engineering, an international open-access journal initiated by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in 2015, serves as a distinguished platform for disseminating cutting-edge advancements in engineering R&D, sharing major research outputs, and highlighting key achievements worldwide. The journal's objectives encompass reporting progress in engineering science, fostering discussions on hot topics, addressing areas of interest, challenges, and prospects in engineering development, while considering human and environmental well-being and ethics in engineering. It aims to inspire breakthroughs and innovations with profound economic and social significance, propelling them to advanced international standards and transforming them into a new productive force. Ultimately, this endeavor seeks to bring about positive changes globally, benefit humanity, and shape a new future.