Overview of NTNs in 6G

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are poised to become even more important fueled by 6G technology.

In fact, IEEE has stated that many organizations recognize non-terrestrial networks as a key component to provide cost-effective and high-capacity connectivity in future 6G networks.

NTN includes both earth orbit satellites and airborne vehicles. By 2030, many industrial and standards developing organizations are expecting the official rollout of 6G networks to meet the demands of mobile communications of 2030 and beyond.

Non-terrestrial networks traditionally had certain limited applications. However, the recent technological advancements opened up myriad applications of NTNs for 5G and beyond networks, especially when integrated into terrestrial networks (TNs).

6G is envisaged to provide global coverage and Tbsp. level transmission data rates for applications such as Virtual Reality (VR), 3D videos and Augmented Reality (AR).

Besides higher data rates, 6G should provide lower latency, higher connection density and near 100% global coverage in comparison to 5G. To achieve these goals, new paradigm shifts are currently under investigation in terms of global coverage, utilized spectrum, Artificial Intelligence (AI) nativity, and security.

Experts in NTNs believe that to unlock the full potential of NTN integration, within the context of Space-Air-Ground networks, several fundamental research issues need to be addressed especially on the heterogeneity of NTNs and complexity of provisioning services across multi-dimensional, multi-tier networks.

6G technologies are expected to revolutionize the wireless ecosystem by enabling the delivery of futuristic services through terrestrial and non-terrestrial transmissions. In this context, the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) is growing in importance owing to its capability to deliver services anywhere and anytime and also provide coverage in areas that are unreachable by any conventional Terrestrial Network (TN).

NTN is considered one of the key technologies of 6G wireless systems since global connectivity can be achieved owing to the satellite’s large footprint (i.e., coverage area) and/or thanks to the implementation of constellations of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which can also provide eHealth services with low latency due to their low altitude.

Reaching places unserved or under-served by the terrestrial network is feasible through the exploitation of NTN systems, which represent an excellent wireless component to access 6G eHealth services by meeting ubiquity and low latency requirements.

Overview of NTNs in 6G

Overview of NTNs in 6G is a technology training course that covers the evolution of non-terrestrial networks, how they operate and what their future likely holds.

Participants will focus on how 6G technology is expected to expand the roles of NTNs and who can expect to benefit in both private and military realms.

Additionally, attendees will explore the differences between conventional NTNs and those backed by 6G technology, and how those differences can become significant advantages.

Who Should Attend

Overview of NTNs in 6G Course is a 2-day course designed for:

• Anyone involved in 6G product development
• Anyone involved in 6G network analysis or planning
• Anyone involved in 6G design or engineering
• Professionals who want to upgrade their skills to 6G
• Anyone else who want to learn latest telecom technologies and want to work for telecom mobile operator and vendor companies
• Cybersecurity analysts and professionals working in both red and blue teams

Course Agenda/Modules

Overview of 6G Communication Technology

• Introduction to 6G and IMT-2030
• 3GPP Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G Technologies
• 6G Applications and Services
• 6G RAN and Core Network Architecture
• NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) in 6G
• RIS/RSS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface)
• Use cases for NTN in a 6G ecosystem

Integration of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) with 6G

• Fundamentals of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)
• Use Cases Evaluation with Non-Terrestrial Networks in 6G
• 6G standardization for NTN
• Overview of High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)
• HAPS as an IMT BS (HIBS)
• Satellite extension of 6G coverage
• Role of LEO and GEO Satellites in 6G Deployments
• Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications
• Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) satellite communications

NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) Extending Current NR Operations

• Supported L-band (within the 1-2 GHz range)
• Supported S-band (2-4 GHz range),
• Supported Ka-band (17.3-21.2 GHz, 27.0-31.0 GHz ranges)
• NTN and terrestrial network integration
• NTN radio resource management and optimization
• Adaptive beamforming and beam management for NTN
• NTN coverage, capacity, and peak data rate enhancements
• NTN architectural enhancements and inter-satellite communication.
• Data security and AI/ML for NTN
• Satellite NTN typical scenario based on transparent payload
• World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) 6G NTN Resolutions

Technical Overview of 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

• Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN) technology
• Satellite-based 6G architecture
• Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems coverage
• Standards evolution for NTN
• Satellite-based NTN architectures
• RAN Impact
• core network impact
• security in NTN
• 6G NTN end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS)
• positing in NTN
• Deployment options with non-terrestrial networks over satellites

6G & Non-Terrestrial Architecture

• Satellite-based NTN Architectures 14
• Interworking between 6G and NTN
• NB IoT/eMTC support in NTN
• Deployment Options with Non-Terrestrial Networks Over Satellites
• LEO/MEO/GEO tradeoffs
• 3GPP spectrum frequencies used in satellite NTN
• Co-existence with terrestrial networks
• Roaming and RAN sharing
• UE eco-system and availability
• NTN and Network Service Continuity
• Initial Cell Selection
• Mobility in Idle Mode
• Mobility Management in Connected Mode