The revolution in the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks will bring changes on their communication models and a shift from the classical bent-pipe architectures to more sophisticated networking platforms. Thanks to technological advancements in microelectronics and micro-systems, the terahertz (THz) band has emerged as a strong candidate for inter-satellite links (ISLs) due to its promise of high data rates. Yet, the propagation conditions of the THz band need to be properly modeled and controlled by utilizing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to leverage their full potential. In this work, we first provide an assessment of the use of the THz band for ISLs, and quantify the impact of misalignment fading on error performance. Then, in order to compensate for the high path loss associated with high carrier frequencies, and to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), we propose the use of RISs mounted on neighboring satellites to enable signal propagation. Based on a mathematical analysis of the problem, we present the error rate expressions for RIS-assisted ISLs with misalignment fading. Also, numerical results show that RIS can leverage the error rate performance and achievable capacity of THz ISLs.
翻译:低地球轨道卫星网络的革命将改变其通信模式,并改变其典型的管道结构,使之从典型的管道结构转向更先进的网络平台。由于微电子和微系统技术的进步,Thahertz(Thz)波段因其高数据率的许诺而成为卫星之间联系的强大候选体。然而,Thz波段的传播条件需要适当建模和控制,利用可重新配置的智能表面来充分利用其潜力。在这项工作中,我们首先评估了使用Thz波段用于ISLs的情况,并量化了误差退对错误性能的影响。随后,为了弥补与高载荷频率相关的高路径损失,并进一步改进信号对噪音的比率,我们提议使用搭载在相邻卫星上的RIS系统来进行信号传播。根据对问题的数学分析,我们提出了对具有误定位率的ISLSL带的错误率表达方式,并量化了与错误的差相位变频率和可变频率的ILISL的性能显示。