We provide an overview of the key aspects of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication networks towards 6G. Offering space-based Internet services with mega-constellations of LEO satellites is a promising solution to connecting the unserved and underserved, thereby complementing the coverage of terrestrial networks and contributing to bridging the digital divide. Integrating LEO satellite access in cellular systems will be one of the connectivity's new frontiers on the path to 6G. There are however challenges from operational and technical obstacles to regulatory hurdles facing the development of LEO based communication networks. In this article, we review the evolution of LEO satellite constellations and capabilities, analyze the technical challenges and solutions of LEO satellite access networks, discuss the standardization aspects from 5G evolution to 6G, and investigate the use cases and business considerations towards 6G.
翻译:我们概述了低地球轨道卫星通信网络对6G的关键方面。利用低地球轨道卫星的巨型星座提供天基互联网服务是连接未获得服务和服务不足的低地球轨道卫星的一个大有希望的解决办法,从而补充了地面网络的覆盖面,有助于弥合数字鸿沟。将低地球轨道卫星接入纳入移动电话系统将是连接6G道路上新的前沿之一。但低地球轨道通信网络发展所面临的监管障碍在操作和技术方面仍有困难。在本篇文章中,我们审查了低地球轨道卫星星座和能力的变化,分析了低地球轨道卫星接入网络的技术挑战和解决办法,讨论了从5G演变到6G的标准化方面,并调查了6G的使用案例和商业考虑。