Next-generation communication technology will be made possible by cooperation between terrestrial networks with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) comprised of high-altitude platform stations and satellites. Further, as humanity embarks on the long road to establish new habitats on other planets, cooperation between NTN and deep-space networks (DSN) will be necessary. In this regard, we propose the use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to improve coordination between these networks given that RIS perfectly match the size, weight, and power restrictions of operating in space. A comprehensive framework of RIS-assisted non-terrestrial and interplanetary communications is presented that pinpoints challenges, use cases, and open issues. Furthermore, the performance of RIS-assisted NTN under environmental effects such as solar scintillation and satellite drag is discussed in light of simulation results.
翻译:下一代通信技术将通过地面网络与由高纬度平台站和卫星组成的非地球网络的合作得以实现;此外,随着人类踏上在其他行星上建立新的生境的漫长道路,NTN和深空网络之间有必要开展合作;在这方面,我们提议利用可重新配置的智能表面来改进这些网络之间的协调,因为RIS与空间运行的大小、重量和功率限制完全吻合;还提出了一个由RIS辅助的非地球通信和行星际通信综合框架,其中确定了挑战、使用案例和开放问题;此外,还根据模拟结果讨论了在太阳闪烁和卫星拖动等环境影响下经过RIS辅助的NTN的性能。