System integration of terrestrial mobile communication and satellite communication —the trends, challenges and key technologies in B5G and 6G

TLDR

Mobile communication is evolving into B5G and 6G, with low‑earth‑orbit satellites and space Internet emerging as key topics and integrated satellite‑terrestrial systems gaining traction in industry and academia. The paper aims to chart the two‑stage path toward integrating terrestrial mobile and satellite communications—first ensuring 5G compatibility, then achieving full 6G integration—by identifying trends and challenges. It analyzes key technologies in detail, covering the 3GPP‑discussed air interface for B5G and novel network architectures and transmission techniques envisioned for 6G.

Abstract

Mobile communication standards have been developed into a new era of B5G and 6G. In recent years, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and space Internet have become hot topics. The integrated satellite and terrestrial systems have been widely discussed by industries and academics, and even are expected to be applied in those huge constellations in construction. This paper points out the trends of two stages towards system integration of the terrestrial mobile communication and the satellite communications: to be compatible with 5G, and to be integrated within 6G. Based on analysis of the challenges of both stages, key technologies are thereafter analyzed in detail, covering both air interface currently discussed in 3GPP for B5G and also novel network architecture and related transmission technologies toward future 6G.