6G for Connected Sky: A Vision for Integrating Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

TLDR

The paper proposes the 6G‑for‑Connected‑Sky project, aiming to integrate terrestrial and non‑terrestrial networks and identify key use‑case segments for aerial and ground users within a multi‑layer architecture. The authors describe a holistic 6G‑SKY architecture comprising functional layers, communication links, and management components that address heterogeneity across aerial and space platforms, and outline design challenges and future research directions for the combined airspace and NTN network.

Abstract

In this paper, we present the vision of our project 6G for Connected Sky (6G-SKY) to integrate terrestrial networks (TNs) and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and outline the current research activities in 6G research projects in comparison with our project. From the perspectives of industry and academia, we identify key use case segments connecting both aerial and ground users with our 6G-SKY multi-layer network architecture. We explain functional views of our holistic 6G-SKY architecture addressing the heterogeneity of aerial and space platforms. Architecture elements and communication links are identified. We discuss 6G-SKY network design and management functionalities by considering a set of inherent challenges posed by the multi-layer 3-dimensional networks, which we termed as combined airspace and NTN (combined ASN). Finally, we investigate additional research challenges for 6G-SKY project targets.