Integration of Satellites in 5G through LEO Constellations

摘要

The standardization of 5G systems is entering in its critical phase, with3GPP that will publish the PHY standard by June 2017. In order to meet thedemanding 5G requirements both in terms of large throughput and globalconnectivity, Satellite Communications provide a valuable resource to extendand complement terrestrial networks. In this context, we consider aheterogeneous architecture in which a LEO mega-constellation satellite systemprovides backhaul connectivity to terrestrial 5G Relay Nodes, which create anon-ground 5G network. Since large delays and Doppler shifts related tosatellite channels pose severe challenges to terrestrial-based systems, in thispaper we assess their impact on the future 5G PHY and MAC layer procedures. Inaddition, solutions are proposed for Random Access, waveform numerology, andHARQ procedures.