Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and the Future of Telecommunications
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) play a transformative role in bridging the connectivity gap in telecommunications. These networks use spaceborne and airborne platforms, such as satellites, airships, balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude platforms, to provide long-range coverage, spanning tens to hundreds of kilometres. This makes them ideal for remote and underserved areas where terrestrial networks face limitations, such as rural and remote regions, deserts, deep forests, mountain ranges, and even emergency situations involving public safety.
Advantages of Non-Terrestrial Networks:
Non-terrestrial networks offer several advantages, including service continuity, service ubiquity, and service scalability. They ensure service continuity in scenarios where terrestrial coverage is unreliable, such as during mobility, enabling seamless transitions between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. They also provide service ubiquity in areas affected by natural disasters or the lack of terrestrial infrastructure, ensuring essential communication and services remain available during emergencies. Additionally, non-terrestrial networks can scale services, particularly in terms of multicast or broadcast, facilitating the broadcasting of various media and signals to previously unreachable groups.
The integration of 5G non-terrestrial networks in global communications has the potential to significantly enhance network reliability and coverage. 5G non-terrestrial networks are a blended connectivity solution that combines both terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies, offering advantages such as increased access, redundancy, and reduced latency.
While non-terrestrial networks have several advantages, they also come with certain disadvantages and challenges, such as higher latency, higher costs, and signal interference. However, ongoing research and development efforts are addressing these challenges, paving the way for further advancements in Release 17 and beyond in the 3GPP.
In summary, non-terrestrial networks are transforming telecommunications by bridging the connectivity gap in remote and underserved areas, ensuring service continuity and ubiquity, and facilitating the scalability of services. The integration of 5G non-terrestrial networks in global communications is expected to enhance network reliability and coverage, making them a crucial element for future communication.
Reference — https://testfyra.com/non-terrestrial-networks-transforming-telecom/
