Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is a terminal-satellite direct communication technology based on the new radio (NR) interface technology developed by 3GPP in R17. As a supplement to the terrestrial cellular network, NTN enables space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN) beyond ground-based infrastructure in bandwidth, latency, reliability, etc. It provides seamless network services to global users by providing larger coverage and resilience, satisfying the future network requirements on all-time, all-domain, and all-space communications and interconnected networking.
IPLOOK has studied the deployment of UPF on satellite, satellite-to-ground communications network verification and related innovations, making contributions to the control technology of space-air-ground integrated networks on satellite.
Cooperated with China Mobile, IPLOOK has been working on the deployment of 5GC UPF on satellite, while performing related verification tests such as ground verification, verification of satellite-to-ground communications network in the orbiting system, etc.
NTN wireless communication involves low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites that operate above the Earth’s surface to offer reliable and stable network connectivity. Deploying core network on satellites can leverage the competence of terrestrial mobile core network and extend its applications.
Technical innovation
a) Optimize UPFto reduce energy consumption.
b) Simplify communication process to ensure service continuity.
c) Achieve dynamic topology based on spatio-temporal evolution to improve routing convergence time
d) Support operation of UPF in real-time operating system
e) Enhance data transmission efficiency by optimizing TCP/IP Protocol Stack
Network Architecture of S-UPF
Based on UPF in 5GCdeployed on the ground, UPF deployed on satellite (S-UPF) maintains essential functions with simplified interfaces to achieve lightweight core network running in orbit.
S-UPF is deployed on satellites, adopting uplink classifier (UL-CL) solution.
With inter-satellite dynamic routing, S-UPF can transmit terminal data on satellites.
Achieve ground-satellite functions (message, voice, data, broadcast, etc.) in Orbiting System, cooperated with terrestrial core network.
Ground station + UPF deployed on satellites + MECdeployed on satellites = Satellite link provides N3/N6/N9 bearears.
