NGN-Arch

Space for 5G

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2024-08-30
Activity Code

3F.031

Objectives

3GPP standardized the NTN (Non-Terrestrial-Networks) feature in Release17. Now, detailed study work is required to come from a high-level definition to a commercial deployed NTN service based on the multiple architecture options available, based on the standard.

In this project (covering the development phase), Nokia studied all architecture options and provides a future looking analysis of the multiple scenarios.

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Challenges

There are multiple architecture options impacting an NTN service. To list the major ones:

Satellite GEO/MEO/LEO constellations,
On-Board Edge computing capabilities,
Inter-Satellite Links (ISL),
Hierarchy of satellites,
Transparent/regenerative/intelligent payload with all its flavours,
Impact to achieve the required service KPI’s

Benefits

The study provides a comprehensive architecture view of the 3GPP NTN feature. The pros and cons of the different architecture options available in 3GPP Release 17 are analysed, as well as a forward-looking views on R18 and 19, combined with a view on the implementation technologies and the planned evolutions, considering also the NTN spectrum discussions and O-RAN potential.

Next, a new payload type is introduced (intelligent payload, based on a Satellite edge Center) while also a SWOT analysis of the market announced initiatives for D2D (Direct-2-Device) is performed and the potential business models are clarified. Finally, it introduces unique future looking views on the evolution of the NTN architecture, combined with a SWOT analysis of the current and the proposed evolved NTN architecture.

Features

The NTN architecture defined in the study covers all payload options (transparent, regenerative and intelligent). It includes innovative concepts as RIC, SEC (satellite Edge Computing), multi-orbit ISL and SDN while also considering reliability and security.

A comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the current NTN architecture is included, resulting in a future evolution architecture, introducing new concepts into the NTN ecosystem.
Also, an overarching view on the business deployment models possible and the potential relationships between MNO (Mobile Network operator) and SNO (satellite network operators) is provided.

System Architecture

The main building blocks of a 3GPP NTN service are shown in next functional diagram:

Complementing the mobile terrestrial deployment (composed out of a mobile core and a gNodeB), the new Release 17 phones will now also include satellite service. Multiple architecture options are available, from just reflecting the radio signal (transparent mode) to hosting the gNB (or parts of it) on the satellite and even evolving to the intelligent payload, deploying mobile core elements and SEC/RIC on the satellite.