SEVECODE VEHICLE-TO-EVERYTHING (V2X) - SERVICES DEMONSTRATION OVER SATELLITE

  • Status
    Ongoing
  • Status date
    2024-10-29
  • Activity Code
    3A.182
Objectives

This activity has the main objective of developing a testbed that allows the demonstration of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) 5G applications with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and their integration with the existing 5G Terrestrial Network. In particular, the activity is aimed at demonstrating the end-to-end performances of an integrated TN/NTN 5G hybrid network for V2X services using existing space assets. The activity covers at least two 5G NTN V2X applications compliant with the 3GPP 5G NR, making use of satellite capacity available in FR1 or FR2. The testbed addresses both forward and return traffic, allowing to evaluate the applications KPIs and to demonstrate the TN/NTN service continuity when moving between coverage areas.

Challenges

The main challenges for the project are related to:

  1. The availability of compatible spectrum in GEO and NGSO for the demonstrator

  2. Achieving service continuity between Terrestrial Networks and Non-Terrestrial Networks with standard (or standardize-able) interfaces

  3. Selection and adaptation of User Antennas to cover possible GEO and/or NGSO applications

Benefits

The integration of TN and NTN for V2X opens a world of possibilities for the automotive sector: it would enable ubiquitous and uninterrupted connectivity, especially in emergency situations; across national borders and in hard-to-reach areas. This project allows studying the NTN/TN 5G interaction for various case studies. The Project Team includes large industries in the telecommunications and automotive sectors, bringing a significant number of expertise and possibilities to advance the technology for market readiness

Features

To achieve the project objectives dedicated and approved components are used. The TN is setup with system operator equipment which assures 5G standard compliant communication. On the NTN side an OAI based SDR platform builds up the gNB and the UE. Here the respective modifications for NTN communication links are approved and already integrated into the OAI software. Both gNB's also have the possibility to share additional standardized data sets for the evaluation of the link quality. This information guarantees the evaluation by a link gate way to provide the continuity of the application services.

System Architecture

The testbed consists of:

  • a terrestrial 5G Core and RAN

  • a non-terrestrial 5G Core and gNodeB based on Open-Air-Interface adapted to the project needs

  • a Gateway station (teleport) and a compatible satellite to complete the NTN RAN connectivity

  • a test vehicle equipped with the TN and NTN User Equipment and with the integrated application the application server

Before the live demonstration the relevant units and interoperability tests are performed with a space segment emulator at Fraunhofer IIS’s test facilities in Erlangen.

Plan

The project can be divided in the following phases (Milestones):

  1. Service Definition and Use Cases (SRR)

  2. System Preliminary Design (PDR)

  3. Emulator Testing and System Detailed Desing (CDR)

  4. System Implementation Plan (SIR)

  5. Demonstrator integration (TRR)

  6. Live Demonstration of 5G NTN V2X (TRB)

  7. Dissemination Activities (FR)

Current status

Project started in September 2024.

Related links
OHB page to V2X
ESA press release

Documentation

Documentation may be requested

Prime Contractor

Subcontractors

Last update
2024-11-20 23:00