PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
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Flexible support for communication system: Multi-purpose SATCOM with 5G integration.
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Diverse use cases: Supporting small satellites and remote area connectivity.
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Industry standards: Integrating DVB-S2, and emerging 5G NTN.
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Hybrid SATCOM/5G solutions: Developing Satellite Access Network (SAN) architecture.
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Proof-of-concept validation: Deployed on AWS (Amazon Web Services) with functional software modem.
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Alignment with market needs: Ongoing refinement and customer feedback for future enhancements.
This feasibility study targeted the definition phase, raising TRL from 2 to 3.
Challenges
Since this feasibility study required multiple disciplines, including software development, SATCOM domain knowledge, signal processing, digitalization, and 5G/3GPP expertise etc., it presented many challenges.
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Achieving optimal performance with high-throughput and low latency
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Functional validation across different configurations while supporting different standards: DVB, CCSDS, 3GPP, etc
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Deployment of the 5G Core on-the-cloud (e.g. Kubernetes)
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Integration of the Software modem with the 5G Core network
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Virtualization and resource isolation for VNFs and microservices
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Monitoring and troubleshooting
System Architecture
ViSAGE System Overview is given above.
ViSAGE enables Ground Station, Teleport or Teleport/Ground Station Network customers to access 5G communication service markets with the following system elements:
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Gateway ViSAGE Software Modem (VSM) (in Satellite Access Network, SAN) – Enables software based digital signal processing at the Gateway providing waveform flexibility on COTS hardware platforms or in the Cloud.
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ViSAGE N3IWF (in SAN)– Enables user plane access to the 5G Core Network by making a Non-3GPP satellite network compatible with 5G Core providers.
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ViSAGE 5CN (Core Network) – Enables 5G Core Network control plane functions by adapting and presenting Satellite specifics as 5G network elements. Implements management and orchestration over cloud virtulization infrastructure..
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ViSAGE Portal 5SP (Service Provider) – Enables 5G communication service provision, implements 5G CSP interfaces so that the customer can define services that can be consumed or bundled in other communication services.
For testing and simulation purposes:
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ViSAGE Channel Simulation – Enables simulation of the satellite channel.
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ViSAGE UE (User Equipment) – Enables simulation and testing of remote User Equipment integrating into the 5G Core Network. Could evolve into an operational Terminal Modem.
Plan
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User Need and State-of-the-art Analysis
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System Requirements Review
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Preliminary Design Review
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Critical Design Review & Proof of Concept
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Feasibility Phase Completion Review
Current Status
This feasibility study goes beyond paperwork, involving a real-world implementation. Bidirectional end-to-end communication between 5G-UE and 5G-N3IWF through VSM (DVB-S2) has been validated, and the definition phase is complete. CCN approval to move forward with the technology phase preparation is awaited.
Companies
