Vision
The 6G-NTN consortium envisioned a paradigm shift toward the native integration of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) components within the foundational 6G infrastructure. Unlike the current 5G NTN deployments, this holistic architectural approach will provide the seamless ubiquity and high-performance capabilities required to satisfy rigorous vertical industry standards and evolving consumer market demands.
Innovation potential
In order to accomplish this ambition, 6G-NTN researched and developed a revolutionary three-dimensional (3D) network infrastructure concept for 6G with the ambition to provide, through unification with the TN component, aubiquitous coverage with high data rate communication at quasi ultra-low latency while providing a disruptive concept of high accuracy and reliable location service. The project also defined a roadmap for the development of the necessary technical, regulatory, and standardisation building blocks to enable integrated NTN service provisioning and disruptive market offer in the 2030-35 timeframe.
This work aimed to help foster Europe’s technological leadership in the NTN sector and empower vertical domains beyond the current 5G capabilities.
From 5G to 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks
Objectives
OBJ 1
Identify the target service and operational requirements for 6G NTN component
OBJ 2
Design/sizing of a 3D NTN to meet the target user requirements
OBJ 3
Design trade-off and assessment of compact terminals targeted by the 3D NTN component
OBJ 4
Design flexible software defined payload across flying platforms and frequency bands
OBJ 5
Design key characteristics/features of a flexible waveform for 6G’s integrated radio access network
OBJ 6
Design and development of dynamic orchestration of Virtual Network Functions in a 3D network for 6G
OBJ 7
Design a reliable and accurate positioning function for 6G systems with a precision
below 10 cm
OBJ 8
Design enabling features for spectrum usage optimisation between the different network nodes
OBJ 9
Maximise the impact of 6G-NTN and strengthening Europe’s industrial leadership in the sector
OBJ 1
Identify the target service and operational requirements for 6G NTN component
OBJ 2
Design/sizing of a 3D NTN to meet the target user requirements
OBJ 3
Design trade-off and assessment of compact terminals targeted by the 3D NTN component
OBJ 4
Design flexible software defined payload across flying platforms and frequency bands
OBJ 5
Design key characteristics/features of a flexible waveform for 6G’s integrated radio access network
OBJ 6
Design and development of dynamic orchestration of Virtual Network Functions in a 3D network for 6G
OBJ 7
Design a reliable and accurate positioning function for the 6G system with a precision below 10 cm
OBJ 8
Design enabling features for spectrum usage optimisation between the different network nodes
OBJ 9
Maximise the impact of 6G-NTN and strengthening Europe’s industrial leadership in the sector