166 research outputs found
Improving the system capacity of broadband services using multiple high-altitude platforms
A method of significantly improving the capacity of high-altitude platform (HAP) communications networks operating in the millimeter-wave bands is presented. It is shown how constellations of HAPs can share a common frequency allocation by exploiting the directionality of the user antenna. The system capacity of such constellations is critically affected by the minimum angular separation of the HAPs and the sidelobe level of the user antenna. For typical antenna beamwidths of approximately 5/spl deg/ an inter-HAP spacing of 4 km is sufficient to deliver optimum performance. The aggregate bandwidth efficiency is evaluated, both theoretically using the Shannon equation, and using practical modulation and coding schemes, for multiple HAP configurations delivering either single or multiple cells. For the user antenna beamwidths used, it is shown that capacity increases are commensurate with the increase in the number of platforms, up to 10 HAPs. For increases beyond this the choice of constellation strategy becomes increasingly important
Sum-Rate Analysis for High Altitude Platform (HAP) Drones with Tethered Balloon Relay
High altitude platform (HAP) drones can provide broadband wireless
connectivity to ground users in rural areas by establishing line-of-sight (LoS)
links and exploiting effective beamforming techniques. However, at high
altitudes, acquiring the channel state information (CSI) for HAPs, which is a
key component to perform beamforming, is challenging. In this paper, by
exploiting an interference alignment (IA) technique, a novel method for
achieving the maximum sum-rate in HAP-based communications without CSI is
proposed. In particular, to realize IA, a multiple-antenna tethered balloon is
used as a relay between multiple HAP drones and ground stations (GSs). Here, a
multiple-input multiple-output X network system is considered. The capacity of
the considered M*N X network with a tethered balloon relay is derived in
closed-form. Simulation results corroborate the theoretical findings and show
that the proposed approach yields the maximum sum-rate in multiple HAPs-GSs
communications in absence of CSI. The results also show the existence of an
optimal balloon's altitude for which the sum-rate is maximized.Comment: Accepted in IEEE Communications Letter
Achieving maximum system capacity in multiple-high altitude platforms through interference alignment
A Vision and Framework for the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Networks of the Future
A High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) is a network node that operates in
the stratosphere at an of altitude around 20 km and is instrumental for
providing communication services. Precipitated by technological innovations in
the areas of autonomous avionics, array antennas, solar panel efficiency
levels, and battery energy densities, and fueled by flourishing industry
ecosystems, the HAPS has emerged as an indispensable component of
next-generations of wireless networks. In this article, we provide a vision and
framework for the HAPS networks of the future supported by a comprehensive and
state-of-the-art literature review. We highlight the unrealized potential of
HAPS systems and elaborate on their unique ability to serve metropolitan areas.
The latest advancements and promising technologies in the HAPS energy and
payload systems are discussed. The integration of the emerging Reconfigurable
Smart Surface (RSS) technology in the communications payload of HAPS systems
for providing a cost-effective deployment is proposed. A detailed overview of
the radio resource management in HAPS systems is presented along with
synergistic physical layer techniques, including Faster-Than-Nyquist (FTN)
signaling. Numerous aspects of handoff management in HAPS systems are
described. The notable contributions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HAPS,
including machine learning in the design, topology management, handoff, and
resource allocation aspects are emphasized. The extensive overview of the
literature we provide is crucial for substantiating our vision that depicts the
expected deployment opportunities and challenges in the next 10 years
(next-generation networks), as well as in the subsequent 10 years
(next-next-generation networks).Comment: To appear in IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorial
Space-Air-Ground Integrated 6G Wireless Communication Networks: A Review of Antenna Technologies and Application Scenarios
A review of technological solutions and advances in the framework of a Vertical Heterogeneous Network (VHetNet) integrating satellite, airborne and terrestrial networks is presented. The disruptive features and challenges offered by a fruitful cooperation among these segments within a ubiquitous and seamless wireless connectivity are described. The available technologies and the key research directions for achieving global wireless coverage by considering all these layers are thoroughly discussed. Emphasis is placed on the available antenna systems in satellite, airborne and ground layers by highlighting strengths and weakness and by providing some interesting trends in research. A summary of the most suitable applicative scenarios for future 6G wireless communications are finally illustrated
- …