Feasibility Study of Function Splits in RAN Architectures with LEO SatellitesShow others and affiliations
2024 (English)In: 2024 Joint European Conference on Networks and Communications and 6G Summit, EuCNC/6G Summit 2024, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) , 2024, p. 622-627Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]
This paper explores the evolution of Radio Access Network (RAN) architectures and their integration into Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to address escalating mobile traffic demands. Focusing on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites as key components of NTN, we examine the feasibility of RAN function splits (FSs) in terms of fronthaul (FH) latency, elevation angle, and bandwidth (BW) across LEO satellites and ground stations (GS), alongside evaluating performance of Conditional Handover (CHO) procedures under diverse scenarios. By assessing performance metrics such as handover duration, disconnection time, and control traffic volume, we provide insights on several aspects such as stringent constraints for Low Layer Splits (LLSs), leading to longer delays during mobility procedures and increased control traffic across the feeder link in comparison with the case when gNodeB is onboard satellite. Despite challenges, LLSs demonstrate minimal onboard satellite computational requirements, promising reduced power consumption and payload weight. These findings underscore the architectural possibilities and challenges within the telecommunications industry, paving the way for future advancements in NTN RAN design and operation.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) , 2024. p. 622-627
Keywords [en]
conditional handover, fronthaul, function splits, LEO satellites, radio access networks
National Category
Communication Systems Signal Processing
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-351747DOI: 10.1109/EuCNC/6GSummit60053.2024.10597025ISI: 001275093600027Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85199905197OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-351747DiVA, id: diva2:1888714
Conference
2024 Joint European Conference on Networks and Communications and 6G Summit, EuCNC/6G Summit 2024, Antwerp, Belgium, Jun 3 2024 - Jun 6 2024
Note
Part of ISBN [9798350344998]
QC 20240820
2024-08-132024-08-132024-09-10Bibliographically approved