Low altitude satellite constellation for futuristic aerial-ground communications

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance and prospects of low altitude small satellite aerial vehicles to ensure smooth aerial-ground communications for next-generation broadband networks. To achieve the generic goals of fifth-generation and beyond wireless networks, the existing aerial network architecture needs to be revisited. The detailed architecture of low altitude aerial networks and the challenges in resource management have been illustrated in this paper. Moreover, we have studied the coordination between promising communication technologies and low altitude aerial networks to provide robust network coverage. We talk about the techniques that can ensure user-friendly control and monitoring of the low altitude aerial networks to bring forth wireless broadband connectivity to a new dimension. In the end, we highlight the future research directions of aerial-ground communications in terms of access technologies, machine learning, compressed sensing, and quantum communications.