Resilient Communication Technologies for Non-Terrestrial Networks

Dear Colleagues,

The non-terrestrial network (NTN) is a pivotal component of next-generation communication systems. With large constellation networks as the core, NTN is expected to extend coverage to deep-space, aerial, and oceanic environments, serving as the fundamental guarantee for ubiquitous connectivity in the 6G era.

However, NTN is confronted with significant challenges of load balancing, link robustness, and user compatibility, due to the multitude of non-terrestrial network nodes, pronounced differences in physical characteristics across diverse communication scenarios, and the vulnerability of signals to both unintentional and intentional interference. Consequently, these factors limit the performance enhancement of reception capability, service communication latency, and network throughput, ultimately affecting the trajectory of unified and integrated development for NTN.

Resilient communication technologies are vital to the efficient compatibility and swift evolution of ubiquitously interconnected and heterogeneously integrated NTN. These technologies facilitate the establishment of agile and adaptable perception–decision–execution loop, enabling the adaptive operational capabilities of integrated NTN in the face of time-variant and differentiated communication environments. Current research endeavors in resilient communication are predominantly geared towards conventional terrestrial communication systems. The challenge of adapting these technologies to the unique attributes of NTN involves several critical aspects: time-varying electromagnetic environment sensing; intelligent decision-making across multi-protocol layers for communication strategies; execution of multi-pattern integration transmission schemes; and cooperative scheduling of communication resources among various nodes within the network, which necessitate further exploration and development to fully harness the potential of NTN.

This Special Issue focuses on important technical areas such as NTN system architecture, extended protocol specifications, resilient communications in physical, MAC, and network layers, etc. Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. System architecture, standards, protocols, and applications for NTN;
2. Multi-domain joint electromagnetic scenario sensing technology for NTN;
3. Multi-mode compatibility/fusion transmission technology for NTN;
4. Mobility management for NTN;
5. Time sensitive/delay tolerant routing technology in NTN;
6. Resource management and scheduling technology in NTN;
7. SHF/EHF broadband-integrated navigation and communication;
8. Cyberspace security technology in NTN;
9. Massive access technology for NTN;
10. Robust and high-dynamic adaptive waveform design and detection technology;
11. Mega communication constellation beamforming and intelligent beam management;
12. Integrated sensing and communication for NTN;
13. Characterization of NTN capacity, coverage, etc.

Prof. Dr. Lidong Zhu
Prof. Dr. Mingchuan Yang
Guest Editors

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• non-terrestrial network (NTN)
• waveform design
• integrated sensing and communication
• beam management
• massive access
• cyberspace security
• resource management
• routing technology
• mobility management