The world of 5G is expanding beyond our wildest expectations, reaching for the skies and beyond with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). Imagine a world where even the most remote corners of the Earth, from the depths of dense forests to the vast expanse of the open ocean, are seamlessly connected. NTNs are making this a reality, utilizing satellites and airborne platforms to bridge the connectivity gap and bring the power of 5G to previously unreachable areas. This technology is not just about expanding coverage; it's about revolutionizing industries, enabling innovation, and ensuring that everyone, everywhere can benefit from the transformative power of 5G. So buckle up and prepare to explore the exciting realm of NTNs, where the sky is no longer the limit!

The motivation is obvious as well. If it is realized as expected, it would be able to deliver the 5G service to those places where it is technically very difficult or cost too much to deliver with terrestrial network. Some examples of those places would be a remote area like deep forest that would be too costly with terestrial delivery, or far islands or ship that would be technically almost forbidden in terrestrial connection.

NOTE : The illustration shown above is consolidated representation of various deployment options described in various TRs in the reference section. If you want to get a little bit detailed diagram for each of the deployment plan separately, you may refer to 3GPP TR 38.821 V16.1.0

I found another well summarized illustration from this paper as shown below. It shows various different use cases and potential ground-to-airborne connection mechansm.

There would be no single clear-cut advantage (motivation) of adopting NTN over the existing (conventional) method. Just for brain storming purpose I will just list up all the possible idea that I can collect. Definately there would be more.. and something you don't agree

Bridging the Connectivity Gap:

• Remote Areas: As the image depicts, places like dense forests, mountainous regions, and deserts are often too costly or challenging to cover with terrestrial infrastructure. NTNs, using satellites or airborne platforms, can overcome these geographical barriers and bring essential communication services to underserved populations.
• Maritime Coverage: Ships at sea often face limited and expensive connectivity options. NTNs can provide reliable and high-speed internet access, enhancing safety, communication, and operational efficiency for maritime industries.
• Disaster Relief: In the aftermath of natural disasters, terrestrial networks can be damaged or destroyed. NTNs can play a vital role in providing emergency communication and supporting relief efforts.

Enhanced Network Resilience:

• Disaster Preparedness: Satellite networks are inherently more resilient to terrestrial disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, ensuring communication services remain operational during emergencies.
• Network Redundancy: Integrating satellites into the cellular network architecture provides an alternative communication path, mitigating the impact of terrestrial network outages and ensuring service continuity.
• Enhanced Reliability: By leveraging both terrestrial and satellite components, NTNs create a more robust and reliable communication system that can withstand various disruptions.
• Backup and Redundancy: NTNs can serve as a backup to terrestrial networks in case of outages or disruptions, ensuring continuity of critical services.
• Network Flexibility: The ability to deploy airborne platforms like balloons or drones allows for rapid network expansion or temporary coverage for specific events or situations.

Expanding the 5G Ecosystem:

• Ubiquitous Coverage: NTNs contribute to the vision of ubiquitous 5G coverage, enabling seamless connectivity across land, sea, and air.
• New Use Cases: This expansion opens doors to innovative applications like remote healthcare, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring in areas previously beyond the reach of cellular networks

Wider Ecosystem

• Extended Coverage: Satellites can reach areas where terrestrial networks are absent, such as remote rural communities, oceans, and disaster zones, expanding the overall reach of 5G.
• Capacity Boost: In densely populated areas, satellites can supplement terrestrial networks by providing additional capacity to handle peak demand and ensure consistent service quality.
• Integrated Network: New protocols and technologies are being developed to seamlessly integrate satellite connectivity within the cellular ecosystem, enabling efficient communication between terrestrial and non-terrestrial components.

Resiliency

• Disaster Preparedness: Satellite networks are inherently more resilient to terrestrial disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, ensuring communication services remain operational during emergencies.
• Network Redundancy: Integrating satellites into the cellular network architecture provides an alternative communication path, mitigating the impact of terrestrial network outages and ensuring service continuity.
• Enhanced Reliability: By leveraging both terrestrial and satellite components, NTNs create a more robust and reliable communication system that can withstand various disruptions.

Seamless Roaming/Handover

• Low-Latency Satellites: Advancements in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology are significantly reducing latency, enabling near real-time communication that is comparable to terrestrial networks.
• Optimized Protocols: Cellular protocols are being optimized to facilitate smooth and seamless roaming and handovers between terrestrial and satellite networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for users on the move.
• Unified User Experience: This seamless transition between networks allows users to stay connected without experiencing disruptions or needing to manually switch between networks.

Better Fit for UE Mobility

• Mobile-First Design: Cellular protocols are inherently designed to support users on the move, making them a natural fit for integrating satellite connectivity into the mobile ecosystem.
• Ubiquitous Access: NTN allows mobile users to access satellite networks as just another node in the cellular network, enabling connectivity regardless of their location or mode of transportation (land, sea, or air).
• Enhanced Mobility: This seamless integration of satellite connectivity enhances mobility and enables new use cases for connected vehicles, aircraft, and ships.

Cost

• Economies of Scale: Leveraging existing cellular architecture and protocols allows NTN to benefit from the economies of scale of the mobile industry, reducing infrastructure and operational costs.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: By integrating with terrestrial networks, NTNs can optimize resource allocation and reduce the need for dedicated, proprietary satellite infrastructure.
• Reduced User Costs: The cost-effectiveness of NTN deployment can translate into more affordable service plans for users, especially in areas where terrestrial connectivity is expensive or unavailable.