Subproject: Research and evaluation of distributed communication concepts in three-dimensional 6G communication networks

Initial Situation

The cellular mobile communications networks currently in use with their earth-bound base stations form a two-dimensional and purely terrestrial infrastructure of radio coverage: The antennas for radio coverage are mounted on more or less high masts and are thus approximately on one level. The availability of necessary connectivity for tomorrow's digital society and economy therefore requires new network architectures in which, from their design approach, flying network nodes together with terrestrial network components form a unified 3D communication network - "unified 3D network". Such a 3D network should be able to shift network functionalities dynamically between the network components according to demand. The holistic approach required for this enables innovations that exploit the potential of flying network components more comprehensively and deeply compared to the approaches envisioned by 3GPP for 5G-NTN. 6G-TakeOff will, through this holistic approach, produce 3D networks for 6G that go beyond 5G-NTN.

Objective

6G-TakeOff aims to provide anytime, anywhere connectivity by developing new network architectures and technologies. To this end, 6G-TakeOff will strive for a uniform 3D communication network in its design approach, in which flying network nodes together with terrestrial network components provide functionalities dynamically according to demand. The holistic approach required for this opens up scope for innovations that go beyond the possibilities of the 3GPP 5G-NTN approach by exploiting the potential of flying network components much more comprehensively and deeply. Classes of network nodes include IoT/end-user devices, terrestrial access nodes, and 3D components such as Low Altitude Platforms (LAPS), High Altitude Platforms (HAPS), and satellites (LEOs, GEOs) with their specific characteristics. A 6G system will connect these network components in a highly flexible, autonomous, where necessary infrastructure-independent way and according to current requirements.

Research Contribution of the University of Bremen

The object of the subproject is to research innovative concepts for 6th generation 3D communication networks. For this purpose, the dynamic mapping of RAN functionality to network components is analyzed, the information flows between the 3D network components are optimized, and distributed receiver concepts are explored. Starting from the theoretical concept development, corresponding methods are explored taking into account 6G-specific system parameters and scenarios as well as the ongoing international discussions in the various committees.

Further Information

Details