Description and purpose
INSPIRE envisions a scenario where space network entities (i.e., low-Earth orbit mega-constellations of nano-satellites, high-altitude platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles) cooperate with terrestrial networks to provide 3D wireless connectivity. Indeed, it intends to study integrated terrestrial/space wireless networks supporting seamless high-capacity demanding applications and massive access by IoT devices.
Purpose
The objectives are the design and the interaction of the following enablers:
-beyond-5G waveforms more robust to the impairments of the considered scenario;
-terrestrial network infrastructures designed for tropospheric networking;
-advanced PHY layer and beamforming algorithms;
-multi-tier and hierarchical orchestration of network functions and services;
-proactive algorithms and cooperation schemes for the optimal allocation of communications and computing resources, and ground/space network slicing.
Expected results
The outcome of this study will be the optimization of the physical layer components, particularly on the channel modeling, on the robust waveform design, on channel coding and channel estimation. Based on the findings of this optimization phase, the software simulator will be designed, which will be used to evaluate the overall envisaged key scenarios.
Achieved results
Optimization of the physical layer, with focus on the channel modeling, new advanced waveform robust to Doppler shift and delay which characterize the considered scenario, and channel estimation. This work led to joint publications in specialized journals and international conferences.
