Research Projects

The fifth generation (5G) and beyond (B5G) wireless communication networks aim to provide peak data rates, ultra-low latency, ubiquitous connectivity, and reliable communication. Integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with current 5G terrestrial networks is a promising solution to achieve these objectives efficiently and cost-effectively. NTNs offer coverage extension over regions with geographical or infrastructural limitations and can serve stringent quality of service (QoS) requirements for emerging B5G applications. However, the design of an end-to-end connectivity solution over integrated B5G-NTN is limited by several architectural, protocol, and channel-level issues. To address these issues, new channel propagation models must be devised, and a comprehensive radio access network (RAN) must be developed to function as a common platform for interaction between various segments. The proposed work aims to address four primary design aspects: developing an analytical framework for physical layer performance analysis, cross-layer optimization formulations for holistic system integration, design of integrated RAN architecture and data-driven resource and service orchestration schemes, and embedded hardware-software implementation for proof-of-concept and system testing in India. This will establish a complete solution for end-to-end connectivity over integrated B5G-NTN, bringing the unconnected onto the digital mainstream.