Terahertz-Band Near-Space Communications: From a Physical-Layer Perspective
Facilitated by rapid technological development of the near-space platform stations (NSPS), near-space communication (NS-COM) is envisioned to play a pivotal role in the space-air-ground integrated network for sixth-generation (6G) communications and beyond. In NS-COM, ultra-broadband wireless connectivity between NSPSs and various airborne/spaceborne platforms is required for a plethora of bandwidth-consuming applications, such as NSPS-based Ad hoc networking, in-flight Internet and relaying technology. However, such requirement seems to contradict with the scarcity of spectrum resources at conventional microwave frequencies, which motivates the exploitation of terahertz (THz) band ranging from 0.1 to 10 THz. Due to huge available bandwidth, the THz signals are capable of supporting ultra-high-rate data transmission for NS-COM over 100 Gb/s, which are naturally suitable for the near-space environment with marginal path loss. To this end, this article provides an extensive investigation on the THz-band NS-COM (THz-NS-COM) from a physical-layer perspective. Firstly, we summarize the potential applications of THz communications in the near-space environment, where the corresponding technical barriers are analyzed. Then the channel characteristics of THz-NS-COM and the corresponding modeling strategies are discussed, respectively. Afterwards, three essential research directions are investigated to surpass the technical barriers of THz-NS-COM, i.e., robust beamforming for ultra-massive antenna array, signal processing algorithms against hybrid distortions, and integrated sensing and communications. Several open problems are also provided to unleash the full potential of THz-NS-COM.
Code (0)
등록된 구현이 없습니다.
Methods 이 논문이 사용한 방법론
Similar Papers 제목 키워드 기반
A Novel LFM Waveform for Terahertz-Band Joint Radar and Communications over Inter-Satellite Links
There is no doubt that we need to keep our eyes on the sky as satellite networks aim to address the demands of 6G and beyond communications systems. On the other hand, the existence of millions of space debris pieces, la…
Near-field Hybrid Beamforming for Terahertz-band Integrated Sensing and Communications
Terahertz (THz) band communications and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) are two main facets of the sixth generation wireless networks. In order to compensate the severe attenuation, the THz wireless systems …
ISACDual-Functional FMCW Waveform for Terahertz Space Debris Detection and Inter-Satellite Communications
Terahertz (THz) band communication, ranging from 0.1 THz to 10 THz, is envisioned as a key enabling technology for next-generation networks and future applications such as inter-satellite communications and environmental…
parameter estimationWavefront Engineering: Realizing Efficient Terahertz Band Communications in 6G and Beyond
Terahertz (THz) band communications is envisioned as a key technology for future wireless standards. Substantial progress has been made in this field, with advances in hardware design, channel models, and signal processi…
Terahertz Aerospace Communications: Enabling Technologies and Future Directions
To achieve ubiquitous connectivity in next-generation networks through aerospace communications while maintaining high data rates, Terahertz (THz) band communications (0.1-10 THz) with large continuous bandwidths are con…