Why Satellite Networks Are Crucial to 6G Development

February 2024

Telecoms & Connectivity

Alex Webb

Senior Research Analyst

In recent years, the cost of satellites has continued to fall, with the declining cost of unit launches, and development of advanced manufacturing techniques making satellite connectivity more affordable, and effective than ever. As we discuss in our latest research, it is expected that 6G will bring about a convergence of terrestrial and satellite communications networks, building on the progress made with 5G satellite services.

The advantages of using satellites over traditional infrastructure include:

• Resilience – the addition of satellite networks will enable operators to provide additional backhaul, and create redundancies for their 6G networks, improving the resilience of these networks. 6G will be characterised by data-intensive use cases, meaning there will be increasing.
• Coverage – satellite networks provide operators with the only means to provide 6G services across the entire globe, as many locations are not viable for base stations and other infrastructure such as remote locations, and in the air. With IoT and other connected devices becoming increasingly important to everyday life and enterprise operations, there will be growing demand for connectivity, such as by 6G in these areas.
• Mobility – satellites enable operators to provide mobile connections, which improves the security of operator connections, as well as supporting the growing number of IoT, and other devices requiring mobile connectivity.

6G SAGIN

Operators are also expected to leverage improvements to satellite connectivity and lower costs to provide SAGIN (Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network). These will include satellites, space elements, drones, HAPs (High-altitude Platforms), and base stations. 

6G SAGIN will expand operator capabilities to efficiently provide low latency, and higher throughput, as connections are directed to the optimal part of the network’s infrastructure. Moreover, SAGIN enables space, aerial, and ground network infrastructure to support one another. For example, satellites in the space network will be able to provide backhaul support for base stations in the ground network.

These benefits will provide 6G networks with unprecedented flexibility and scale, which operators can then leverage to increase prices, and expand the services they provide. Furthermore, 6G-SAGIN will enable operators to continue to improve the cost efficiency of their networks, thus increasing revenue and return on investment in 6G infrastructure. 

However, whilst 6G SAGIN will greatly expand the potential use cases for 6G networks, the reach and quality of service offered by operators, Juniper Research notes that significant research and development is still required for operators to effectively invest in and launch 6G SAGIN.

Due to the scale and heterogeneity in 6G SAGIN networks the management and evaluation of these networks will be far more complex and difficult for operators than alternatives. Consequentially, Juniper Research recommends that alongside research into 6G SAGIN applications and technology, such as satellites and HAPs, operators create 6G SAGIN simulation platforms.

6G SAGIN simulation platforms will enable operators to accurately anticipate how the different entities within 6G SAGIN will interact with one another, identifying potential issues, and opportunities prior to launch. Furthermore, operators will be provided with insight into the quality of the services that 6G SAGIN will enable; helping them identify and later monetise future 6G use cases.

6G SAGIN simulation platforms will require a considerable number of simulation software, including traffic simulation, physics simulation, and event simulation software. These must be integrated into a single platform, a complex and time consuming process. Due to these challenges, Juniper Research recommends that operators form partnerships with different software vendors, with the aim of improving compatibility, and accessing the expertise of vendors. This will reduce the strain of developing 6G SAGIN simulation platforms.

Source: 6G Development Market 2024-2032

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