Experimental Testbeds for NTN Research and Development

EasyChair Preprint 15130

Abstract

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including satellite systems, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly central to the future of global communications, particularly in the deployment of 5G, 6G, and beyond. These networks present unique challenges, including high latency, mobility, and environmental interference, making experimental validation crucial for their development. Experimental testbeds offer a vital platform for researchers to test, validate, and optimize NTN technologies in real-world or simulated environments. This paper examines the current landscape of NTN experimental testbeds, highlighting their capabilities, limitations, and role in advancing NTN research. We discuss the design considerations, including hardware and software requirements, scalability, and performance metrics necessary for effective NTN experimentation. Furthermore, we explore the critical use cases such as next-generation network integration, disaster recovery, and remote IoT connectivity. Finally, we address the key challenges and propose future directions for developing more advanced, flexible, and scalable testbeds to support the growing demands of NTN research and development.

Keyphrases: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Non-Terrestrial Networks, experimental testbeds, satellite communications

@booklet{EasyChair:15130,
  author    = {Edwin Frank and Godwin Olaoye},
  title     = {Experimental Testbeds for NTN Research and Development},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 15130},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}