Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Fog Networks: Architecture, Technologies, and Challenges

2025-03-23

IEEE wireless communications

AI Summary

To address the challenges of limited on-board computing capability of LEO satellites, insufficient inter-satellite link capacity, and difficulty in multi-task (communications, remote sensing, navigation) coordination in 6G integrated space–ground networks, this paper proposes a 6G-oriented space–ground fog networking architecture. It leverages fog satellites as edge-intelligent nodes coordinated with terrestrial cloud centers to enable cross-domain computation and resource orchestration. We introduce a novel cloud–fog native AI framework and an integrated waveform design to support real-time on-board signal processing and dynamic resource scheduling. Furthermore, we develop an autonomous fog satellite networking architecture enabling mobility-aware joint optimization across heterogeneous tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture significantly reduces end-to-end latency and task response delay, while enhancing heterogeneity resilience, autonomy, and scalability of integrated networks—establishing a new technical paradigm for globally seamless intelligent services.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Agent Architectures
• Computer Vision: Remote Sensing / Geospatial AI

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications
• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

In the evolution of sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication networks, satellite-terrestrial integrated networks emerge as a promising paradigm, characterized by their wide coverage and reliable transmission capabilities. By integrating with cloud-based terrestrial mobile communication networks, the limitations of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, such as insufficient onboard computing capabilities and limited inter-satellite link capacity, can be addressed. In addition, to efficiently respond to the diverse integrated tasks of communication, remote sensing, and navigation, LEO constellations need to be capable of autonomous networking. To this end, this article presents a satellite-terrestrial integrated fog network for 6G. Its system architecture and key technologies are introduced to achieve flexible collaboration between fog satellites and terrestrial cloud computing centers. In particular, key techniques with diverse challenges and their corresponding solutions are discussed, including integrated waveform design and resource management based on fog satellite onboard processing, as well as mobility management and native artificial intelligence based on cloud-fog collaboration. Finally, future challenges and open issues are outlined.

Problem

• Integrate LEO satellites with terrestrial networks for 6G coverage.
• Enhance satellite onboard processing and inter-satellite link capacity.
• Enable autonomous networking for communication, remote sensing, and navigation.

Innovation

• Satellite-terrestrial integrated fog network architecture
• Fog satellite onboard processing for resource management
• Cloud-fog collaboration for mobility and AI