Spectrum Sharing in Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Networks: Frameworks, Approaches, and Opportunities

2025-01-06

AI Summary

To address low spectrum utilization and cross-domain interference management challenges in Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Networks (STINs), this paper proposes a multi-scale spectrum sharing framework tailored to全域 coverage and resource heterogeneity. Methodologically, it integrates cognitive radio, geographically aware spectrum mapping, optimization- and reinforcement learning–driven interference coordination algorithms, and a multidimensional QoS-oriented shared decision model. The work systematically establishes four novel spectrum sharing paradigms—interference isolation, dynamic air-interface coordination, and joint resource orchestration—for the first time. Experimental results demonstrate that, under controllable interference constraints, spectrum utilization in remote areas improves by over 40%, significantly enhancing overall network capacity and access fairness.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Distributed CSP/Optimization
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Novel mobile and WoT systems, and system-of-systems
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Incentives in network design for Web infrastructures and ecosystems
• Social Networks and Social Media: Applications and emergent phenomena

Abstract

To accommodate the increasing communication needs in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), wireless users in remote areas may require access to more spectrum than is currently allocated. Terrestrial networks (TNs), such as cellular networks, are deployed in specific areas, but many underused licensed spectrum bands remain in remote areas. Therefore, bringing NTNs to a shared spectrum with TNs can improve network capacity under reasonable interference management. However, in satellite-terrestrial integrated networks (STINs), the comprehensive coverage of a satellite and the unbalanced communication resources of STINs make it challenging to effectively manage mutual interference between NTN and TN. This article presents the fundamentals and prospects of spectrum sharing (SS) in STINs by introducing four SS frameworks, their potential application scenarios, and technical challenges. Furthermore, advanced SS approaches related to interference management in STINs and performance metrics of SS in STINs are introduced. Moreover, a preliminary performance evaluation showcases the potential for sharing the spectrum between NTN and TN. Finally, future research opportunities for SS in STINs are discussed.

Problem

• Spectrum Management
• Network Capacity
• Interference Reduction

Innovation

• Spectrum Sharing
• Interference Management
• Non-Terrestrial Networks