In a world increasingly reliant on fast, reliable communication across vast distances, satellite-ground integrated networks (SGINs) are proving essential.
These networks are designed to connect satellites, airborne platforms, and ground-based stations to offer broad coverage and robust data transmission capabilities.
SGINs are integral to 6G wireless systems, expected to support high-speed data transfer with minimal latency, even for remote or isolated users. However, managing the complexities of these networks—characterized by dynamic structures and time-varying data — remains a challenge.
A new study from a team of researchers, including Prof. Debbah introduces a new framework to address these issues, aiming to reduce latency and improve the efficiency of federated learning models within SGINs.
One of the primary challenges in SGINs is the dynamic nature of the network. Unlike conventional networks, where nodes (representing devices) are relatively stable, nodes in SGINs are constantly moving and can appear or disappear.
The team’s framework addresses this with a model that adapts to the changing structure of SGINs. By dynamically adjusting factors like transmission bandwidth, the model ensures efficient data processing while minimizing latency.
A major breakthrough in signal processing for 6G is the use of stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIMs). SIMs act as reconfigurable layers capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves in real-time.
Traditional signal processing tasks require complex digital computations, but SIMs shift this paradigm by performing these computations as waves propagate through the metasurface layers.
This drastically reduces power consumption and minimizes the need for extensive receiver hardware, which is essential for creating more efficient 6G devices and infrastructure.
Prof. Merouane Debbah, Director of the 6G Research Center, KU said: “Next generation cellular technologies, commonly referred to as the sixth generation (6G), are being developed to support disruptive applications such as virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, and autonomous vehicles. To do this, 6G needs to be ultra-reliable and offer far higher connectivity than previous generations.”
The research team says that as THz technology matures, it will deliver the ultra-reliable, low-latency, and high-capacity communications essential for applications like holographic telepresence, immersive virtual reality, and advanced Internet of Things networks.
Prof. Debbah’s research into these technologies addresses critical challenges for 6G.
THz communications, stacked intelligent metasurfaces, satellite-ground integrated networks and H-MIMO complement each other within a cohesive system and this synergy is essential to support the multi-functional requirements of 6G, such as real-time sensing, ultra-dense networking, and highly localized communication.
Research into these areas make the vision of 6G feasible, transforming how we connect and interact in a highly digitalized and interconnected world.
