6G-enabled Satellite-based Machine Type Connectivity for Demanding Applications in Remote Regions

6G-SatMTC

Mobile network technologies have become the enabler of the versatile digital services we use daily in work and private lives. However, the availability of connectivity services varies strongly from one region to another. That is one of the reasons for international space business to grow rapidly especially in the satellite communications sector. Disruption due to large satellite constellations and integrated network solutions will provide broadband and internet-of-things (IoT) services globally also to areas where terrestrial mobile networks are not economically feasible to be built. This will significantly benefit public authorities, mining, and transportation such as shipping. In these application areas it is important to ensure reliability, capacity and decent performance.
High-level architecture, focus areas and end-user groups of 6G SatMTC project.

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

Business Finland

Project funder

Business Finland
VTT Technical Research Center of Finland
University of Oulu
Verkotan Oy
Keysight Technologies Finland Oy
Airbus Defence and Space Oy
Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Fairspectrum Oy
Magister Solutions Oy
Suomen Erillisverkot Oy
ABB Oy
Weir Minerals Finland Oy

Funding amount

447 984 EUR

Project coordinator

Other university or unit

Unit and faculty

CWC-Networks and Systems
Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

Contact information

Project leader

Project description

6G-SatMTC project aims to research and develop solutions to address the digital divide by improving the availability of efficient wireless connectivity for abovementioned user groups and versatile machines. Specifically, we aim to develop a wireless connectivity solution based on Reduced Capability (RedCap) radio access technology operating effectively over non-terrestrial (NT) infrastructure. This energy-efficient, enhanced IoT technology recently started in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). RedCap is evolution of 5G New Radio (NR) to support lower cost, lower complexity, longer battery life, and to enable a smaller form factor than regular NR devices. Thus, it reduces performance to the levels optimal for machine-type connectivity (MTC) applications. In this project we will study applicability of RedCap to satellite communications and ability to provide MTC to remote areas from low Earth otbit. We will study how NR-RedCap should be reworked, and adapted to operate effectively and sustainably with non-terrestrial infrastructure. An important target is to study interoperability of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

Project results

As of July 2024, the project results include: