Integrated Communication and Navigation for Ultra-Dense LEO Satellite Networks: Vision, Challenges and Solutions

Next generation beyond 5G networks are expected to provide both Terabits per second data rate communication services and centimeter-level accuracy localization services in an efficient, seamless and cost-effective manner. However, most of the current communication and localization systems are separately designed, leading to an under-utilization of radio resources and network performance degradation. In this paper, we propose an integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) framework to fully unleash the potential of ultra-dense LEO satellite networks for optimal provisioning of differentiated services. The specific benefits, feasibility analysis and challenges for ICAN enabled satellite system are explicitly discussed. In particular, a novel beam hopping based ICAN satellite system solution is devised to adaptively tune the network beam layout for dual functional communication and positioning purposes. Furthermore, a thorough experimental platform is built following the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined non-terrestrial network simulation parameters to validate the performance gain of the ICAN satellite system.