Abstract
Satellite Internet of Things (IoT) is a promising way to provide seamless coverage to a massive number of devices all over the world, especially in remote areas not covered by cellular networks, e.g., forests, oceans, mountains, and deserts. In general, satellite IoT networks take low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as access points, which solves the problem of wide coverage, but leads to many challenging issues. We first give an overview of satellite IoT, with an emphasis on revealing the characteristics of IoT services. Then, the challenging issues of satellite IoT, i.e., massive connectivity, wide coverage, high mobility, low power, and stringent delay, are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the possible solutions to these challenges are provided. In particular, new massive access protocols and techniques are designed according to the characteristics and requirements of satellite IoT. Finally, we discuss several development trends of satellite IoT to stimulate and encourage further research in such a broad area.
摘要
卫星物联网是一种有潜力的技术, 为分布在全球各地的大规模设备提供无缝覆盖, 特别是在没有蜂窝网络覆盖的偏远地区, 例如森林、 海洋、 山区和沙漠. 一般而言, 卫星物联网采用近地轨道卫星作为无线接入点, 可以解决广覆盖问题, 但也带来许多挑战. 本文首先概述了卫星物联网的基本情况, 重点介绍物联网的业务特点. 然后, 详细分析卫星物联网面临的海量连接、广覆盖、 高移动、 低功耗和小时延等挑战. 进而对这些挑战给出可行的解决方案. 具体而言, 针对卫星物联网的特点和需求, 设计了新的大规模接入协议和技术. 最后, 本文探讨了卫星物联网的发展趋势, 以鼓励广大学者对这一领域开展进一步研究.
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Xiaoming CHEN performed the simulations and drafted the paper. Zhaobin XU and Lin SHANG helped organize the paper. Xiaoming CHEN, Zhaobin XU, and Lin SHANG revised and finalized the paper.
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Xiaoming CHEN is a corresponding expert of Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering. Xiaoming CHEN, Zhaobin XU, and Lin SHANG declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U21A20443)
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Chen, X., Xu, Z. & Shang, L. Satellite Internet of Things: challenges, solutions, and development trends. Front Inform Technol Electron Eng 24, 935–944 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.2200648
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.2200648