SoftBank Explores '3D Communication Network' Architecture
Japanese operator SoftBank is exploring a multilayered architecture called a "3D Communication Network" that integrates terrestrial, stratospheric, and satellite connectivity. The concept aims to blend Open RAN with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to create more resilient and ubiquitous coverage. This approach is gaining traction for industrial IoT and critical infrastructure applications, according to recent reports.
- The stratospheric layer of this network will be serviced by High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), with SoftBank's "Sunglider," a solar-powered unmanned aircraft, having successfully completed a stratospheric flight test. This aircraft is designed to serve as a telecommunications platform, flying at an altitude of 20 kilometers and providing a coverage area of up to 200 kilometers in diameter. - Standardization for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is advancing within 3GPP, with Release 17 establishing the foundational specifications for integrating satellite communications with 5G networks. Further enhancements are being developed in subsequent releases, including Release 19 which will introduce a "regenerative" payload, placing a complete 5G base station (gNB) on the satellite for improved integration and resilience. - The integration of Open RAN architecture is considered a key enabler for NTNs, offering the flexibility to disaggregate network functions between the satellite and ground stations. This modularity is particularly beneficial for regenerative payloads, where data is processed on the satellite, and for optimizing complex processes like beamforming and beam hopping in a dynamic satellite environment. - This initiative is part of a broader geopolitical trend where control over satellite networks is seen as a strategic asset for national security, economic influence, and digital sovereignty. Nations like the United States and China are actively developing their own Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, highlighting the dual-use (civilian and military) nature of these technologies. - SoftBank is collaborating with multiple partners to realize its vision, including an equity investment in the U.S.-based HAPS developer Sceye and partnerships with satellite operators like Intelsat and Eutelsat OneWeb. These collaborations aim to create a hybrid network that allows devices to seamlessly switch between terrestrial and satellite links. - The global satellite communication market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating it could reach over USD 194 billion by 2032. This expansion is driven by the increasing demand for global connectivity and the deployment of large LEO satellite constellations by companies such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
