Decoupling Uplink and Downlink Access for NGEO Satellite Communications with In-Line Interference Avoidance

Abstract

Decoupling uplink and downlink access (DUDA) has latterly proven to effectively enhance transmission efficiency in wireless communication systems, with particular effectiveness observed in both terrestrial and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. In this paper, we propose an innovative DUDA approach specifically designed for non-geostationary orbit (NGEO) multi-layer satellite systems (MSS), integrating strategies to mitigate in-line interference to ensure spectral coexistence between geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and NGEO satellites. Notably, the interference from the main lobe of directional antennas on NGEO satellites is meticulously characterized using a spherical surface model based on the geocentric angle. Within the framework of proposed DUDA method, a user terminal (UT) can establish communication with the satellite which provides the highest average power of received signal in compliance with the unique exclusion angle constraints of NGEO satellites. The association probability of DUDA is analyzed based on stochastic geometry. The performance evaluation, conducted in terms of transmission rate, reveals that the proposed DUDA methodology yields significant improvements when compared to conventional access schemes.