Simultaneous Utilization of Multiple Radio Access Networks in Ubiquitous 6G Connectivity for Autonomous Ships: Opportunities and Challenges

Author:

Koo Hyounhee12,Ryoo Changho1,Kim Wooseong2ORCID

Affiliation:

1. SyncTechno Inc., Seoul 06628, Republic of Korea

2. Department of Computer Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea

Abstract

The growing significance of ubiquitous 6G connectivity within the maritime sector is a consequence of its evolution into an era characterized by the adoption of autonomous ships. This evolution necessitates the development of adaptable communication capabilities, even in the face of increasing heterogeneity in Radio Access Networks (RANs). This heterogeneity is a consequence of the extended lifespans of maritime communication technologies used by both legacy and emerging ships at sea, in contrast to the generational shift seen in terrestrial communication technologies. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination and provides an insightful overview of communication technologies within the framework of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards with the aim of preparing for the forthcoming 6G standardization to enable ubiquitous 6G connectivity in the maritime domain. The primary focus of this paper is the mobile RAN entities (e.g., satellites and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs)) positioned for integration into the 5G and beyond systems. These entities are distinguished by their differences from conventional terrestrial RAN entities, which are typically stationary on land. This integration enables User Equipment (UE) to connect to various RAN entities, including mobile RANs, interconnected with core networks, thereby granting UE secure access to external internets through 5G and beyond systems, enabling them to enjoy a diverse range of application services, even in areas beyond terrestrial coverage, such as at sea. This paper further conducts an in-depth analysis of a transport layer-level solution known as the Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting (ATSSS) feature enabling a concurrent connection to multiple RANs for data-traffic delivery. Furthermore, this paper explores opportunities and challenges for future research in the realm of forthcoming 6G standardization within 3GPP, especially when combined with the ATSSS features for the success of autonomous ships within the maritime sector. These considerations encompass the concept of autonomous ships as mobile RAN entities, the integration of legacy maritime communications into the 6G framework, and the variability in maritime channel measurements, generally employed as one of the criteria for selecting an appropriate RAN among multiple options, influenced by uncontrollable factors such as climate change.

Funder

Development of Autonomous Ship Technology

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Ocean Engineering,Water Science and Technology,Civil and Structural Engineering

Reference106 articles.

1. (2023, September 17). Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (IMSO). Available online: https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/Convention-on-the-International-Maritime-Satellite-Organization.aspx.

2. (2023, September 17). Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2023. Available online: https://www.ericsson.com/49dd9d/assets/local/reports-papers/mobility-report/documents/2023/ericsson-mobility-report-june-2023.pdf.

3. (2023, August 14). 3GPP. Available online: www.3gpp.org.

4. (2023, September 17). Changing 3GPP to Help the Verticals. February 2020. Available online: https://vimeo.com/393459786.

5. (2023, September 17). 5G Vertical Use Cases, 5G Americas. October 2021. Available online: https://www.5gamericas.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5G-Vertical-Use-Cases-WP-InDesign.pdf.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3