Spectrum Sharing in the Sky and Space: A Survey

Abstract

In order to achieve the vision of seamless wireless communication coverage, a space–air–ground integrated network is proposed as a key component of the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system. However, the spectrum used by aerial networks has become gradually crowded with the increase in wireless devices. Space networks are also in dire need of developing new bands to address spectrum shortages. As an effective way to solve the spectrum shortage problem, spectrum sharing between aerial/space networks and ground networks has been extensively studied. This article summarizes state-of-the-art studies on spectrum sharing between aerial/space networks and ground networks. First, this article provides an overview of aerial networks and space networks and introduces the main application scenarios of aerial networks and space networks. Then, this article summarizes the spectrum sharing techniques between aerial/space networks and ground networks, including existing spectrum utilization rules, spectrum sharing modes and key technologies. Finally, we summarize the challenges of spectrum sharing between aerial/space networks and ground networks. This article provides guidance for spectrum allocation and spectrum sharing of space–air–ground integrated networks.