2020/03/13 by Xingqin Lin, Lin, Xingqin, Anders Furuskär +5
Engineering · #FOS: Computer and information sciences #FOS: Electrical engineering #Networking and Internet Architecture (cs.NI) #Satellite Communication Systems #Signal Processing (eess.SP) #Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technologies #UAV Applications and Optimization #electronic engineering #information engineering
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2003.06361
openalex publication_date 2020/03/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Today, mobile operators are starting to deploy Fifth-Generation (5G) networks to expand the coverage ubiquity of broadband wireless service. In contrast, in-flight connectivity remains limited and its quality of service does not always meet the expectations. Embracing 5G New Radio (NR) in Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication systems can help narrow the gap between airborne and ground connectivity. In this article, we focus on 5G NR based direct A2G communications. We first provide an overview of the existing A2G systems which are based on earlier generations of mobile technologies. Then we confirm the feasibility of NR A2G systems with a performance study in a range of bands from below 7 GHz to millimeter wave frequencies. The results show that NR A2G systems can provide significantly improved data rates for in-flight connectivity. We also identify the major challenges associated with NR A2G communications, discuss enhancements to counteract the challenges, and point out fruitful avenues for future research.