3GPP-based Non-Terrestrial Networks in 5G and 6G

3GPP-based Non-Terrestrial Networks in 5G and 6G: Expanding the Frontiers of Wireless Communications provides an overview of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in the context of 3GPP systems such as 4G LTE and 5G NR. Unique challenges of NTNs such as long and variable propagation delays, large and time-varying Doppler shifts, different types of beams including Earth-fixed beams, quasi-Earth-fixed beams, and Earth-moving beams and transparent and regenerative payloads are discussed. The mechanisms that 3GPP foresees to tackle these NTN-specific challenges are described and, furthermore, the planning, provisioning, design, and operations of the radio and core networks for NTNs are illustrated.