Future high-speed satellite communication links

Over the last decades, communication networks have grown exponentially, starting with low-rate applications with GSM and now moving to high-speed mobile internet based on 5G deployment and future extensions towards 6G. Traditionally, the wireless links of cellular networks are complemented by ground connections relying on cables and optical fibers to interconnect all network components.

Complementary to that, telecommunication satellites have been initially deployed for TV broadcasting applications, but more recently they also to support other communication services. One example is to replace some of the expensive and limited sub-marine optical cables via high-throughput satellite links. Another approach builds on the recent explosion of LEO satellite fleets, offering direct user connectivity via a dense satellite network. Finally, future evolutions towards 6G look more and more at non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and the synergies they can have with the terrestrial networks.

In this PhD, we propose to design point-to-point high-throughput links between ground and satellite or between two satellites. In particular, the candidate will investigate how to design and optimize systems for those unique applications, based on the following: