Design and Experiment of Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Gateway with Dynamic Traffic Steering Capabilities for Maritime Communication

Abstract

This study presents the architectural design and implementation of a multi-RAT gateway (MRGW) supporting dual satellite and terrestrial connectivity that enables moving maritime vessels, such as autonomous surface ships, to be connected to multiple radio access networks in the maritime communication environment. We developed an MRGW combining LTE and very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) access networks to realize access traffic steering, switching, and splitting functionalities between them. In addition, we developed communication interfaces between the MRGW and end-devices connecting to their corresponding radio access networks, as well as between the MRGW and the digital bridge system of an autonomous surface ship, enabling the MRGW to collect wireless channel information from each RAT end-device and provide the collected data to the digital bridge system to determine the optimal navigation route for the autonomous surface ship. Experiments on the MRGW with LTE and VSAT end-devices are conducted at sea near Ulsan city and the Kumsan satellite service center in Korea. Through validation experiments on a real maritime communication testbed, we demonstrate the feasibility of future maritime communication technologies capable of providing the minimum performance necessary for autonomous surface ships or digitized aids to navigation (A to N) systems.

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

“…In the context of 6G communication within the maritime sector, several studies explored the development of 6G channel models, considering the distinctive characteristics that arise from the maritime communication environment, which differs significantly from terrestrial communication environments [3,[98][99][100]. When examining the data in [101] (Figures 16 and 18), it becomes apparent that wireless channel conditions in the maritime communication environment tend to stay relatively stable on sunny and calm days. In contrast, they show significant variability on windy days, primarily attributed to the presence of high waves, even in coastal regions.…”

Synthetic Maritime Traffic Generation System for Performance Verification of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

“…In Norway, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, a marine technology company, and YARA International, a fertilizer manufacturer, cooperated to develop the world's first electric battery-powered autonomous container ship [8]. In South Korea, the Korean Autonomous Surface Ship project led by the government aims to improve the safety of MASS as well as to develop and verify related technologies [9].…”

A Sliced Parabolic Equation Method to Characterize Maritime Radio Propagation

“…With the rapid development of marine activities, there has been a growing demand for high-speed and cost-efficient maritime communications [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. To achieve space–air–ground–sea integrated communication networks for sixth-generation (6G) communications, it is essential to build a seamless maritime communication network to extend broadband coverage to the sea area [ 6 , 7 ].…”