In order to achieve ubiquitous coverage and service continuity in future 5G network, satellite-based access is the best solution to complement the terrestrial LTE-A. In light of this, we introduce a channel-aware hybrid scheduling technique on the basis of satellite-LTE spectrum sharing. According to the user-experienced channel, base stations (eNodeB) and the satellite will work cooperatively. The eNodeB mainly provides service in urban area for high density population. Meanwhile, the satellite will perform either offloading, providing service for under-served users, or extra coverage for users in rural and remote areas having no coverage of eNodeB. Leveraging the multiuser diversity, we implement a new metrics computation method for hybrid satellite-LTE downlink scheduler (H-MUDoS). Compared with other existing schedulers, simulation results clearly demonstrate the high performance of H-MUDoS in terms of spectral efficiency in addition to improvement of the quality-of-service requirements and capacity maximization. KEYWORDS hybrid architecture, LEO satellite, LTE-A, offloading, scheduling, spectral efficiency, 5G
| INTRODUCTIONThe increasing demands of data traffic in addition to limited available spectrum puts more pressure and challenging issues on emerging 5G network expectations. Thus, investigations in innovative technologies in the heterogeneous terrestrial-satellite network are crucial to address the 5G dilemma. In addition, considering the lack of coverage in many regions (about 71% of rural population are not covered 1 in 2015), ubiquitous on-demand coverage is a key enabler to ensure the future 5G network paradigm. As a matter of fact, the satellite component is fundamental to provide 5G services anywhere anytime either by providing a backhaul or through direct access. It is expected that the satellite solution will be a part of the hybrid network configuration in 5G HetNet. 2 In fact, global coverage remains the major added value of satellite communications. 3 The O3b project aims to extend the coverage for "The Other 3 Billion" population of the world where broadband internet is unavailable. 4 Moreover, the satellite solution comes to the rescue when terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable and remains the best solution for public safety or in emergency situations. On top of this, the cost of exclusive terrestrial coverage is unbearable to address the increasing data traffic and network demand for rural and remote areas.Kuang et al 1 describe the coverage cost on the basis of "long tail" concept distribution. As a matter of fact, satellite technology is cost-effective in rural and remote areas in addition to urban/suburban areas. Meanwhile, the mobile terminals are more and more miniaturized compared with the past ones, ie, Thuraya XT-PRO, which is supported by the most robust and powerful satellite network. Thanks to its advanced omnidirectional antenna Thuraya XT-PRO offers full walk-and-talk capability in addition to an uninterrupted signal even in the harshest environments. 5 next generation ne...