MEC-based Experimental Framework for Service Availability in 3D Non-Terrestrial Networks

In the evolving landscape of telecom networks, the integration of 5G networks with 3D Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) presents pivotal use cases focussed on ensuring service continuity, ubiquity, and scalability. The scope of 3GPP Rel-17 addresses these challenges, emphasizing ubiquitous service coverage and extending 5G connectivity to remote and under-served areas. The recent adoption of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) empowers service providers to deliver resilient network services through flexible and programmable infrastructures. This work introduces an experimental testbed leveraging Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) nodes to maintain service availability in the integrated 3D NTN networks. The deployed MEC-based 3D network demonstrates achieved service availability when terrestrial access is lost (emergency scenarios) or outside the network coverage area. In the scenario, a User Equipment (UE) initially connected to a terrestrial access network experiences a disruption in connectivity due to sudden damage, after which it seamlessly transitions to establish a connection with a satellite access network. A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation operating in regenerative mode with gNB as a payload is considered. Using edge computing functionalities close to UE, the performance of the deployed 5G NTN network improves the Quality of Service (QoS) with an acceptable range. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights into the design and implementation of resilient 5G service deployment in the 3D NTN networks.