Satellite-Based Cellular Backhaul

A constellation of LEO satellite systems can provide backhaul connectivity to terrestrial 5G relay nodes that create an on-ground 5G network.

5G networks are knocking on our door. Data proliferation is accelerating. The need for ubiquitous coverage is growing. For all these reasons, backhauling requirements are expanding quickly. It is noteworthy that the Sat5G consortium of companies defined satellite communications as an integral enabler of the 5G connectivity vision. They have an inherent advantage when facilitating ubiquitous connectivity while driving network efficiencies forward.  

As the mobile network continues to evolve in terms of technology, services and outreach, mobile network operators (MNOs) need to adapt their cellular backhaul solutions to these changing requirements. As data usage grows exponentially, cellular backhaul strategies must change to take into account user expectations in terms of performance and reliability. User experience is particularly critical for rich media and broadband services and has become a key differentiator with the adoption of 4G networks.

In the past, the use of satellite communications for cellular backhaul was considered a last resort because of bandwidth limitations and high costs. The satellite option for cellular backhauling was used only for hard-to-reach rural areas such as islands, mountains and deserts, where terrestrial infrastructure such as fiber, next-generation copper or microwave were either too expensive or unfeasible. 

Today, with technology advancements in mobile technology and the satellite industry, traditional perceptions about satellite backhaul are quickly becoming obsolete. With Non-GEO Satellite (NGSO) constellations, abundance of capacity and ground segment innovations, there is no question about the role of satellite backhaul. Today, MNOs are required to support their subscribers, who require high-quality broadband connectivity wherever they go on land, sea and air. As a result, satellite backhaul is enabling not only an extension of connectivity to remote locations but also serves as the prime solution for use cases such emergency response, network backup and IoT applications.

Satellite communication has a deep history in providing secure networks for high-speed and mission-critical environments like air navigation systems. With larger constellations and a decrease of end-to-end delay, satellite networks can supply the required backhaul for high-speed services. One issue in 5G is the backhaul demands inherent in networks with large numbers of small cells. Satellite networks can be used as a single centralized backhaul for traffic unloading, edge processing, and resource sharing. 

Telecommunication service provider  O2 found that connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are expected to generate 4TB of data per hour.  Project Darwin – a collaboration project between 02 and the European Space Agency – is a four year trial programme to test new end-to-end (E2E) connectivity with 5G and satellite communication . The goal of the project is to create a new transport ecosystem for CAVs that truly unlocks the possibilities of 5G. 

With the right blend of economics and performance characteristics, satellites can provide additional services to high-speed platforms and network environments that are difficult to manage by terrestrial systems only (i.e connected cars, airplanes, drones, etc).  

Satellites can complement 5G and provide backhaul services, especially in areas where it’s difficult to install physical infrastructure.