5G Integrated Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance: A Vision and Future Research Perspectives

TL;DR

The paper tackles the fragmentation of CNS in current ATM/UTM systems and proposes a 5G-based Integrated CNS (ICNS) to unify communications, navigation, and surveillance across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. It presents a cohesive vision and architecture that leverages 5G TN/NTN, multi-mode UEs, and A2X sidelinks to deliver high QoS at all altitudes, including very low level operations. Key contributions include aligning CNS services to 3GPP specifications, detailing an ICNS network architecture, exploring spectrum and data-flow designs, and outlining challenges and research directions for evaluation, mobility, and interference management. The approach aims to improve safety, spectrum efficiency, resilience, and environmental impact by reducing onboard hardware and enabling efficient 3D coverage, with a potential for A-PNT as a GNSS alternative under adverse conditions.

Abstract

Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) is the backbone of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations of modern and future aviation. Traditionally, the CNS is considered three independent systems: communications, navigation, and surveillance. The current CNS system is fragmented, with limited integration across its three domains. Integrated CNS (ICNS) is a contemporary concept implying that those systems are provisioned through the same technology stack. ICNS is envisioned to improve service quality, spectrum efficiency, communication capacity, navigation predictability, and surveillance capabilities. The 5G technology stack offers higher throughput, lower latency, and massive connectivity compared to many existing communication technologies. This paper presents our 5G ICNS vision and network architecture and discusses how 5G technology can support integrated CNS services using terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. We also discuss key 5G radio access technologies for delivering integrated CNS services at low altitudes for Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. Finally, we present relevant challenges and potential research directions for further studies.

Figures (6)

• Figure 1: Illustration of aircraft operations supported by ATM and UTM.
• Figure 2: High-level illustrations of Aeronautical Telecommunication Network for providing CNS services to ATM and UTM.
• Figure 3: CNS technologies usage during the different flight phases of manned aircraft and UAS.
• Figure 4: Illustration of our 5G integrated CNS vision.
• Figure 5: 5G use cases triangle and envisioned radio access technologies for the ICNS services and beyond.