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Enabling Continuous 5G Connectivity in Aircraft through Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Raúl Parada, Victor Monzon Baeza, Carlos Horcajo Fernández de Gamboa, Rocío Serrano Camacho, Carlos Monzo

TL;DR

The paper investigates enabling continuous 5G connectivity for aircraft via Low Earth Orbit satellites. Using a Matlab/Simulink framework, it models dynamic satellite constellations, aircraft trajectories, sequential handovers, and ray-traced in-cabin signal distribution to assess end-to-end performance. Key contributions include a feasibility evaluation of LEO deployments, a sequential satellite insertion and handover mechanism, and an in-cabin 5G distribution strategy using MIMO and ray-tracing, validated through a NY–SD PoF. Results show substantial coverage improvements (up to ~98% on some routes) and enhanced in-cabin signal quality, though synchronization and simulation-time challenges remain. The work provides a scalable framework and practical guidance for deploying continuous in-flight 5G using LEO NTN, with implications for passenger experience and global connectivity.

Abstract

As air travel demand increases, uninterrupted high-speed internet access becomes essential. However, current satellite-based systems face latency and connectivity challenges. While prior research has focused on terrestrial 5G and geostationary satellites, there is a gap in optimizing Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-based 5G systems for aircraft. This study evaluates the feasibility of deployment strategies and improving signal quality with LEO satellites for seamless in-flight 5G connectivity. Using Matlab and Simulink, we model satellite trajectories, aircraft movement, and handover mechanisms, complemented by ray-tracing techniques for in-cabin signal analysis. Results show that proposed LEO satellite configurations enhance coverage and reduce latency, with sequential handovers minimizing service interruptions. These findings contribute to advancing in-flight 5G networks, improving passenger experience, and supporting real-time global connectivity solutions.

Enabling Continuous 5G Connectivity in Aircraft through Low Earth Orbit Satellites

TL;DR

The paper investigates enabling continuous 5G connectivity for aircraft via Low Earth Orbit satellites. Using a Matlab/Simulink framework, it models dynamic satellite constellations, aircraft trajectories, sequential handovers, and ray-traced in-cabin signal distribution to assess end-to-end performance. Key contributions include a feasibility evaluation of LEO deployments, a sequential satellite insertion and handover mechanism, and an in-cabin 5G distribution strategy using MIMO and ray-tracing, validated through a NY–SD PoF. Results show substantial coverage improvements (up to ~98% on some routes) and enhanced in-cabin signal quality, though synchronization and simulation-time challenges remain. The work provides a scalable framework and practical guidance for deploying continuous in-flight 5G using LEO NTN, with implications for passenger experience and global connectivity.

Abstract

As air travel demand increases, uninterrupted high-speed internet access becomes essential. However, current satellite-based systems face latency and connectivity challenges. While prior research has focused on terrestrial 5G and geostationary satellites, there is a gap in optimizing Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-based 5G systems for aircraft. This study evaluates the feasibility of deployment strategies and improving signal quality with LEO satellites for seamless in-flight 5G connectivity. Using Matlab and Simulink, we model satellite trajectories, aircraft movement, and handover mechanisms, complemented by ray-tracing techniques for in-cabin signal analysis. Results show that proposed LEO satellite configurations enhance coverage and reduce latency, with sequential handovers minimizing service interruptions. These findings contribute to advancing in-flight 5G networks, improving passenger experience, and supporting real-time global connectivity solutions.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 14 sections, 5 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Motivation
  3. Contributions
  4. 5G-LEO for in-flight Connectivity
  5. System Architecture
  6. Simulink-Based Orbital Communication Framework
  7. Sequential Satellite Insertion and Handover Mechanism
  8. In-Cabin 5G Distribution and Signal
  9. Proof of Concept
  10. M1: Satellite Handover Efficiency
  11. M2: Impact of Additional LEO Satellites
  12. M3: In-Cabin 5G Coverage Optimization
  13. Results Discussion
  14. Conclusion

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: System architecture for continuous 5G connectivity in aircraft using LEO satellites.
  • Figure 2: Flowchart of the sequential satellite insertion process for LEO-based 5G coverage.
  • Figure 3: Simulation environment: left part the connectivity percentage progress and in the right part the visual connection between satellite and the aircraft. Blue lines: satellite trajectories. Blue dots: satellites. Yellow: Aircraft trajectory. Green: Connection. Purple: Satellite view.
  • Figure 4: In-Cabin distribution of four transmitters and 120 receivers (2 columns and 20 rows, 3 seats per column/row)
  • Figure 5: Path loss vs Transmitter boxplot