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Net-Zero 6G from Earth to Orbit: Sustainable Design of Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

Muhammad Ali Jamshed, Malik Muhammad Saad, Muhammad Ahmed Mohsin, Dongkyun Kim, Octavia A. Dobre, Halim Yanikomeroglu, Lina Mohjazi

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of achieving Net-Zero energy targets in a highly heterogeneous network ecosystem by integrating Terrestrial Networks (TN) with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). It surveys design challenges across coverage, latency, power, and capacity, and identifies enabling technologies including renewable energy integration, AI-driven energy management, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and policy frameworks. A case study demonstrates that AI-enabled NOMA with spectral clustering and a UAV relay can improve energy efficiency across different deployment scenarios without sacrificing coverage or reliability. The authors outline a roadmap of future directions—AI-enhanced control, edge intelligence, low-power operation beyond Release 19, and green-market policies—to drive practical, scalable Net-Zero deployment for 6G and beyond.

Abstract

The integration of Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and enabling Sixth Generation (6G) and beyond to achieve truly ubiquitous connectivity. However, combining TN and NTN introduces significant energy challenges due to the diverse characteristics and operational environments of these systems. In this paper, we present for the first time a comprehensive overview of the design challenges associated with achieving Net-Zero energy targets in integrated TN and NTN systems. We outline a set of key enabling technologies that can support the energy demands of such networks while aligning with Net-Zero objectives. To enhance the Energy Efficiency (EE) of integrated TN and NTN systems, we provide a use case analysis that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver adaptable solutions across diverse deployment scenarios. Finally, we highlight promising research directions that can guide the sustainable evolution of integrated TN and NTN.

Net-Zero 6G from Earth to Orbit: Sustainable Design of Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of achieving Net-Zero energy targets in a highly heterogeneous network ecosystem by integrating Terrestrial Networks (TN) with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). It surveys design challenges across coverage, latency, power, and capacity, and identifies enabling technologies including renewable energy integration, AI-driven energy management, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and policy frameworks. A case study demonstrates that AI-enabled NOMA with spectral clustering and a UAV relay can improve energy efficiency across different deployment scenarios without sacrificing coverage or reliability. The authors outline a roadmap of future directions—AI-enhanced control, edge intelligence, low-power operation beyond Release 19, and green-market policies—to drive practical, scalable Net-Zero deployment for 6G and beyond.

Abstract

The integration of Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and enabling Sixth Generation (6G) and beyond to achieve truly ubiquitous connectivity. However, combining TN and NTN introduces significant energy challenges due to the diverse characteristics and operational environments of these systems. In this paper, we present for the first time a comprehensive overview of the design challenges associated with achieving Net-Zero energy targets in integrated TN and NTN systems. We outline a set of key enabling technologies that can support the energy demands of such networks while aligning with Net-Zero objectives. To enhance the Energy Efficiency (EE) of integrated TN and NTN systems, we provide a use case analysis that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver adaptable solutions across diverse deployment scenarios. Finally, we highlight promising research directions that can guide the sustainable evolution of integrated TN and NTN.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 20 sections, 5 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background and Motivation
  3. Net-Zero Design Challenges for Integrated TN and NTN
  4. Coverage vs. Energy Efficiency
  5. Latency and Signal Propagation vs. Energy Efficiency
  6. Power Constraints vs. Energy Efficiency
  7. Capacity vs. Energy Efficiency
  8. Key Enablers of Net-Zero integrated TN and NTN
  9. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Integration
  10. Artificial Intelligence-Driven Energy Management
  11. Energy-Efficient Network Design and Protocols
  12. Reconfigurable and Passive Energy-Saving Technologies
  13. Policy, Standardization, and Carbon Accountability
  14. Case Study
  15. Future Directions
  16. ...and 5 more sections

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Energy efficient few-shot FL framework for proactive resource orchestration.
  • Figure 2: RIS-aided steered beam for downlink communication.
  • Figure 3: Illustration of integrated TN and NTN system model for various usage scenarios.
  • Figure 4: EE versus varying required data rate for different values of fixed number of users.
  • Figure 5: An overview of future road map to achieve Net-Zero targets in integrated TN and NTN.