arXiv subjects

Mattia Figaro

Publications and source records attributed to Mattia Figaro.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

5G NR Non-Terrestrial Networks: Open Challenges for Full-Stack Protocol Design

As 5th generation (5G) networks continue to evolve, there is a growing interest toward the integration of Terrestrial Networks (TNs) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). Specifically, NTNs leverage space/air base stations such as satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for expanding wireless coverage to underserved rural/remote areas, supporting emergency communications, and offloading traffic in highly congested urban environments. In this paper we focus on the 3GPP 5G NR-NTN standard in the context of satellite communication networks, and highlight critical challenges that must be addressed for proper full-stack protocol design, with considerations related to the PHY, MAC, and higher layers. We also present simulation results in ns-3 to demonstrate the impact of some of these challenges on the network, as an initial step toward more advanced standardization activities on 3GPP 5G NR-NTN.

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arXiv2026

5G NR Non-Terrestrial Networks: From Early Results to the Road Ahead

This paper overviews the 3GPP 5G NR-NTN standard, detailing the evolution from Rel. 18 to 19 and innovations for Rel. 20. Using realistic ns-3 simulations validated against 3GPP calibration data, we evaluate various satellite network configurations. The results highlight the potential of NTNs to extend wireless connectivity to remote areas, serve requests during emergency, and alleviate terrestrial network congestion.

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arXiv2026

Experimental Evaluation of a UAV-Mounted LEO Satellite Backhaul for Emergency Connectivity

Reliable connectivity is critical for Public Protection and Disaster Relief operations, especially in rural or compromised environments where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable. In such scenarios, NTNs, and specifically UAVs, are promising candidates to provide on-demand and rapid connectivity on the ground, serving as aerial base stations. In this paper, we implement a setup in which a rotary-wing UAV, equipped with a Starlink Mini terminal, provides Internet connectivity to an emergency ground user in the absence of cellular coverage via LEO satellites. The UAV functions as a Wi-Fi access point, while backhauling the ground traffic through the Starlink constellation. We evaluate the system via both network simulations in ns-3 and real-world flight experiments in a rural environment, in terms of throughput, latency, coverage, and energy consumption under static and dynamic flight conditions. Our results demonstrate that the system can maintain a stable uplink throughput of approximately 30 Mbps up to approximately 200 meters, and with minimal impact on the UAV battery lifetime. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of deploying commercial LEO satellite terminals on UAVs as a practical solution for emergency connectivity.

cs.NI↗