Multiple Access Schemes for 6G Enabled NTN-Assisted IoT Technologies: Recent Developments, Prospects and Challenges

The transition from 5G to 6G will result in an explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that provide pervasive and constant connection across all spheres of human activities. In this regard, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) will play a crucial role in supporting and supplementing terrestrial systems in order to cope with such a vast number of IoT devices and to fulfill the massive capacity needs of the most sophisticated of them. This study investigates the implication of several multiple access techniques for 6G enabled NTN-assisted IoT technologies. First, general architecture of NTN, NTN-assisted IoT technologies, and key features and challenges of NTNs are presented. Then, different types of multiple access schemes are discussed and compared in the context of NTN-assisted IoT systems. Simulation results are presented and important performance parameters such as energy efficiency and spectrum efficiency are examined for the discussed multiple access schemes. Furthermore, challenges and future research directions are discussed.

Introduction

The sixth generation (6G) system is the next step in the evolution of wireless communication technologies, with the goal of delivering faster speeds, lower latencies, and higher capacities than previous generations of communications systems. To actualize this promise, the 6G network could incorporate a communications infrastructure that can extend beyond the ground into space and other non-terrestrial realms. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) come into play here. NTN is a technology that uses non-terrestrial resources such as satellites, drones, and other aerial vehicles in space to establish communication networks. This expands 6G coverage, allowing access to more geographical areas. Furthermore, NTN supports Internet of Things (IoT) applications, allowing billions of devices to communicate and exchange data more easily. IoT allows objects to connect to the internet and share data via sensors, gadgets, and other physical assets. 6G and NTN maximize the possibilities of IoT applications by allowing devices to be integrated over considerably larger areas and with stronger connectivity.