HARQ-assisted Satellite-Terrestrial Communications over Generalized-K Fading

Ensuring reliable communication in satellite-terrestrial (S-T) networks, especially under composite fading conditions, is a critical challenge in advancing global connectivity. However, existing literature lacks comprehensive models for such networks, particularly under the Generalized-
K
(
K_G
) fading distribution with random ground user deployment. To this end, this work introduces novel closed-form expressions for the outage performance in S-T networks using the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request with Code Combining (HARQ-CC) protocol. Additionally, the study delves into the network’s delay-limited throughput in scenarios of both perfect and imperfect channel feedback. Finally, simulations validate the theoretical findings, demonstrating the HARQ effectiveness in varied fading conditions and feedback reliability.