ETHER: A 6G Architectural Framework for 3D Multi-Layered Networks

Due to the fact that large swathes on Earth still lack broadband communication coverage, especially in remote/rural areas and developing countries, there have been several attempts, starting from 3GPP Release 17, to lay out the architectural amendments needed for the integration of terrestrial networks with their non-terrestrial counterparts. Such attempts have led to recent projects regarding such integration that consider either 5G/5G-Advanced networks or more revolutionary approaches for the forthcoming 6G networks. In this manuscript, we give an overview of the architectural framework, technical innovations, and considered use cases of the Horizon Europe ETHER project.