Non-Terrestrial Disaggregated RAN: Prospective Architectures and Performance Insights

Opening and disaggregating the Radio Access Network (RAN) in mobile networks is key to improving flexibility, scalability, and vendor interoperability, which are essential for the development of 5G and future 6G networks. Integrating disaggregated RAN (dRAN) with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), such as satellites, is also necessary, as these networks play a key role in 6G and in ensuring seamless connectivity with terrestrial 5G networks. However, deploying dRAN units in space over long-distance wireless links introduces challenges in link reliability and capacity, especially in space-to-ground communications due to atmospheric turbulence. In addition, satellites’ limited capabilities in handling high computation and power constraints pose further restrictions. In this paper, we explore architectural scenarios for deploying dRAN units in NTNs, an area still largely unexplored beyond early 3GPP proposals. We also suggest using a combined Free-Space Optical (FSO)/Radio Frequency (RF) communication method to improve link reliability, especially for ground-to-space links affected by atmospheric conditions. This hybrid method, along with terrestrial and non-terrestrial multi-connectivity, aims to increase link availability and provide consistent service in NTN setups. We propose and analyze several deployment scenarios to support future NTN-dRAN integration.