Network aspects of integrating 5G and satellite communication

Since 2017, 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) is working on integration of satellite communication in 3GPP. This paper discusses the results of the work on service and network architecture aspects in 3GPP Technical Specification Group (TSG) Service and System Aspects (SA) and 3GPP TSG Core Networks and Terminals (CT). This paper does not discuss radio aspects as are specified in 3GPP TSG radio access network (RAN). 3GPP first specified requirements and use cases for satellite access. Subsequently, architecture and protocol specifications were created for integration scenarios, direct access, network selection, mobility management, and satellite backhaul with quality of service (QoS). Also, impacts of regulatory aspects on satellite integration have been discussed in 3GPP. With the completion of Release 17, 3GPP specifications are now ready for implementation of integrated 5G satellite networks. 3GPP will continue with further development of satellite integration in Release 18 and Release 19.