Help from space: grant-free massive access for satellite-based IoT in the 6G era

The Sixth-Generation (6G) standard for wireless communications is expected to realize ubiquitous coverage for massive Internet of Things (IoT) networks by 2030. Satellite-based communications are recognized as a highly promising technical enabler to satisfy IoT service requirements in the 6G era. This study analyzes multiple access technologies, which are essential for the effective deployment of satellite-based IoT. First, we thoroughly investigate the existing research related to massive access, including information-theory considerations as well as Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) and Random Access (RA) technologies.Then, we explore the influence of the satellite transmission environment on multiple access technologies. Based on this study, a Non-orthogonal Massive Grant-Free Access (NoMaGFA) scheme, which reaps the joint benefits of RA and NOMA, is proposed for asynchronous transmissions in satellite-based IoT to achieve improved system throughput and enhance the system robustness under varying traffics. Finally, we identify some important and interesting future developments for satellite-based IoT, including waveform design, transceiver design, resource allocation, and artificial intelligence-enhanced design.