Unified Network Modeling for Six Cross-Layer Scenarios in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

Abstract

The space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN) can enable global range and seamless coverage in the future network. SAGINs consist of three spatial layer network nodes: 1) satellites on the space layer, 2) aerial vehicles on the aerial layer, and 3) ground devices on the ground layer. Data transmissions in SAGINs include six unique cross-spatial-layer scenarios, i.e., three uplink and three downlink transmissions across three spatial layers. For simplicity, we call them \textit{six cross-layer scenarios}. Considering the diverse cross-layer scenarios, it is crucial to conduct a unified network modeling regarding node coverage and distributions in all scenarios. To achieve this goal, we develop a unified modeling approach of coverage regions for all six cross-layer scenarios. Given a receiver in each scenario, its coverage region on a transmitter-distributed surface is modeled as a spherical dome. Utilizing spherical geometry, the analytical models of the spherical-dome coverage regions are derived and unified for six cross-layer scenarios. We conduct extensive numerical results to examine the coverage models under varying carrier frequencies, receiver elevation angles, and transceivers' altitudes. Based on the coverage model, we develop an algorithm to generate node distributions under spherical coverage regions, which can assist in testing SAGINs before practical implementations.