Research Trends in Direct Satellite Communications Technology with Smart Terrestrial Equipment: A Scien-tometric Analysis in Scopus

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Research Assistant Professor, Satellite Communications Department, Faculty of Communications Technology , ICT Research Institute , Tehran, Iran.

2 Research Assistant Professor, Satellite Communications Department, Faculty of Communications Technology , ICT Research Institute , Tehran, Iran

3 Research assistant professor,, Satellite Communications Department, Faculty of Communications Technology , ICT Research Institute , Tehran. Iran

4 Research Assistant Professor, Satellite communications Department, Faculty of Communications Technology , ICT Research Institute , Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: Direct satellite communication with ground-based devices, as an emerging technology in the satellite communications field, has garnered significant interest from the space industry in recent years. This has led to efforts to modify existing products to support the provision of this type of service. With the full deployment of new generations of communication networks, the use of services across integrated networks—comprising terrestrial, aerial, and space-based components—will receive significant attention. It is important to note that the terrestrial elements of these communication services include smartphones and IoT sensors. To support such services in next-generation networks, such as 5G and beyond, the system must provide a high capacity, on the order of terabits per second. However, achieving this capacity presents a considerable challenge during the initial deployment phases. Consequently, early implementations have focused on narrowband services with low data rates and limited bandwidth. Nevertheless, if broadband services can be successfully operationalized and deployed, comprehensive and integrated access across diverse and remote locations can be guaranteed. This approach surpasses the limitations of the current communication network infrastructure. At present, direct-to-cell communication services on smartphones have not been standardized. Consequently, satellite systems providing such services primarily operate within the frequency spectrum allocated to terrestrial operators. However, with the implementation of 3GPP standards for 5G on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) starting from Release 18, it is feasible to utilize the space-frequency band to deliver direct-to-cell communication services through appropriate software or hardware modifications. Given the emergence of this technology, employing a scientometric approach to analyze and evaluate its various dimensions is a suitable method. This research aims to scientifically analyze and map the leading and active areas within this technology, using data from the Scopus citation database spanning 2011 to 2024.
Methodology: This study is an applied research conducted using common scientometric techniques, including co-word network analysis, co-authorship network analysis, and co-country analysis. The statistical population consists of all scientific documents related to "direct satellite-to-device connection technologies" indexed in the Scopus citation database from 2011 to 2024. A total of 168 documents were retrieved. After data collection and statistical analysis, the results were visualized using software such as VOSviewer and Gephi to generate relevant maps in this field.
Findings: While most global studies employing a scientometric approach (e.g., in satellite system technology) highlight the United States and China as leaders, the findings of this study reveal that Germany, China, and France are at the forefront. This can primarily be attributed to these countries' focus on publishing scientific research in this field. In contrast, countries such as China and the United States have thus far concentrated more on the design, manufacturing, and testing processes of this technology. The extracted data indicate that scientific production in this field has shown a significant upward trend, growing substantially from 2021 to 2024. Germany is considered the leading country, with the publication of 42 research papers, and the Bundeswehr University Munich is recognized as the top institution. Additionally, Knopp Andreas is a prominent figure in this field, having published 14 research papers.
Conclusion: Today, in the process of designing, building, and developing satellite systems such as low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems in Iran, it is necessary to pay special attention to managing the operation and utilization of direct satellite-to-device communication technology within government institutions. These include the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the National Cyberspace Center, the Regulatory Organization, the Space Organization, and others. It is important to note that leading countries in the field of direct satellite-to-device communication are actively working to develop the necessary infrastructure to secure a significant share of the global market. By participating in regional and international agreements and collaborations, Iran can enhance data security in this domain. Overall, Iran should formulate comprehensive plans for introducing this technology domestically, taking into account its governance policies. Finally, if this technology is used legally in Iran, it could serve as a valuable complement to the mobile network and support communications during emergencies. Accordingly, the findings of this research, drawn from one of the world's most reputable databases, can inform an effective strategy for Iran in the field of Direct satellite communication with ground-based devices. This is predicated on the adherence of foreign operators to Iranian national laws and regulations.

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References

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