Towards Integration 6G NTN Non-Terrestrial Networks with 5G NTN Satellite Connectivity: A Practical Approach Using MATLAB

Integrated mobile 5G&6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and direct-to-device networks (D2D) are rapidly becoming the backbone of global communications. Direct-to-device networks enable standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly to LEO satellites without specialized hardware, providing ubiquitous coverage. In recent years, advancements in LEO satellite manufacturing and reusable launch vehicle technologies have stimulated the emergence of LEO mega-constellations, driving significant engineering efforts and commercial innovations in mobile satellite Internet. Welcome to the New Space race!

Recent plan to launch commercial direct-to-device D2D satellite services in 2026, means the boundary between terrestrial cellular networks and non-terrestrial networks NTN is becoming increasingly blurred. Network design is no longer limited to ground-based coverage — satellite links will increasingly become part of the overall connectivity architecture. From base stations to terminals, antenna performance, radiation patterns, link budgets and coexistence will play a critical role in enabling reliable hybrid networks. A prominent example is SpaceX’s Starlink, which aims to deploy over 10 000 LEO satellites on several different orbital altitudes to provide global broadband Internet services. In 2025, SpaceX completed first direct-to-cell (DtC) constellation, enabling unmodified smart phones to achieve Internet connectivity in remote areas.

The aim of the book Towards integration 6G NTN non-terrestrial networks with 5G satellite connectivity: A practical approach using MATLAB is to provide fundamental motivation, trends and benefits in convergence of terrestrial and satellite technology, standardization timeline and requirements of integration NTN in 5G, use cases, system architecture, design aspects, enabling technologies, challenges and opportunities. It gives an in-depth coverage of ITU-R and 3GPP standardization process of 5G-Advanced as well as initial 6G NTN study items. It also reviewing research activities from academia and industry on 3D opportunities and pointing challenges. Finally, book provide results some of NTN system experiments, Matlab models for energy consumption, capacity simulation and coverage maps visualization, satellite scenarios and 6G NTN channel/link simulator.

The book is divided into three major parts:

· Convergence of mobile networks and satellite communications

· Research in integrated TN and NTN networking

· NTN system modelling in simulations and emulation

The main originality of this book is a practical guide to developing a multi-layered NTN simulator in MATLAB with strong emphasis on user configurability and can be used for research or practical design. Next, a GUI-based MATLAB simulator is lllustrated in details with the explanations of the codes in performance evaluation 3GPP-compliant NTN link-level model. Overall, this book is intended for readers with a basic engineering background who seek to develop a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of 5G&6G hybrid non-terrestrial networking.

Dragorad Milovanovic received the Dipl. Electr. Eng. and Magistar Degree from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. From 1987 to 1991, he was a Research Assistant and PhD researcher from 1991 to 2001 at the Department of Electrical Engineering, where his interest includes simulation&analysis of digital communications systems. He has been working as R&D engineer for DSP software development in digital television industry. Also, he is serving as an ICT lecturer medicine/sports informatics and consultant in development standard-based solutions. He participated in research & innovation projects and published more than 300 papers in international journals and conference proceedings. He also, co-authored reference books in multimedia communications published by several reputed publishers. Present projects include adaptive coding of 3D Video immersive media, and integrated 5G&6G NTN non-terrestrial communications.

Tulsi Pawan Fowdur received his BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic and Communication Engineering with first class honours from the University of Mauritius in 2004. He was also the recipient of a Gold medal for having produced the best degree project at the Faculty of Engineering in 2004. In 2005 he obtained a full-time PhD scholarship from the Tertiary Education Commission of Mauritius and was awarded his PhD degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2010 by the University of Mauritius. He is also a Registered Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of the UK, Fellow of the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (UK) and Senior Member of the IEEE. He joined the University of Mauritius as an academic in June 2009 and is presently an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of the University of Mauritius. His research interests include Mobile Communications, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications Applications Development, Industry 4.0, Energy Efficient Communications and Internet of Things. He has over 100 publications in these areas including nine books and is actively involved in editorial tasks and the organization of international conferences.

Zoran Bojkovic is full professor of Electrical Engineering University of Belgrade, Serbia, Life Senior Member of IEEE, full member of Engineering Academy of Serbia, member of Scientific Society of Serbia, member of Athens Institute for Education and Research ATINER. He was and still is visiting professor worldwide. He is author/co-author of more than 500 publications: monographies, books (Prentice-Hall, Wiley, McGraw Hill, Springer, CRC Press Taylor&Francis Group, IGI GLOBAL, WSEAS Press), book chapters, peer-reviewed journal, conference and symposium papers. Some of the books have been translated in China, India, Canada, Singapore. His research focuses on computer networks, multimedia communications, green communications, 5G and beyond. He is a highly regarded expert in the IEEE, contributing to the growth of communication industry and society reviewing process in many journals as well as organizing special sessions and being General Chair and TPC member at numerous conferences all over the world. The other activities include serving as Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editor in several prestigious international journals.