A review of wireless communication using high-altitude platforms for extended coverage and capacity

• Published in: Computer communications Vol. 157; pp. 232 - 256
• Main Authors: Arum, Steve Chukwuebuka, Grace, David, Mitchell, Paul Daniel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2020
• Subjects: Artificial intelligence; Coverage extension; Device-to-device; High-altitude platform; Radio environment map; Resource management; High-altitude platform; Radio environment map; Coverage extension; Resource management; Artificial intelligence; Device-to-device
• ISSN: 0140-3664; 1873-703X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.comcom.2020.04.020

This paper provides an up-to-date review of wireless communications service provisioning from High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) in rural or remote areas exploiting cellular radio spectrum. With a recent International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report showing that as much as 74% of the population in Africa, most of which are living in rural areas, do not have access to broadband, this paper focuses on the potential of using HAPs for wireless communication in rural communities as an alternative to terrestrial systems. Considering the typically low user densities in rural areas and the benefits of HAP coverage maximization while ensuring harmless coexistence with terrestrial systems, the paper explores the possibility of extending the achievable wireless coverage from a HAP. This takes into consideration the coexistence of a HAP with terrestrial systems using intelligent techniques to dynamically manage radio resources and mitigate interference. Studies have shown that efficient intelligent radio resource and topology management can mitigate inter-system interference and ensure coexistence with improved system performance. Potential techniques for coverage extension such as exploiting the spatial characteristics of array antennas, radio environment maps (REMs) and device-to-device (D2D) communications are discussed. Generally, this paper presents a comprehensive review of significant HAP related studies.