Beam-Hopping Strategy for Efficient Resource Usage in 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks

In this paper, efficient beam hopping strategy is proposed for 3GPP RAN1 non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards. Using the beam-hopping scenarios and parameters currently considered in Release 19, we discuss the SSB period and beam-hopping patterns and propose a beam-hopping technique for efficient resource utilization. The analysis and simulation results indicate that the SSB signal period must be appropriately chosen. While extending the SSB period improves data transmission efficiency by reducing overhead, it simultaneously increases initial access delays. Thus, finding a balance between these two factors is essential for optimizing network performance.