Handover Challenges and Solutions in Non-Terrestrial Networks

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellites rapidly orbit at altitudes ranging from approximately 160 km to 2,000 km above the Earth's surface and have the potential to provide internet connectivity to developing countries. Compared to geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, LEO satellites offer shorter communication delays, lower transmission losses, and higher bandwidth, with the advantages of lower launch costs and the ability to deploy in large numbers. Due to these advantages, the concept of satellite-terrestrial integrated networks (STIN) is emerging. However, the rapid orbital speed of LEO satellites necessitates frequent handovers, which can lead to issues such as signal storms and service interruptions. This paper analyzes various research trends to address these issues.