On the Latency Trade-off Between Space and Terrestrial Clouds in Non-Terrestrial Networks

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are poised to revolutionize 5G and 6G networks by integrating terrestrial and space-based cloud systems, enabling dynamic task allocation for optimal performance. Despite their promise, understanding the trade-offs between terrestrial and non-terrestrial edge computing architectures remains an area for improvement. This paper presents a comprehensive latency-focused trade-off analysis using a novel real-time emulation platform that accurately models terrestrial and space cloud environments. By evaluating network latency across geodesic distances from a fixed ground gateway, we delineate scenarios where terrestrial clouds excel and identify conditions under which Space Cloud architectures surpass their terrestrial counterparts. Additionally, we analyze how server placement strategies in satellite constellations impact performance, revealing the critical interplay between server distribution and latency outcomes. These findings offer actionable insights for designing and operating hybrid cloud systems, emphasizing the need for tailored architectures to maximize the potential of NTN-based edge computing.