Physical Layer simulative comparison of DVB-S2X/RCS2 and 3GPP 5G NR-NTN technologies over Geostationary Satellite Scenario

This simulation study aims to compare the physical layer performance of the 5th Generation (5G) New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR NTN) air interface with Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) technologies, specifically analyzing the Second Generation Satellite Extensions (S2X) standard on the Downlink (DL) and DVB- Return Channel via Satellite 2nd generation (RCS2) standard on the Uplink (UL). The study assumes a reference geosynchronous satellite telecommunication system operating in the Ka-band frequencies. The comparison analysis of the physical layers demodulation performance on the Forward (FWD) link reveals an average spectral efficiency decrease from 15 to 26% for NR PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) in comparison to DVB-S2X. The analysis of the Return (RTN) link indicates comparable performance between NR PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and DVB-RCS2, with a marginal advantage for either technology based on specific study cases. The conclusions drawn from the performance comparison emphasize the potential for optimizing NR waveform configuration to improve spectral efficiency and reduce implementation losses through enhanced channel estimation and phase tracking algorithms. Moreover, this study outcome advocates for the completion of the physical layer comparison with System Level simulations of both technologies. This would make it possible to consider additional implications such as nonlinear amplification effects, control plane overhead, and scheduling efficiency.