A novel joint short-packet transmission in satellite–terrestrial NOMA networks

This paper proposes an innovative communication framework that integrates Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) with satellite and short-packet technologies, addressing the emerging demands of Sixth-Generation (6G) networks. A dedicated transmission channel model for short-packets in Satellite–Terrestrial NOMA networks is introduced, which tackles the unique challenges presented by these environments. Through a comprehensive performance analysis, key metrics such as Block Error Rate (BLER), throughput, and goodput are evaluated, enhancing the understanding of system performance under varying conditions. Extensive Monte-Carlo simulations validate the theoretical models, confirming their applicability in real-world scenarios. The findings demonstrate that an increase in the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) significantly reduces both outage probability and average BLER, highlighting the critical role of SNR in enhancing system reliability. Furthermore, the study reveals that increasing the number of satellite antennas substantially improves system performance, underscoring the importance of antenna configuration. The analysis of blocklength and hardware noise provides essential insights for optimizing system design. Overall, this work offers valuable perspectives for the design and optimization of future communication systems, emphasizing the potential of combining NOMA with satellite and short-packet technologies to enhance performance in next-generation 6G networks.