Beyond 5G non terrestrial networks for direct-to-device joint communication and positioning services provision: Part 2 - system performance analysis

This paper presents the performance analysis for integrated positioning and communication services utilizing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) systems, building upon the system architectures and challenges introduced in Part 1. The urgent need for resilient Positioning Navigation Timing (PNT) alternatives, necessitated by increasing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) vulnerabilities, drives the exploration of integrated LEO Direct to Device (D2D) systems. These LEO D2D platforms, leveraging technologies like 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NTN, present inherent challenges related to high satellite mobility and conflicting system requirements for simultaneous communication and positioning. Addressing these issues, this second part focuses on quantifying the viability of the proposed integrated LEO NTN architectures. Through detailed link budget analysis, physical layer simulations, and extensive system simulations, we evaluate the crucial trade-offs between positioning accuracy, service availability, and communication throughput. The results of this performance analysis lay the essential groundwork for future European Low Earth Orbiting-Positioning Navigation Timing (LEO-PNT) missions and quantify the ability of LEO NTN D2D systems to provide robust PNT services from space.