Definition of satellite systems role in Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) architectures

The Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) is deemed to reduce the deployment costs of ultra-dense 5G millimetre-wave (mmWave) networks, using wireless backhaul links to relay the access traffic. ESA funded the project SATIABLE to investigate technical issues to use the satellite for this kind of service, aiming to draw recommendations for IAB features or extensions for scenarios integrating NTN networks, to provide an analytical baseline and a simulation tool for the assessment of benefits for further studies towards the 3GPP Release 18. The paper briefly describes the project objectives and outcomes.