6G Non-Terrestrial Networking: Architectures, Technologies, and Simulations

This book provides a comprehensive overview and deep technical insights into 6G NTNs, with a particular emphasis on network architecture, resource management, and performance evaluation. Topics covered include hierarchical MEO-LEO mobility management, UAV-assisted LEO backbone construction for data collection, cybertwin-assisted access mode selection, service function chain-based quality of service (QoS) guaranteed resource orchestration, deep reinforcement-based RAN slicing, satellite-aircraft handover, and high-capacity multicast beamforming. Additionally, the book introduces simulation platform named UltraStar and QUIC-based streaming frameworks to facilitate performance testing and design validation. The content is systematically organized into network architecture, physical-layer optimization, access management, routing and transmission, resource management, and simulation, aiming to provide readers with a holistic perspective on the emerging field of ultra-dense LEO-based NTNs for 6G. While primarily targeted at academic researchers and industry practitioners in satellite and wireless communication, the book is also suitable for graduate students seeking to explore the forefront of 6G network innovation.

Haibo Zhou (M’14–SM’18–F’26) received the Ph.D. degree in information and communication engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, in 2014. From 2014 to 2017, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Broadband Communications Research Group, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo. He is currently a Full Professor with the School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. He was a recipient of the 2019 IEEE ComSoc Asia-Pacific Outstanding Young Researcher Award. He served as Publications/Symposium Co-Chair for IEEE/CIC ICCC 2026, IEEE VTC-Fall 2025, IEEE ICC 2024, and IEEE GLOBECOM 2024. He is currently a Fellow of the IEEE, an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, and IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering. His research interests include resource management and protocol design in B5G/6G networks, vehicular ad hoc networks, and space-air-ground integrated networks.

Xin Zhang (S’20) received the B.S. degree from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in 2020, and the Ph.D. degree from Nanjing University in 2025. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow with the School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. Her research interests include space-air-ground integrated networks, resource allocation and convex optimization theory.

Weihua Zhuang (M'93–SM'01–F'08) received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Dalian Maritime University, China, and the Ph.D. degree from the University of New Brunswick, Canada, all in electrical engineering. Since 1993, she has been a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada, where she is a University Professor and a University Research Chair in wireless communication networks. Her current research focuses on network architecture, algorithms and protocols, and service provisioning in future communication systems. She is the recipient of Women's Distinguished Career Award in 2021 from IEEE Vehicular Technology Society, R.A. Fessenden Award in 2021 from IEEE Canada, Award of Merit in 2021 from the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario), and Technical Recognition Award in Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks in 2017 from IEEE Communications Society. Dr. Zhuang is a Fellow of the IEEE, Royal Society of Canada (RSC), Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), and Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). She is the President and an elected member of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society. She was the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology (2007-2013), an editor of IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications (2005-2009), General Co-Chair of IEEE/CIC International Conference on Communications in China (ICCC) 2021, Technical Program Committee (TPC) Chair/Co-Chair of IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference 2017 Fall and 2016 Fall, TPC Symposia Chair of the IEEE Globecom 2011, and an IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer (2008-2011).