Hunan University leads research on agile hybrid ad hoc networks for satellite terminals and border-management communication equipment

Illustration: a research concept for coordinated satellite internet and terrestrial ad hoc communication.

Hunan University is undertaking a task within the National Key R&D Program’s “Social Governance and Smart Society Technology Support (Safe China)” initiative, investigating agile hybrid ad hoc networks connecting satellite terminals and border-management communication equipment. The January 2024 implementation plan sets out research tasks, technical methods and responsibilities.

Complex terrain and weather affect coverage, while heterogeneous devices use different access methods. The research addresses connectivity between direct-to-satellite terminals and terrestrial equipment, seeking more flexible networking and reliable communication across mission scenarios.

The plan covers four directions: service-aware integrated satellite–terrestrial ad hoc networking and routing; communication modules for heterogeneous equipment that balance capacity, battery life and portability; quantitative network evaluation and resource-demand forecasting; and trusted access with dynamic authorisation.

Hunan University leads the work with China SatNet Network Application Co., Ltd., GalaxySpace (Xi’an) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Aerospace Changfeng Technology & Industry Group Co., Ltd., and Jiangsu University of Science and Technology. The partners connect method development, equipment engineering and application validation according to their expertise.

The plan calls for technology and equipment validation followed by demonstrations in representative scenarios. Testing and evaluation will refine the design in response to field communication requirements.