Assessment of the Challenges of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Communication

The aim of this research work was to investigate some challenges related to the communication in non-terrestrial network (NTN). The research was carried out using the explanatory and review research methods. A non-terrestrial network communication is a communication network that provide communication services over a wide area including hard-to reach or difficult terrain areas, using non-terrestrial platforms such as satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle or High-Altitude platform stations like balloons. Some of the unique features of NTN are wide coverage area, long-distance communication, flexibility. It was observed from the result that some of the challenges faced by non-terrestrial network communication are latency, interference, security, infrastructure, atmospheric condition. It was concluded that, despite the various unique features or characteristics of NTN, it is faced with a lot of challenges, thus, the adoption of NTN for a task needs careful planning. It was recommended that some possible solutions to these challenges facing non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication be looked into in future work.