In the rapidly evolving landscape of marine Internet of Things (IoT) systems, the integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) via aerial and space vehicles is set to revolutionize environment protection, military reconnaissance, and sea transportation. As we approach the sixth-generation (6G) of wireless technology, the potential for these systems to enhance maritime operations is immense. However, the unpredictable climate changes and extreme channel conditions of maritime networks pose significant challenges in efficiently and reliably collecting and computing vast amounts of maritime data.
A recent study by Sooyeob Jung, Seongah Jeong, Jinkyu Kang, and Joonhyuk Kang introduces a groundbreaking solution to these challenges. The researchers propose a hybrid low-Earth orbit (LEO) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) edge computing method within space-air-sea integrated networks for marine IoT systems. This innovative approach leverages the computational capabilities of edge servers mounted on UAVs and LEO satellites to process real-time data collected from ocean IoT sensors.
The proposed system aims to minimize the total energy consumption of battery-constrained UAVs by jointly optimizing the bit allocation of communication and computation, along with UAV path planning. This optimization is performed under constraints related to latency, energy budget, and operational requirements. The researchers developed their methods for three different scenarios based on the accessibility of LEO satellites: “Always On,” “Always Off,” and “Intermediate Disconnected.” These scenarios were addressed using successive convex approximation (SCA) strategies to ensure availability and practicality.
The study’s numerical results demonstrate significant energy savings across all cases of LEO accessibility through the joint optimization of bit allocation and UAV path planning. This approach outperforms partial optimization schemes that focus solely on bit allocation or UAV trajectory design.
The implications of this research are profound for the defence and security sector. The ability to efficiently collect and process maritime data in real-time can enhance military reconnaissance capabilities, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making. Additionally, the integration of UAVs and LEO satellites into marine IoT systems can improve the monitoring of maritime environments, supporting efforts in environmental protection and sustainable sea transportation.
As the defence and security landscape continues to evolve, the adoption of advanced technologies like hybrid LEO and UAV edge computing will be crucial. This research not only highlights the potential of these technologies but also provides a robust framework for their implementation, paving the way for more resilient and efficient maritime operations. Read the original research paper here.