About NexaSphere
NexaSphere is committed to pioneering the next generation of connectivity through a 3D multi-path network of networks, integrating spaceborne, airborne, and terrestrial infrastructures to serve the evolving needs of mobile transportation and smart communities.
Vision
The vision of NexaSphere is to establish a 3D network of networks that natively integrates multi-path transmission for seamless multi-connectivity. This ecosystem will leverage spaceborne and airborne platforms in conjunction with terrestrial infrastructure to enhance connectivity for the future EU society. The impact will be profound across key sectors, including:
- Mobile transportation (aviation, railway, and automotive)
- Smart cities
- Smart communities of 2030 and beyond
Goals
NexaSphere aims to design and develop early-stage hardware prototypes and software algorithms for a multi-path 3D network that integrates radio and optical technologies within a terminal. Key goals include:
- Network orchestration through AI-aided programmability
- Extending the edge-cloud continuum to space
- Demonstrating the Radio & Wireless-Optical Connectivity Continuum
- Developing scalable simulation models in a hardware-in-the-loop approach
- Achieving TRL 4-5 demonstrations to showcase the added value of this unified network architecture for mobile transportation (aviation, railway, and automotive)
Project Overview
The rapid advancements in LEO satellite networks (e.g., OneWeb, Starlink) have disrupted the traditionally GEO-dominated satellite industry, triggering a new space race. In parallel, 3GPP has been evolving the Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) framework, integrating satellite connectivity into 3D networks through transparent and regenerative payloads. These advancements enable smart 6G nodes in space, incorporating gNB functionalities, User Plane Functions (UPF), and AI-driven orchestration.
Simultaneously, Free-Space Optics (FSO) is gaining traction due to its high data rates, making it ideal for inter-satellite links (ISL) and feeder links in NGSO constellations. However, FSO’s susceptibility to atmospheric disruptions necessitates space-diversity countermeasures. Alongside this, LiFi presents opportunities for high-capacity, short-range optical communications, forming the basis of the wireless-optical continuum.
NexaSphere Concept & Methodology
NexaSphere capitalizes on the opportunities of rising 3D networks, focusing on research and innovation up to Technology Readiness Level 4-5 (TRL 4-5)—validating radio and optical integration in a 6G-controlled orchestration framework. The project envisions a service-oriented, AI-driven 3D network, extending the edge-cloud continuum from ground to space for optimal resource allocation.
The primary focus is on mobile transportation sectors (aviation, automotive, railway), with additional considerations for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR), smart communities, and private networks. The architecture integrates:
- LEO and GEO constellations interconnected with 5G/6G terrestrial networks
- FSO for long-range aerial connectivity (intra- and inter-layer)
- LiFi for localized high-speed connections, such as in aircraft cabins or train compartments
- Energy-efficient solutions for sustainability
- Multi-path resilience through MPTCP and MPQUIC protocols for seamless connectivity
- AI/ML-driven resource management to handle increasing network complexity
- SDN/NFV-based orchestration for unified TN/NTN integration
- Edge-cloud continuum extending from terrestrial to spaceborne networks
NexaSphere aims to demonstrate its unified 3D connectivity vision via hardware prototypes, software development, and industry-grade simulation models. By integrating wireless and optical technologies, the project advances towards hyper-connectivity and service continuity, reinforcing NTN’s pivotal role in future 6G ecosystems.
As part of 6G SNS-JU Phase 2, NexaSphere will consolidate Phase 1 insights, advancing proof-of-concept (PoC) implementations and contributing to standardization efforts. A Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology will guide design, validation, and verification, ensuring practical applications across key verticals. With consortium partners like Safran (aviation), Stellantis (automotive), and NetworkRail (railway), NexaSphere is set to drive 3D network innovation across multiple industries while enabling broader vertical integration.
