The next generation of wireless networks is expected to be faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient to support evolving usage scenarios such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, massive machine type connectivity, networked sensing, and network artificial intelligence while offering universal high-quality connectivity to bridge the digital divide. However, due to the explosive data volume, stringent sustainability and energy efficiency requirements, increased network complexity, and spatial/temporal traffic dynamics, it can be technically challenging to satisfy the communication and sensing performance indicators under current networking paradigms. Next-generation wireless networks will witness two primary paradigm shifts: (i) from mainly terrestrial networks to an integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial network where satellite, aerial, and terrestrial access points (APs) coexist; (ii) from sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) operating frequency bands to a multiband network where sub-6 GHz, mmWave, terahertz, visible light, and free space optics coexist. These shifts, together, will lead to the emergence of multiband integrated satellite, aerial, and terrestrial (mB-ISAT) networks that allow operators to leverage the advantages of each type of network infrastructure and operating frequency in different service conditions to provide reliable and universal connectivity. In this talk, the foundational principles, recent advances, and practical potentials of mB-ISAT networks will be presented. Then, numerous use cases and challenges of the envisioned mB-ISAT will be discussed. A case study on multiband wireless backhaul in an ISAT network will be presented. The talk will conclude with insights into future research directions.

Biography:

Sylvester B. Aboagye received the B.Sc. (Hons.) degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, in 2015, and the M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University, St. John’s, Canada, in 2018 and 2022, respectively. He was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at York University, Toronto, Canada, from January to December 2023. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada. His current research interests include the design and optimization of multiband wireless networks, visible light communication systems, terrestrial and non-terrestrial integrated sensing and communication networks, and 6G and beyond enabling technologies. He was the recipient of many prestigious awards during his PhD, including the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal and the David Dunsiger Award for Excellence. His PhD dissertation was nominated by Memorial University for the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies-ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award 2023 in Engineering/Medical Sciences/Natural Sciences. Dr. Aboagye is an Editor of IEEE COMMUNICATIONS LETTERS and IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY.