Integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks for Automotive: challenges and perspectives within the S11 RESTART project

The Integrated Terrestrial And Non-Terrestrial Networks (ITA NTN) project, in the framework of the PNRR Research Program, is here described; it will study the integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks, where space network entities cooperate with conventional and emerging terrestrial communication architectures to provide ubiquitous, resilient, and three-dimensional wireless connectivity around the world, supporting heterogeneous services (e.g., improving better coverage, user experience, system capacity, service reliability, and availability, as well as offering high-speed connectivity in remote sites or in disaster-affected areas). As a result, ITA NTN project will contribute to the definition of specific network architectures to support, among other application scenarios, the whole world of the Automotive as assistant to the drive, monitoring of the transportation infrastructures including maritime and railways.