With communication technologies rapidly evolving, the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks has emerged as a crucial solution to address the growing demand for ubiquitous connectivity. A recent comprehensive review published in Engineering titled “Network-Layer Perspectives on Satellite–Terrestrial Integrated Networks in 6G: A Comprehensive Review” by Nuo Chen et al. provides an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in satellite–terrestrial integrated network (STIN) technologies from a network-layer perspective.

The paper categorizes STIN technologies into three main areas: topology maintenance, network routing, and orchestration transmission. This classification aims to address the challenges associated with maintaining stable connections, optimizing data transmission paths, and ensuring efficient resource allocation in dynamic environments. The authors highlight that satellite networks play a vital role in expanding the application range of terrestrial systems, particularly in remote or underserved regions, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is limited.

One of the key insights from the review is the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the performance of STINs. AI-driven solutions are being utilized to optimize spectrum sensing, improve network performance, and enhance energy efficiency in 6G networks. For instance, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) integrated with AI-driven spectrum learning are emerging as a promising technology to boost communication performance in satellite networks.

The review also underscores the challenges faced in establishing stable and sustainable STINs. These challenges include maintaining stable connections due to the high mobility of satellites, real-time perception and construction of network topology, efficient routing under various constraints, and improving transmission efficiency between satellites and ground stations. The authors propose that addressing these challenges is a crucial step in accelerating the application of satellite networks.

In terms of applications, STINs have been extensively applied in various domains, including intelligent transportation, emergency rescue, finance, and industrial production. For example, in the transportation sector, STINs provide solutions for monitoring, data offloading, resource allocation, and interconnectivity. In the financial sector, satellite communication systems are used to enhance operations by ensuring reliable connectivity for financial institutions, facilitating crucial data transmission for timely decision-making and risk management.

The review further explores the mainstream research directions in STIN technologies, outlining future trends and opportunities for collaboration. The authors emphasize the need for further research to address the limitations of traditional methods and explore new directions, such as improving network protocol adaptability and using AI to optimize STIN performance.

The comprehensive review offers valuable insights into the latest advancements and challenges in satellite–terrestrial integrated networks. As the demand for seamless global connectivity continues to grow, the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks holds significant potential to bridge the digital divide and enhance communication capabilities across diverse environments.

The paper “Network-Layer Perspectives on Satellite–Terrestrial Integrated Networks in 6G: A Comprehensive Review,” is authored by Nuo Chen, Yujie Song, Yue Cao, Zhili Sun, Bo Zhao, Mi Wang, Debiao He, and Guojun Peng. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2025.05.012. For more information about Engineering, visit the website at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/engineering.