Satcom and Beyond: Leveraging RF Design for Global Connectivity and GPS System

In an era where global connectivity is paramount, advancements in RF design are shaping the future of satellite communications and GPS systems. As demand for high-speed, reliable connections continues to grow, engineers are tackling complex challenges in spectrum management, interference mitigation, and network optimisation. At the forefront of these innovations is Aqsa Sayed, a leading RF engineer whose contributions are redefining the landscape of satellite and terrestrial network integration.

"Seamless coexistence between terrestrial and satellite networks is no longer a luxury but a necessity," Sayed explains. "With the rapid expansion of 5G and satellite constellations, we must develop robust interference management strategies to optimise spectrum utilisation."

Sayed has been instrumental in advancing spectrum interference analysis, particularly during the L600 spectrum auction for a Tier 1 company. Her expertise in analysing spectrum datasets facilitated the smooth integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, ensuring minimal interference. Furthermore, her work in LTE/5G network design and optimisation has been invaluable in supporting leading Tier 1 operators, significantly reducing interference-related challenges.

One of her most notable contributions includes assisting in the implementation of the PRB blanking technique, a pivotal advancement in mitigating interference between terrestrial and satellite networks. "By strategically blanking certain physical resource blocks in overlapping spectrum bands, we enabled more efficient interworking between satellite and cellular networks," she states.

Beyond technical contributions, Sayed’s efforts have driven improvements in organisational efficiency. She played a key role in updating network Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to address overlapping spectrum bands used in urban 5G coverage and satellite communications. Her analysis and optimisations have ensured seamless 5G network performance, positioning her as a key player in shaping regulatory and technical frameworks for future spectrum allocations.

Her impact extends into academia, where her research on RF Link Budget Optimisation for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites has garnered significant attention. "Our research integrated adaptive power control, machine learning algorithms, and beamforming techniques to reduce latency and enhance 5G connectivity via satellite-enhanced networks," she notes, emphasising the collaborative efforts that have driven these innovations.

Addressing the ongoing challenges in RF design, Sayed has been at the forefront of tackling interference issues between 5G networks and satellite uplink/downlink frequencies. Additionally, her involvement in resource allocation studies has provided valuable insights into optimising network performance while navigating regulatory hurdles.

Her published works, including "Optimising RF Link Budgets for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Systems in Satellite-Enhanced 5G RAN Architectures" and "RF System Advancements for Satellite and Space Communications," further solidify her reputation as a thought leader. These papers explore AI-driven spectrum management, MIMO, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks, presenting innovative solutions for enhancing satellite communications.

Looking ahead, Sayed envisions real-time interference management tools becoming integral to RF design workflows. "With satellite constellations like Starlink expanding, dynamic frequency management and advanced planning tools are essential for maintaining coexistence without compromising performance," she says. She also highlights the growing importance of collaboration between satellite and cellular networks to overcome future challenges related to latency, coverage, and regulatory compliance.

Through her groundbreaking research, technical expertise, and commitment to regulatory advancements, Aqsa Sayed is shaping the future of telecommunications. Her work in spectrum engineering and interference mitigation is paving the way for a world where 5G and satellite communications seamlessly coexist, bridging connectivity gaps on a global scale.