HAP-Centric Flying Ad-Hoc Networks With Cell-Free Non-Terrestrial Connectivity

Abstract

High-altitude platforms (HAPs) are key enablers of next-generation non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), offering wide coverage, long endurance, and rapid deployment. Despite these advantages, current NTN designs remain satellite-centric and rely on terrestrial cellular assumptions, limiting flexibility and scalability. To overcome these limitations, this article proposes a multi-layer HAP-centric flying ad-hoc network (FANET). In this framework, HAPs are integrated with distributed uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to form a standalone, cell-free (CF) non-terrestrial system capable of autonomous operation. The layered architecture consists of an inter-HAP ad-hoc layer, a HAP-to-UAV cooperative layer, and a UAV-to-ground access layer, collectively enabling aerial connectivity, adaptive coverage, and interference-aware user access. Unique challenges for each layer are analyzed, including inter-HAP connectivity, FANET co-existence with terrestrial networks (TNs), and user access under heterogeneous conditions. Moreover, the article introduces enabling strategies such as fast beam alignment for high data rate connectivity, uncoordinated FANET/TN co-existence, and user localization and environment classification. Validated by three case studies, the discussion also outlines standardization pathways. The results highlight HAP-centric FANETs as a foundation for resilient, scalable, and application-oriented 6G NTN deployments.