The key to achieving efficient global connectivity relies on the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) into a three-dimensional (3D) 6G system with a flexible and disaggregated architecture.

While low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are the most promising solution to the global coverage problem, other non-terrestrial network elements such as drones, airplanes, and high-altitude platforms (HAPs) allow for a localized and on-demand adaptation of the network capacity. However, the current level of NTN integration with mobile cellular systems is in its infancy and would require a continuous management and orchestration of resources.

3D-Twin will design a distributed digital twin architecture for 3D networks based in the O-RAN framework. The goal is to place digital twin models of the network elements in strategic points of the infrastructure to fully exploit the principles of disaggregation and data-driven network optimization provided by O-RAN.