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Björn Ottersten

Publications and source records attributed to Björn Ottersten.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Statistical CSI-Based Distributed Precoding Design for OFDM-Cooperative Multi-Satellite Systems

This paper investigates the design of distributed precoding for multi-satellite massive MIMO transmissions. We first conduct a detailed analysis of the transceiver model, in which delay and Doppler precompensation is introduced to ensure coherent transmission. In this analysis, we examine the impact of precompensation errors on the transmission model, emphasize the near-independence of inter-satellite interference, and ultimately derive the received signal model. Based on such signal model, we formulate an approximate expected rate maximization problem that considers both statistical channel state information (sCSI) and compensation errors. Unlike conventional approaches that recast such problems as weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) minimization, we demonstrate that this transformation fails to maintain equivalence in the considered scenario. To address this, we introduce an equivalent covariance decomposition-based WMMSE (CDWMMSE) formulation derived based on channel covariance matrix decomposition. Taking advantage of the channel characteristics, we develop a low-complexity decomposition method and propose an optimization algorithm. To further reduce computational complexity, we introduce a model-driven scalable deep learning (DL) approach that leverages the equivariance of the mapping from sCSI to the unknown variables in the optimal closed-form solution, enhancing performance through novel dense Transformer network and scaling-invariant loss function design. Simulation results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method in some practical scenarios. We also demonstrate that the DL approach can adapt to dynamic settings with varying numbers of users and satellites.

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GNN-enabled Precoding for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Communications

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication is a critical component in the development of sixth generation (6G) networks. The integration of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is being actively explored to enhance the performance of LEO satellite communications. However, the limited power of LEO satellites poses a significant challenge in improving communication energy efficiency (EE) under constrained power conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods are increasingly recognized as promising solutions for optimizing energy consumption while enhancing system performance, thus enabling more efficient and sustainable communications. This paper proposes approaches to address the challenges associated with precoding in massive MIMO LEO satellite communications. First, we introduce an end-to-end graph neural network (GNN) framework that effectively reduces the computational complexity of traditional precoding methods. Next, we introduce a deep unfolding of the Dinkelbach algorithm and the weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) approach to achieve enhanced EE, transforming iterative optimization processes into a structured neural network, thereby improving convergence speed and computational efficiency. Furthermore, we incorporate the Taylor expansion method to approximate matrix inversion within the GNN, enhancing both the interpretability and performance of the proposed method. Numerical experiments demonstrate the validity of our proposed method in terms of complexity and robustness, achieving significant improvements over state-of-the-art methods.

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Exploiting Symmetric Non-Convexity for Multi-Objective Symbol-Level DFRC Signal Design

Symbol-level precoding (SLP) is a promising solution for addressing the inherent interference problem in dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC) signal designs. This paper considers an SLP-DFRC signal design problem which optimizes the radar performance under communication performance constraints. We show that a common phase modulation applied to the transmit signals from an antenna array does not affect the performance of different radar sensing metrics, including beampattern similarity, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB). We refer to this as symmetric-rotation invariance, upon which we develop low-complexity yet efficient DFRC signal design algorithms. More specifically, we propose a symmetric non-convexity (SNC)-based DFRC algorithm that relies on the non-convexity of the radar sensing metrics to identify a set of radar-only solutions. Based on these solutions, we further exploit the symmetry property of the radar sensing metrics to efficiently design the DFRC signal. We show that the proposed SNC-based algorithm is versatile in the sense that it can be applied to the DFRC signal optimization of all three sensing metrics mentioned above (beampattern, SINR, and CRLB). In addition, since the radar sensing metrics are independent of the communication channel and data symbols, the set of radar-only solutions can be constructed offline, thereby reducing the computational complexity. We also develop an accelerated SNC-based algorithm that further reduces the complexity. Finally, we numerically demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithms compared to existing methods in terms of sensing and communication performance as well as computational requirements.

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Grant-Free Random Access in Uplink LEO Satellite Communications with OFDM

This paper investigates joint device activity detection and channel estimation for grant-free random access in Low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications. We consider uplink communications from multiple single-antenna terrestrial users to a LEO satellite equipped with a uniform planar array of multiple antennas, where orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation is adopted. To combat the severe Doppler shift, a transmission scheme is proposed, where the discrete prolate spheroidal basis expansion model (DPS-BEM) is introduced to reduce the number of unknown channel parameters. Then the vector approximate message passing (VAMP) algorithm is employed to approximate the minimum mean square error estimation of the channel, and the Markov random field is combined to capture the channel sparsity. Meanwhile, the expectation-maximization (EM) approach is integrated to learn the hyperparameters in priors. Finally, active devices are detected by calculating energy of the estimated channel. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms conventional algorithms in terms of activity error rate and channel estimation precision.

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LEO Satellite-Enabled Random Access with Large Differential Delay and Doppler Shift

This paper investigates joint device identification, channel estimation, and symbol detection for LEO satellite-enabled grant-free random access systems, specifically targeting scenarios where remote Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices operate without global navigation satellite system (GNSS) assistance. Considering the constrained power consumption of these devices, the large differential delay and Doppler shift are handled at the satellite receiver. We firstly propose a spreading-based multi-frame transmission scheme with orthogonal time-frequency space (OTFS) modulation to mitigate the doubly dispersive effect in time and frequency, and then analyze the input-output relationship of the system. Next, we propose a receiver structure based on three modules: a linear module for identifying active devices that leverages the generalized approximate message passing algorithm to eliminate inter-user and inter-carrier interference; a non-linear module that employs the message passing algorithm to jointly estimate the channel and detect the transmitted symbols; and a third module that aims to exploit the three dimensional block channel sparsity in the delay-Doppler-angle domain. Soft information is exchanged among the three modules by careful message scheduling. Furthermore, the expectation-maximization algorithm is integrated to adjust phase rotation caused by the fractional Doppler and to learn the hyperparameters in the priors. Finally, the convolutional neural network is incorporated to enhance the symbol detection. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed transmission scheme boosts the system performance, and the designed algorithms outperform the conventional methods significantly in terms of the device identification, channel estimation, and symbol detection.

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Full Duplex Joint Communications and Sensing for 6G: Opportunities and Challenges

The paradigm of joint communications and sensing (JCAS) envisions a revolutionary integration of communication and radar functionalities within a unified hardware platform. This novel concept not only opens up unprecedented interoperability opportunities, but also exhibits unique design challenges. To this end, the success of JCAS is highly dependent on efficient full-duplex (FD) operation, which has the potential to enable simultaneous transmission and reception within the same frequency band. While JCAS research is lately expanding, there still exist relevant directions of investigation that hold tremendous potential to profoundly transform the sixth generation (6G), and beyond, cellular networks. This article presents new opportunities and challenges brought up by FD-enabled JCAS, taking into account the key technical peculiarities of FD systems. Unlike simplified JCAS scenarios, we delve into the most comprehensive configuration, encompassing uplink and downlink users, as well as monostatic and bistatic radars, all harmoniously coexisting to jointly push the boundaries of both communications and sensing. The performance improvements resulting from this advancement bring forth numerous new challenges, each meticulously examined and expounded upon.

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Massive MIMO-OTFS-Based Random Access for Cooperative LEO Satellite Constellations

This paper investigates joint device identification, channel estimation, and symbol detection for cooperative multi-satellite-enhanced random access, where orthogonal time-frequency space modulation with the large antenna array is utilized to combat the dynamics of the terrestrial-satellite links (TSLs). We introduce the generalized complex exponential basis expansion model to parameterize TSLs, thereby reducing the pilot overhead. By exploiting the block sparsity of the TSLs in the angular domain, a message passing algorithm is designed for initial channel estimation. Subsequently, we examine two cooperative modes to leverage the spatial diversity within satellite constellations: the centralized mode, where computations are performed at a high-power central server, and the distributed mode, where computations are offloaded to edge satellites with minimal signaling overhead. Specifically, in the centralized mode, device identification is achieved by aggregating backhaul information from edge satellites, and channel estimation and symbol detection are jointly enhanced through a structured approximate expectation propagation (AEP) algorithm. In the distributed mode, edge satellites share channel information and exchange soft information about data symbols, leading to a distributed version of AEP. The introduced basis expansion model for TSLs enables the efficient implementation of both centralized and distributed algorithms via fast Fourier transform. Simulation results demonstrate that proposed schemes significantly outperform conventional algorithms in terms of the activity error rate, the normalized mean squared error, and the symbol error rate. Notably, the distributed mode achieves performance comparable to the centralized mode with only two exchanges of soft information about data symbols within the constellation.

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Enhancing Indoor and Outdoor THz Communications with Beyond Diagonal-IRS: Optimization and Performance Analysis

This work investigates the application of Beyond Diagonal Intelligent Reflective Surface (BD-IRS) to enhance THz downlink communication systems, operating in a hybrid: reflective and transmissive mode, to simultaneously provide services to indoor and outdoor users. We propose an optimization framework that jointly optimizes the beamforming vectors and phase shifts in the hybrid reflective/transmissive mode, aiming to maximize the system sum rate. To tackle the challenges in solving the joint design problem, we employ the conjugate gradient method and propose an iterative algorithm that successively optimizes the hybrid beamforming vectors and the phase shifts. Through comprehensive numerical simulations, our findings demonstrate a significant improvement in rate when compared to existing benchmark schemes, including time- and frequency-divided approaches, by approximately $30.5\%$ and $69.9\%$ respectively and even outperforms the STAR-IRS system by $76.99\%$. This underscores the significant influence of IRS elements on system performance relative to that of base station antennas, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing the communication system efficacy.

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Ubiquitous Integrated Sensing and Communications for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Systems

The next sixth generation (6G) networks are envisioned to integrate sensing and communications in a single system, thus greatly improving spectrum utilization and reducing hardware costs. Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications combined with massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology holds significant promise in offering ubiquitous and seamless connectivity with high data rates. Existing integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) studies mainly focus on terrestrial systems, while operating ISAC in massive MIMO LEO satellite systems is promising to provide high-capacity communication and flexible sensing ubiquitously. In this paper, we first give an overview of LEO satellite systems and ISAC and consider adopting ISAC in the massive MIMO LEO satellite systems. Then, the recent research advances are presented. A discussion on related challenges and key enabling technologies follows. Finally, we point out some open issues and promising research directions.

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Joint Computation and Communication Resource Optimization for Beyond Diagonal UAV-IRS Empowered MEC Networks

Recent advancements in 6G systems signal a leap towards universal connectivity and ultra-reliable, low-latency communications for real-time data devices. Yet, these advancements encounter obstacles such as limited device battery life and computational power, along with urban signal blockages. To counter these, Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces (IRS) within Mobile Edge Cloud (MEC) infrastructures offer enhanced computing to overcome device limitations and create alternative communication paths. Despite these improvements, connectivity issues remain for remote areas. Our paper presents the Beyond Diagonal IRS (BD-IRS or IRS 2.0), integrated with UAVs in MEC networks (BD-IRS-UAV), providing on-demand links for remote users to offload tasks, tackling resource and battery limitations. We propose a joint optimization strategy to reduce system's worst-case latency and UAV hovering time by optimizing BD-IRS-UAV deployment and resource allocation. This challenge is approached by dividing it into two sub-problems: BD-IRS-UAV Placement and Computational Resource Optimization, and Communication Resource Optimization, each solved iteratively. This design significantly enhances system performance, showing a $17.75\%$ increase over traditional diagonal IRS and a $25.43\%$ improvement over IRS on buildings, with a $13.44\%$ enhancement in worst-case latency compared to binary offloading schemes.

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Integrated Communications and Localization for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Systems

Integrated communications and localization (ICAL) will play an important part in future sixth generation (6G) networks for the realization of Internet of Everything (IoE) to support both global communications and seamless localization. Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems have great potential in providing wide coverage with enhanced gains, and thus are strong candidates for realizing ubiquitous ICAL. In this paper, we develop a wideband massive MIMO LEO satellite system to simultaneously support wireless communications and localization operations in the downlink. In particular, we first characterize the signal propagation properties and derive a localization performance bound. Based on these analyses, we focus on the hybrid analog/digital precoding design to achieve high communication capability and localization precision. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed ICAL scheme supports both the wireless communication and localization operations for typical system setups.

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Hybrid Beamforming in mmWave Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems: Models, Technologies, and Challenges

As a promising technology in beyond-5G (B5G) and 6G, dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) aims to ensure both radar sensing and communication on a single integrated platform with unified signaling schemes. To achieve accurate sensing and reliable communication, large-scale arrays are anticipated to be implemented in such systems, which brings out the prominent issues on hardware cost and power consumption. To address these issues, hybrid beamforming (HBF), beyond its successful deployment in communication-only systems, could be a promising approach in the emerging DFRC ones. In this article, we investigate the development of the HBF techniques on the DFRC system in a self-contained manner. Specifically, we first introduce the basics of the HBF based DFRC system, where the system model and different receive modes are discussed with focus. Then we illustrate the corresponding design principles, which span from the performance metrics and optimization formulations to the design approaches and our preliminary results. Finally, potential extension and key research opportunities, such as the combination with the reconfigurable intelligent surface, are discussed concisely.

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Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks: Assisting Connectivity from the Sky

This paper studies the potential of RIS-integrated NTNs to revolutionize the next-generation connectivity. First, it discusses the fundamentals of RIS technology. Secondly, it delves into reporting the recent advances in RIS-enabled NTNs. Subsequently, it presents a novel framework based on the current state-of-the-art for low earth orbit satellites (LEO) communications, wherein the signal received at the user terminal traverses both a direct link and an RIS link, and the RIS is mounted on a high-altitude platform (HAP) situated within the stratosphere. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting open challenges and future research directions to revolutionize the realm of RIS-integrated NTNs.

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Deep Reinforcement Learning for Backscatter Communications: Augmenting Intelligence in Future Internet of Things

Backscatter communication (BC) technology offers sustainable solutions for next-generation Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks, where devices can transmit data by reflecting and adjusting incident radio frequency signals. In parallel to BC, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has recently emerged as a promising tool to augment intelligence and optimize low-powered IoT devices. This article commences by elucidating the foundational principles underpinning BC systems, subsequently delving into the diverse array of DRL techniques and their respective practical implementations. Subsequently, it investigates potential domains and presents recent advancements in the realm of DRL-BC systems. A use case of RIS-aided non-orthogonal multiple access BC systems leveraging DRL is meticulously examined to highlight its potential. Lastly, this study identifies and investigates salient challenges and proffers prospective avenues for future research endeavors.

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Perpetual Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Through In-Band Energy Harvesting: Architectures, Protocols, and Challenges

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are considered to be a key enabler of highly energy-efficient 6G and beyond networks. This property arises from the absence of power amplifiers in the structure, in contrast to active nodes, such as small cells and relays. However, still an amount of power is required for their operation. To improve their energy efficiency further, we propose the notion of perpetual RISs, which secure the power needed to supply their functionalities through wireless energy harvesting of the impinging transmitted electromagnetic signals. Towards this, we initially explain the rationale behind such RIS capability and proceed with the presentation of the main RIS controller architecture that can realize this vision under an in-band energy harvesting consideration. Furthermore, we present a typical energy-harvesting architecture followed by two harvesting protocols. Subsequently, we study the performance of the two protocols under a typical communications scenario. Finally, we elaborate on the main research challenges governing the realization of large-scale networks with perpetual RISs.

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Joint Device Identification, Channel Estimation, and Signal Detection for LEO Satellite-Enabled Random Access

This paper investigates joint device identification, channel estimation, and signal detection for LEO satellite-enabled grant-free random access, where a multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO) system with orthogonal time-frequency space modulation (OTFS) is utilized to combat the dynamics of the terrestrial-satellite link (TSL). We divide the receiver structure into three modules: first, a linear module for identifying active devices, which leverages the generalized approximate message passing (GAMP) algorithm to eliminate inter-user interference in the delay-Doppler domain; second, a non-linear module adopting the message passing algorithm to jointly estimate channel and detect transmit signals; the third aided by Markov random field (MRF) aims to explore the three dimensional block sparsity of channel in the delay-Doppler-angle domain. The soft information is exchanged iteratively between these three modules by careful scheduling. Furthermore, the expectation-maximization algorithm is embedded to learn the hyperparameters in prior distributions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional methods significantly in terms of activity error rate, channel estimation accuracy, and symbol error rate.

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Performance of Joint Symbol Level Precoding and RIS Phase Shift Design in the Finite Block Length Regime with Constellation Rotation

In this paper, we tackle the problem of joint symbol level precoding (SLP) and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) phase shift design with constellation rotation in the finite block length regime. We aim to increase energy efficiency by minimizing the total transmit power while satisfying the quality of service constraints. The total power consumption can be significantly minimized through the exploitation of multiuser interference by symbol level precoding and by the intelligent manipulation of the propagation environment using reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. In addition, the constellation rotation per user contributes to energy efficiency by aligning the symbol phases of the users, thus improving the utilization of constructive interference. The formulated power minimization problem is non-convex and correspondingly difficult to solve directly. Hence, we employ an alternating optimization algorithm to tackle the joint optimization of SLP and RIS phase shift design. The optimal phase of each user's constellation rotation is obtained via an exhaustive search algorithm. Through Monte-Carlo simulation results, we demonstrate that the proposed solution yields substantial power minimization as compared to conventional SLP, zero forcing precoding with RIS as well as the benchmark schemes without RIS.

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Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Enhanced NOMA D2D Communications Underlaying UAV Networks

Device-to-device (D2D) communications offers high spectral efficiency, low energy consumption and transmission latency. However, one of the main limitations of D2D communications is co-channel interference from underlaying wireless system. Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) is a promising technology because it can manipulate the electromagnetic waves in their environment to overcome interference and enhance wireless communications. This paper considers RIS enhanced D2D communications underlaying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). The objective is to maximize the sum rate of NOMA D2D communications by simultaneously optimizing the power budget of D2D transmitter, NOMA power allocation coefficients of D2D receivers and passive beamforming of RIS while guaranteeing the quality of services of UAV user. Due to non-convexity, the optimization problem is intractable and challenging to handle. Therefore, it is solved in two parts using alternating optimization. Simulation results unviel the performance of the proposed RIS enhanced D2D communications scheme. Results demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves 15\% and 27\% higher sum rates compared to the fixed power D2D and orthogonal D2D schemes.

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