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Nan Cheng

Publications and source records attributed to Nan Cheng.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
arXiv2024

Knowledge-Driven Deep Learning Paradigms for Wireless Network Optimization in 6G

In the sixth-generation (6G) networks, newly emerging diversified services of massive users in dynamic network environments are required to be satisfied by multi-dimensional heterogeneous resources. The resulting large-scale complicated network optimization problems are beyond the capability of model-based theoretical methods due to the overwhelming computational complexity and the long processing time. Although with fast online inference and universal approximation ability, data-driven deep learning (DL) heavily relies on abundant training data and lacks interpretability. To address these issues, a new paradigm called knowledge-driven DL has emerged, aiming to integrate proven domain knowledge into the construction of neural networks, thereby exploiting the strengths of both methods. This article provides a systematic review of knowledge-driven DL in wireless networks. Specifically, a holistic framework of knowledge-driven DL in wireless networks is proposed, where knowledge sources, knowledge representation, knowledge integration and knowledge application are forming as a closed loop. Then, a detailed taxonomy of knowledge integration approaches, including knowledge-assisted, knowledge-fused, and knowledge-embedded DL, is presented. Several open issues for future research are also discussed. The insights offered in this article provide a basic principle for the design of network optimization that incorporates communication-specific domain knowledge and DL, facilitating the realization of intelligent 6G networks.

cs.NI↗
arXiv2024

Antenna Positioning and Beamforming Design for Fluid-Antenna Enabled Multi-user Downlink Communications

This paper investigates a multiple input single output (MISO) downlink communication system in which users are equipped with fluid antennas (FAs). First, we adopt a field-response based channel model to characterize the downlink channel with respect to FAs' positions. Then, we aim to minimize the total transmit power by jointly optimizing the FAs' positions and beamforming matrix. To solve the resulting non-convex problem, we employ an alternating optimization (AO) algorithm based on penalty method and successive convex approximation (SCA) to obtain a sub-optimal solution. Numerical results demonstrate that the FA-assisted communication system performs better than conventional fixed position antennas system.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2023

Imperfect Digital Twin Assisted Low Cost Reinforcement Training for Multi-UAV Networks

Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is widely used to optimize the performance of multi-UAV networks. However, the training of DRL relies on the frequent interactions between the UAVs and the environment, which consumes lots of energy due to the flying and communication of UAVs in practical experiments. Inspired by the growing digital twin (DT) technology, which can simulate the performance of algorithms in the digital space constructed by coping features of the physical space, the DT is introduced to reduce the costs of practical training, e.g., energy and hardware purchases. Different from previous DT-assisted works with an assumption of perfect reflecting real physics by virtual digital, we consider an imperfect DT model with deviations for assisting the training of multi-UAV networks. Remarkably, to trade off the training cost, DT construction cost, and the impact of deviations of DT on training, the natural and virtually generated UAV mixing deployment method is proposed. Two cascade neural networks (NN) are used to optimize the joint number of virtually generated UAVs, the DT construction cost, and the performance of multi-UAV networks. These two NNs are trained by unsupervised and reinforcement learning, both low-cost label-free training methods. Simulation results show the training cost can significantly decrease while guaranteeing the training performance. This implies that an efficient decision can be made with imperfect DTs in multi-UAV networks.

cs.LG↗
arXiv2023

Performance Analysis of RIS-Aided Double Spatial Scattering Modulation for mmWave MIMO Systems

In this paper, we investigate a practical structure of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-based double spatial scattering modulation (DSSM) for millimeter-wave (mmWave) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. A suboptimal detector is proposed, in which the beam direction is first demodulated according to the received beam strength, and then the remaining information is demodulated by adopting the maximum likelihood algorithm. Based on the proposed suboptimal detector, we derive the conditional pairwise error probability expression. Further, the exact numerical integral and closed-form expressions of unconditional pairwise error probability (UPEP) are derived via two different approaches. To provide more insights, we derive the upper bound and asymptotic expressions of UPEP. In addition, the diversity gain of the RIS-DSSM scheme was also given. Furthermore, the union upper bound of average bit error probability (ABEP) is obtained by combining the UPEP and the number of error bits. Simulation results are provided to validate the derived upper bound and asymptotic expressions of ABEP. We found an interesting phenomenon that the ABEP performance of the proposed system-based phase shift keying is better than that of the quadrature amplitude modulation. Additionally, the performance advantage of ABEP is more significant with the increase in the number of RIS elements.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2023

Mobile Metaverse: A Road Map from Metaverse to Metavehicles

With the rapid development of communication technologies and extended reality (XR), the services and applications of the Metaverse are gradually entering our lives. However, the current development of the Metaverse provides users with services that are homogeneous with the user experience that the Internet has brought in the past, making them more like an extension of the Internet. In addition, as a mobile application carrier for the Metaverse, it is also worth considering how vehicles with diverse onboard components can develop in synergy with the Metaverse. In this article, we focus on the core of the Metaverse, namely user experience, and provide a road map from Metaverse to Metaverse vehicles (Metavehicles). Specifically, we first elaborate on six features of the Metaverse from the perspective of user experience and propose a hierarchical framework for the Metaverse based on the evolutionary logic of the features. Under the guidance of this framework, we discuss the empowerment of onboard components of Metavehicles on the development of the Metaverse, and analyze the service experience that Metavehicles can bring to two types of users, namely drivers and passengers. Finally, considering the differentiated development levels of Metaverse and autonomous driving, we further establish a hierarchical framework for Metavehicles from three aspects (i.e., enhance Metaverse, enhance driving experience, and enhance entertainment experience), providing an evolutionary path for the development of Metavehicles.

cs.NI↗
arXiv2023

Knowledge-Driven Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Computation Offloading in Cybertwin-Enabled Internet of Vehicles

By offloading computation-intensive tasks of vehicles to roadside units (RSUs), mobile edge computing (MEC) in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) can relieve the onboard computation burden. However, existing model-based task offloading methods suffer from heavy computational complexity with the increase of vehicles and data-driven methods lack interpretability. To address these challenges, in this paper, we propose a knowledge-driven multi-agent reinforcement learning (KMARL) approach to reduce the latency of task offloading in cybertwin-enabled IoV. Specifically, in the considered scenario, the cybertwin serves as a communication agent for each vehicle to exchange information and make offloading decisions in the virtual space. To reduce the latency of task offloading, a KMARL approach is proposed to select the optimal offloading option for each vehicle, where graph neural networks are employed by leveraging domain knowledge concerning graph-structure communication topology and permutation invariance into neural networks. Numerical results show that our proposed KMARL yields higher rewards and demonstrates improved scalability compared with other methods, benefitting from the integration of domain knowledge.

cs.LG↗
arXiv2023

Label-free Deep Learning Driven Secure Access Selection in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

In Space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGIN), the inherent openness and extensive broadcast coverage expose these networks to significant eavesdropping threats. Considering the inherent co-channel interference due to spectrum sharing among multi-tier access networks in SAGIN, it can be leveraged to assist the physical layer security among heterogeneous transmissions. However, it is challenging to conduct a secrecy-oriented access strategy due to both heterogeneous resources and different eavesdropping models. In this paper, we explore secure access selection for a scenario involving multi-mode users capable of accessing satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, or base stations in the presence of eavesdroppers. Particularly, we propose a Q-network approximation based deep learning approach for selecting the optimal access strategy for maximizing the sum secrecy rate. Meanwhile, the power optimization is also carried out by an unsupervised learning approach to improve the secrecy performance. Remarkably, two neural networks are trained by unsupervised learning and Q-network approximation which are both label-free methods without knowing the optimal solution as labels. Numerical results verify the efficiency of our proposed power optimization approach and access strategy, leading to enhanced secure transmission performance.

eess.SY↗
arXiv2023

Effectively Heterogeneous Federated Learning: A Pairing and Split Learning Based Approach

As a promising paradigm federated Learning (FL) is widely used in privacy-preserving machine learning, which allows distributed devices to collaboratively train a model while avoiding data transmission among clients. Despite its immense potential, the FL suffers from bottlenecks in training speed due to client heterogeneity, leading to escalated training latency and straggling server aggregation. To deal with this challenge, a novel split federated learning (SFL) framework that pairs clients with different computational resources is proposed, where clients are paired based on computing resources and communication rates among clients, meanwhile the neural network model is split into two parts at the logical level, and each client only computes the part assigned to it by using the SL to achieve forward inference and backward training. Moreover, to effectively deal with the client pairing problem, a heuristic greedy algorithm is proposed by reconstructing the optimization of training latency as a graph edge selection problem. Simulation results show the proposed method can significantly improve the FL training speed and achieve high performance both in independent identical distribution (IID) and Non-IID data distribution.

cs.LG↗
arXiv2023

Distilling Knowledge from Resource Management Algorithms to Neural Networks: A Unified Training Assistance Approach

As a fundamental problem, numerous methods are dedicated to the optimization of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), in a multi-user setting. Although traditional model-based optimization methods achieve strong performance, the high complexity raises the research of neural network (NN) based approaches to trade-off the performance and complexity. To fully leverage the high performance of traditional model-based methods and the low complexity of the NN-based method, a knowledge distillation (KD) based algorithm distillation (AD) method is proposed in this paper to improve the performance and convergence speed of the NN-based method, where traditional SINR optimization methods are employed as ``teachers" to assist the training of NNs, which are ``students", thus enhancing the performance of unsupervised and reinforcement learning techniques. This approach aims to alleviate common issues encountered in each of these training paradigms, including the infeasibility of obtaining optimal solutions as labels and overfitting in supervised learning, ensuring higher convergence performance in unsupervised learning, and improving training efficiency in reinforcement learning. Simulation results demonstrate the enhanced performance of the proposed AD-based methods compared to traditional learning methods. Remarkably, this research paves the way for the integration of traditional optimization insights and emerging NN techniques in wireless communication system optimization.

cs.LG↗
arXiv2023

Robust Weighted Sum-Rate Maximization for Transmissive RIS Transmitter Enabled RSMA Networks

Due to the low power consumption and low cost nature of transmissive reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS),in this paper, we propose a downlink multi-user rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) architecture based on the transmissive RIS transmitter, where the channel state information (CSI) is only accquired partially. We investigate the weighted sum-rate maximization problem by jointly optimizing the power, RIS transmissive coefficients and common rate allocated to each user. Due to the coupling of optimization variables, the problem is nonconvex, and it is difficult to directly obtain the optimal solution. Hence, a block coordinate descent (BCD) algorithm based on sample average approximation (SAA) and weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) is proposed to tackle it. Numerical results illustrate that the transmissive RIS transmitter with ratesplitting architecture has advantages over conventional space division multiple access (SDMA) and non-orthgonal multiple access (NOMA).

cs.IT↗
arXiv2023

Knowledge-Driven Resource Allocation for D2D Networks: A WMMSE Unrolled Graph Neural Network Approach

This paper proposes an novel knowledge-driven approach for resource allocation in device-to-device (D2D) networks using a graph neural network (GNN) architecture. To meet the millisecond-level timeliness and scalability required for the dynamic network environment, our proposed approach incorporates the deep unrolling of the weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) algorithm, referred to as domain knowledge, into GNN, thereby reducing computational delay and sample complexity while adapting to various data distributions. Specifically, the aggregation and update functions in the GNN architecture are designed by utilizing the summation and power calculation components of the WMMSE algorithm, which leads to improved model generalization and interpretabiliy. Theoretical analysis of the proposed approach reveals its capability to simplify intricate end-to-end mappings and diminish the model exploration space, resulting in increased network expressiveness and enhanced optimization performance. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness, scalability, and strong performance of the proposed knowledge-driven resource allocation approach across diverse communication topologies without retraining. Our findings contribute to the development of efficient and scalable wireless resource management solutions for distributed and dynamic networks with strict latency requirements.

eess.SY↗
arXiv2023

Interpretable and Secure Trajectory Optimization for UAV-Assisted Communication

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained popularity due to their flexible mobility, on-demand deployment, and the ability to establish high probability line-of-sight wireless communication. As a result, UAVs have been extensively used as aerial base stations (ABSs) to supplement ground-based cellular networks for various applications. However, existing UAV-assisted communication schemes mainly focus on trajectory optimization and power allocation, while ignoring the issue of collision avoidance during UAV flight. To address this issue, this paper proposes an interpretable UAV-assisted communication scheme that decomposes reliable UAV services into two sub-problems. The first is the constrained UAV coordinates and power allocation problem, which is solved using the Dueling Double DQN (D3QN) method. The second is the constrained UAV collision avoidance and trajectory optimization problem, which is addressed through the Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS) method. This approach ensures both reliable and efficient operation of UAVs. Moreover, we propose a scalable interpretable artificial intelligence (XAI) framework that enables more transparent and reliable system decisions. The proposed scheme's interpretability generates explainable and trustworthy results, making it easier to comprehend, validate, and control UAV-assisted communication solutions. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms existing techniques in terms of performance and generalization. The proposed model improves the reliability, efficiency, and safety of UAV-assisted communication systems, making it a promising solution for future UAV-assisted communication applications

eess.SY↗
arXiv2023

Scalable Resource Management for Dynamic MEC: An Unsupervised Link-Output Graph Neural Network Approach

Deep learning has been successfully adopted in mobile edge computing (MEC) to optimize task offloading and resource allocation. However, the dynamics of edge networks raise two challenges in neural network (NN)-based optimization methods: low scalability and high training costs. Although conventional node-output graph neural networks (GNN) can extract features of edge nodes when the network scales, they fail to handle a new scalability issue whereas the dimension of the decision space may change as the network scales. To address the issue, in this paper, a novel link-output GNN (LOGNN)-based resource management approach is proposed to flexibly optimize the resource allocation in MEC for an arbitrary number of edge nodes with extremely low algorithm inference delay. Moreover, a label-free unsupervised method is applied to train the LOGNN efficiently, where the gradient of edge tasks processing delay with respect to the LOGNN parameters is derived explicitly. In addition, a theoretical analysis of the scalability of the node-output GNN and link-output GNN is performed. Simulation results show that the proposed LOGNN can efficiently optimize the MEC resource allocation problem in a scalable way, with an arbitrary number of servers and users. In addition, the proposed unsupervised training method has better convergence performance and speed than supervised learning and reinforcement learning-based training methods. The code is available at \url{https://github.com/UNIC-Lab/LOGNN}.

eess.SY↗
arXiv2023

Backscattering-free edge states below all bands in two-dimensional auxetic media

Unidirectional and backscattering-free propagation of sound waves is of fundamental interest in physics, and highly sought-after in engineering. Current strategies utilize topologically protected chiral edge modes in bandgaps, or complex mechanisms involving active constituents or nonlinearity. Here we propose a new class of passive, linear, one-way edge states based on spin-momentum locking of Rayleigh waves in two-dimensional media in the limit of vanishing bulk modulus, which provides $100\%$ unidirectional and backscattering-free edge propagation at a broad range of frequencies instead of residing in gaps between bulk bands. We further show that such modes are characterized by a new topological winding number that is analogous to discrete angular momentum eigenvalues in quantum mechanics. These passive and backscattering-free edge waves have the potential to enable a new class of phononic devices in the form of lattices or continua that work in previously inaccessible frequency ranges.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2023

Geometrically frustrated self-assembly of hyperbolic crystals from icosahedral nanoparticles

Geometric frustration is a fundamental concept in various areas of physics, and its role in self-assembly processes has recently been recognized as a source of intricate self-limited structures. Here we present an analytic theory of the geometrically frustrated self-assembly of regular icosahedral nanoparticle based on the non-Euclidean crystal {3, 5, 3} formed by icosahedra in hyperbolic space. By considering the minimization of elastic and repulsion energies, we characterize prestressed morphologies in this self-assembly system. Notably, the morphology exhibits a transition that is controlled by the size of the assembled cluster, leading to the spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetry.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2023

Digital Twin-Based 3D Map Management for Edge-Assisted Mobile Augmented Reality

In this paper, we design a 3D map management scheme for edge-assisted mobile augmented reality (MAR) to support the pose estimation of individual MAR device, which uploads camera frames to an edge server. Our objective is to minimize the pose estimation uncertainty of the MAR device by periodically selecting a proper set of camera frames for uploading to update the 3D map. To address the challenges of the dynamic uplink data rate and the time-varying pose of the MAR device, we propose a digital twin (DT)-based approach to 3D map management. First, a DT is created for the MAR device, which emulates 3D map management based on predicting subsequent camera frames. Second, a model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL) algorithm is developed, utilizing the data collected from both the actual and the emulated data to manage the 3D map. With extensive emulated data provided by the DT, the MBRL algorithm can quickly provide an adaptive map management policy in a highly dynamic environment. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DT-based 3D map management outperforms benchmark schemes by achieving lower pose estimation uncertainty and higher data efficiency in dynamic environments.

cs.NI↗
arXiv2023

Digital Twin-Assisted Knowledge Distillation Framework for Heterogeneous Federated Learning

In this paper, to deal with the heterogeneity in federated learning (FL) systems, a knowledge distillation (KD) driven training framework for FL is proposed, where each user can select its neural network model on demand and distill knowledge from a big teacher model using its own private dataset. To overcome the challenge of train the big teacher model in resource limited user devices, the digital twin (DT) is exploit in the way that the teacher model can be trained at DT located in the server with enough computing resources. Then, during model distillation, each user can update the parameters of its model at either the physical entity or the digital agent. The joint problem of model selection and training offloading and resource allocation for users is formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem. To solve the problem, Q-learning and optimization are jointly used, where Q-learning selects models for users and determines whether to train locally or on the server, and optimization is used to allocate resources for users based on the output of Q-learning. Simulation results show the proposed DT-assisted KD framework and joint optimization method can significantly improve the average accuracy of users while reducing the total delay.

cs.LG↗
arXiv2023

Optimal Charging Profile Design for Solar-Powered Sustainable UAV Communication Networks

This work studies optimal solar charging for solar-powered self-sustainable UAV communication networks, considering the day-scale time-variability of solar radiation and user service demand. The objective is to optimally trade off between the user coverage performance and the net energy loss of the network by proactively assigning UAVs to serve, charge, or land. Specifically, the studied problem is first formulated into a time-coupled mixed-integer non-convex optimization problem, and further decoupled into two sub-problems for tractability. To solve the challenge caused by time-coupling, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms are respectively designed for the two sub-problems. Particularly, a relaxation mechanism is put forward to overcome the "dimension curse" incurred by the large discrete action space in the second sub-problem. At last, simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of our designed DRL algorithms in trading off the communication performance against the net energy loss, and the impact of different parameters on the tradeoff performance.

eess.SY↗