arXiv subjects

Yuanwei Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Yuanwei Liu.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

ISAC-Enabled Beam Alignment for Terahertz Networks: Scheme Design and Coverage Analysis

As a key pillar technology for the future 6G networks, Terahertz (THz) communications can provide high-capacity transmissions, but suffers from severe propagation loss and line-of-sight (LoS) blockage that limits the network coverage. Narrow beams are required to compensate for the loss, but they in turn bring in beam misalignment challenge and degrade the THz network coverage. The high sensing resolution of THz signals enables integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) technology to assist the LoS blockage and user mobility-induced beam misalignment, enhancing THz network coverage. Based on the 5G beam management, we propose a joint synchronization signal block (SSB) and reference signal (RS)-based sensing (JSRS) scheme to assist beam alignment. JSRS enables a predict-and-prevent procedure that provides early interventions for timely beam switches. To maximize performance of JSRS, we provide an optimal sensing signal insertion and time-to-frequency allocation to improve the joint range and velocity resolutions. We derive the coverage probability of the JSRS-enabled network to evaluate its abilities in beam misalignment reduction and coverage enhancement. The expression also instructs the network density deployment and beamwidth selection. Numerical results show that the JSRS scheme is effective and highly compatible with the 5G air interface. Averaged in the tested urban use cases, JSRS achieves near-ideal performance and reduces around 80% of beam misalignment, and enhances the coverage probability by about 75%, compared to the network with 5G-required positioning ability.

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arXiv2024

Multi-User Continuous-Aperture Array Communications: How to Learn Current Distribution?

The continuous aperture array (CAPA) can provide higher degree-of-freedom and spatial resolution than the spatially discrete array (SDPA), where optimizing multi-user current distributions in CAPA systems is crucial but challenging. The challenge arises from solving non-convex functional optimization problems without closed-form objective functions and constraints. In this paper, we propose a deep learning framework called L-CAPA to learn current distribution policies. In the framework, we find finite-dimensional representations of channel functions and current distributions, allowing them to be inputted into and outputted from a deep neural network (DNN) for learning the policy. To address the issue that the integrals in the loss function without closed-form expressions hinder training the DNN in an unsupervised manner, we propose to design another two DNNs for learning the integrals. The DNNs are designed as graph neural networks to incorporate with the permutation properties of the mappings to be learned, thereby improving learning performance. Simulation results show that L-CAPA can achieve the performance upper-bound of optimizing precoding in the SDPA system as the number of antennas approaches infinity, and it is with low inference complexity.

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arXiv2024

Near-Field Sensing: A Low-Complexity Wavenumber-Domain Method

A novel low-complexity wavenumber-domain method is proposed for near-field sensing (NISE). Specifically, the power-concentrated region of the wavenumber-domain channels is related to the target position in a non-linear manner. Based on this observation, a bi-directional convolutional neural network (BiCNN)-based approach is proposed to capture such a relationship, thereby facilitating low-complexity target localization. This method enables direct and gridless target localization using only a limited bandwidth and a single antenna array. Simulation results demonstrate that: 1) during the offline training phase, the proposed BiCNN method can learn to localize the target with fewer trainable parameters compared to the naive neural network architectures; and 2) during the online implementation phase, the BiCNN method can spend 100x less time while maintaining comparable performance to the conventional two-dimensional multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithms.

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arXiv2024

Accelerating Mobile Edge Generation (MEG) by Constrained Learning

A novel accelerated mobile edge generation (MEG) framework is proposed for generating high-resolution images on mobile devices. Exploiting a large-scale latent diffusion model (LDM) distributed across edge server (ES) and user equipment (UE), cost-efficient artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) is achieved by transmitting low-dimensional features between ES and UE. To reduce overheads of both distributed computations and transmissions, a dynamic diffusion and feature merging scheme is conceived. By jointly optimizing the denoising steps and feature merging ratio, the image generation quality is maximized subject to latency and energy consumption constraints. To address this problem and tailor LDM sub-models, a low-complexity MEG acceleration protocol is developed. Particularly, a backbone meta-architecture is trained via offline distillation. Then, dynamic diffusion and feature merging are determined in online channel environment, which can be viewed as a constrained Markov Decision Process (MDP). A constrained variational policy optimization (CVPO) based MEG algorithm is further proposed for constraint-guaranteed learning, namely MEG-CVPO. Numerical results verify that: 1) The proposed framework can generate 1024$\times$1024 high-quality images over noisy channels while reducing over $40\%$ latency compared to conventional generation schemes. 2) The developed MEG-CVPO effectively mitigates constraint violations, thus flexibly controlling the trade-off between image distortion and generation costs.

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arXiv2024

Near-Field Sensing Enabled Predictive Beamforming: From Estimation to Tracking

A near-field sensing (NISE) enabled predictive beamforming framework is proposed to facilitate wireless communications with high-mobility channels. Unlike conventional far-field sensing, which only captures the angle and the radial velocity of the user, NISE enables the estimation of the full motion state, including additional distance and transverse velocity information. Two full-motion state sensing approaches are proposed based on the concepts of estimation and tracking, respectively. 1)AGD-AO approach: The full motion state of the user is estimated within a single CPI. In particular, the gradient descent is adopted to estimate the transverse and radial velocities of the user based on the maximum likelihood criteria, while the distance and the angle are calculated by the kinematic model. In this process, moment estimations are leveraged to adaptively tune the step size, thereby leading to a smoother and faster gradient descent. 2) EKF approach: The full motion state of the user is tracked across multiple CPIs. Based on the noisy measurements in multiple CPIs, the EKF iteratively predicts and updates the current motion state to achieve a low tracking error. Based on the obtained full motion state, the beam prediction, and Doppler frequency compensation can be carried out with minimum pilot overhead. Numerical results are provided to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach compared to the conventional far-field predictive beamforming and feedback-based approaches. It is also revealed that: 1)the proposed AGD-AO can achieve stable descending with small gradients, thereby accelerating convergence; 2) compared to far-field predictive beamforming and feedback-based schemes, both of the proposed methods exhibit superior performance; and 3) by incorporating multiple CPIs, the EKF method exhibits greater robustness in low SNR regions.

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arXiv2024

Sense-Then-Train: An Active-Sensing-Based Beam Training Design for Near-Field MIMO Systems

An active-sensing-based sense-then-train (STT) scheme is proposed for beam training in near-field multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Compared to conventional codebook-based schemes, the proposed STT scheme is capable of not only addressing the complex spherical-wave propagation but also effectively exploiting the additional degrees-of-freedoms (DoFs). The STT scheme is tailored for both single-beam and multi-beam cases. 1) For the single-beam case, the STT scheme first utilizes a sensing phase to estimate a low-dimensional representation of the near-field MIMO channel in the truncated wavenumber domain. Then, in the subsequent training phase, the neural network modules at transceivers are updated online to align beams, utilizing sequentially received ping-pong pilots. This approach can efficiently obtain the aligned beam pair without relying on predefined codebooks or training datasets. 2) For the multi-beam case, based on the single-beam STT, a Gram-Schmidt method is further utilized to guarantee the orthogonality between beams in the training phase. Numerical results unveil that 1) the proposed STT scheme can significantly enhance the beam training performance in the near field compared to the conventional far-field codebook-based schemes, and 2) the proposed STT scheme can perform fast and low-complexity beam training, while achieving a near-optimal performance without full channel state information in both cases.

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arXiv2024

Near-field Integrated Sensing and Communication: Opportunities and Challenges

With the extremely large-scale array XL-array deployed in future wireless systems, wireless communication and sensing are expected to operate in the radiative near-field region, which needs to be characterized by the spherical rather than planar wavefronts. Unlike most existing works that considered far-field integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), we study in this article the new near-field ISAC, which integrates both functions of sensing and communication in the near-field region. To this end, we first discuss the appealing advantages of near-field communication and sensing over their far-field counterparts, respectively. Then, we introduce three approaches for near-field ISAC, including joint near-field communication and sensing, sensing-assisted near-field communication, and communication-assisted near-field sensing. We discuss their individual research opportunities, new design issues, as well as propose promising solutions. Finally, several important directions in near-field ISAC are also highlighted to motivate future work.

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arXiv2024

Next Generation Advanced Transceiver Technologies for 6G and Beyond

To accommodate new applications such as extended reality, fully autonomous vehicular networks and the metaverse, next generation wireless networks are going to be subject to much more stringent performance requirements than the fifth-generation (5G) in terms of data rates, reliability, latency, and connectivity. It is thus necessary to develop next generation advanced transceiver (NGAT) technologies for efficient signal transmission and reception. In this tutorial, we explore the evolution of NGAT from three different perspectives. Specifically, we first provide an overview of new-field NGAT technology, which shifts from conventional far-field channel models to new near-field channel models. Then, three new-form NGAT technologies and their design challenges are presented, including reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, flexible antennas, and holographic multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems. Subsequently, we discuss recent advances in semantic-aware NGAT technologies, which can utilize new metrics for advanced transceiver designs. Finally, we point out other promising transceiver technologies for future research.

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arXiv2024

Downlink and Uplink NOMA-ISAC with Signal Alignment

Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) surpasses the conventional frequency-division sensing and communications (FDSAC) in terms of spectrum, energy, and hardware efficiency, with potential for greater enhancement through integration of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). Leveraging these advantages, a multiple-input multiple-output NOMA-ISAC framework is proposed in this paper, in which the technique of signal alignment is adopted. The performance of the proposed framework for both downlink and uplink is analyzed. 1) The downlink ISAC is investigated under three different precoding designs: a sensing-centric (S-C) design, a communications-centric (C-C) design, and a Pareto optimal design. 2) For the uplink case, two scenarios are investigated: a S-C design and a C-C design, which vary based on the order of interference cancellation between the communication and sensing signals. In each of these scenarios, key performance metrics including sensing rate (SR), communication rate (CR), and outage probability are investigated. For a deeper understanding, the asymptotic performance of the system in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region is also explored, with a focus on the high-SNR slope and diversity order. Finally, the SR-CR rate regions achieved by ISAC and FDSAC are studied. Numerical results reveal that in both downlink and uplink cases, ISAC outperforms FDSAC in terms of sensing and communications performance and is capable of achieving a broader rate region, clearly showcasing its superiority.

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arXiv2024

Multi-objective Aerial Collaborative Secure Communication Optimization via Generative Diffusion Model-enabled Deep Reinforcement Learning

Due to flexibility and low-cost, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly crucial for enhancing coverage and functionality of wireless networks. However, incorporating UAVs into next-generation wireless communication systems poses significant challenges, particularly in sustaining high-rate and long-range secure communications against eavesdropping attacks. In this work, we consider a UAV swarm-enabled secure surveillance network system, where a UAV swarm forms a virtual antenna array to transmit sensitive surveillance data to a remote base station (RBS) via collaborative beamforming (CB) so as to resist mobile eavesdroppers. Specifically, we formulate an aerial secure communication and energy efficiency multi-objective optimization problem (ASCEE-MOP) to maximize the secrecy rate of the system and to minimize the flight energy consumption of the UAV swarm. To address the non-convex, NP-hard and dynamic ASCEE-MOP, we propose a generative diffusion model-enabled twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (GDMTD3) method. Specifically, GDMTD3 leverages an innovative application of diffusion models to determine optimal excitation current weights and position decisions of UAVs. The diffusion models can better capture the complex dynamics and the trade-off of the ASCEE-MOP, thereby yielding promising solutions. Simulation results highlight the superior performance of the proposed approach compared with traditional deployment strategies and some other deep reinforcement learning (DRL) benchmarks. Moreover, performance analysis under various parameter settings of GDMTD3 and different numbers of UAVs verifies the robustness of the proposed approach.

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arXiv2024

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for 6G: Emerging Hardware Architectures, Applications, and Open Challenges

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are rapidly gaining prominence in the realm of fifth generation (5G)-Advanced, and predominantly, sixth generation (6G) mobile networks, offering a revolutionary approach to optimizing wireless communications. This article delves into the intricate world of the RIS technology, exploring its diverse hardware architectures and the resulting versatile operating modes. These include RISs with signal reception and processing units, sensors, amplification units, transmissive capability, multiple stacked components, and dynamic metasurface antennas. Furthermore, we shed light on emerging RIS applications, such as index and reflection modulation, non-coherent modulation, next generation multiple access, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), energy harvesting, as well as aerial and vehicular networks. These exciting applications are set to transform the way we will wirelessly connect in the upcoming era of 6G. Finally, we review recent experimental RIS setups and present various open problems of the overviewed RIS hardware architectures and their applications. From enhancing network coverage to enabling new communication paradigms, RIS-empowered connectivity is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wireless networking. This article unveils the underlying principles and potential impacts of RISs, focusing on cutting-edge developments of this physical-layer smart connectivity technology.

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arXiv2024

Sustainable Wireless Networks via Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs): Overview of the ETSI ISG RIS

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) are a novel form of ultra-low power devices that are capable to increase the communication data rates as well as the cell coverage in a cost- and energy-efficient way. This is attributed to their programmable operation that enables them to dynamically manipulate the wireless propagation environment, a feature that has lately inspired numerous research investigations and applications. To pave the way to the formal standardization of RISs, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) launched the Industry Specification Group (ISG) on the RIS technology in September 2021. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the status of the work conducted by the ETSI ISG RIS, covering typical deployment scenarios of reconfigurable metasurfaces, use cases and operating applications, requirements, emerging hardware architectures and operating modes, as well as the latest insights regarding future directions of RISs and the resulting smart wireless environments.

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arXiv2024

On the Performance of Continuous Aperture Array (CAPA)-Based Wireless Communications

The performance of continuous aperture array (CAPA)-based wireless communications is analyzed in an uplink scenario. An analytical framework is proposed to characterize uplink CAPA-based transmission using electromagnetic field theories. On this basis, new expressions are derived for the channel capacity in a single-user scenario and the sum-rate capacity in a multiuser scenario, along with the capacity-achieving decoding schemes. These findings are proved to differ greatly from those established for conventional spatially discrete (SPD) arrays. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate that CAPA offers significant capacity gains compared to the SPD array.

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arXiv2024

Aperture Selection for CAP Arrays (CAPAs)

The concept of aperture selection is proposed for continuous aperture array (CAPA)-based communications. The achieved performance is analyzed in an uplink scenario by considering both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) scenarios. In the LoS scenario, the optimal selection strategy is demonstrated to follow the nearest neighbor criterion, and the resulting signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is analyzed. In the NLoS scenario, the achieved outage probability along with the diversity order is revealed. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate that aperture selection effectively maintains satisfactory performance by leveraging selection diversity while simultaneously reducing the implementation complexity of CAPAs.

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arXiv2024

Resource Allocation for Near-Field Communications: Fundamentals, Tools, and Outlooks

Extremely large-scale multiple-input-multiple output (XL-MIMO) is a promising technology to achieve high spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) in future wireless systems. The larger array aperture of XL-MIMO makes communication scenarios closer to the near-field region. Therefore, near-field resource allocation is essential in realizing the above key performance indicators (KPIs). Moreover, the overall performance of XL-MIMO systems heavily depends on the channel characteristics of the selected users, eliminating interference between users through beamforming, power control, etc. The above resource allocation issue constitutes a complex joint multi-objective optimization problem since many variables and parameters must be optimized, including the spatial degree of freedom, rate, power allocation, and transmission technique. In this article, we review the basic properties of near-field communications and focus on the corresponding "resource allocation" problems. First, we identify available resources in near-field communication systems and highlight their distinctions from far-field communications. Then, we summarize optimization tools, such as numerical techniques and machine learning methods, for addressing near-field resource allocation, emphasizing their strengths and limitations. Finally, several important research directions of near-field communications are pointed out for further investigation.

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arXiv2024

On the Impact of Reactive Region on the Near-Field Channel Gain

The near-field channel gain is analyzed by considering both radiating and reactive components of the electromagnetic field. Novel expressions are derived for the channel gains of spatially-discrete (SPD) and continuous-aperture (CAP) arrays, which are more accurate than conventional results that neglect the reactive region. To gain further insights, asymptotic analyses are carried out in the large aperture size, based on which the impact of the reactive region is discussed. It is proved that for both SPD and CAP arrays, the impact of the reactive region on near-field channel gain is negligible, even as the array aperture size approaches infinity.

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arXiv2024

Modeling and Analysis of Near-Field ISAC

As the technical trends for the next-generation wireless network significantly extend the near-field region, a performance reevaluation of integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) with an appropriate channel model to account for the effects introduced by the near field becomes essential. In this paper, a near-field ISAC framework is proposed for both downlink and uplink scenarios based on an accurate channel model. A uniform planar array is equipped at a base station, where the impacts of the effective aperture and polarization of antennas are considered. For the downlink case, three distinct designs are studied: a communications-centric (C-C) design, a sensing-centric (S-C) design, and a Pareto optimal design. Regarding the uplink case, the C-C design, the S-C design and a time-sharing strategy are considered. Within each design, sensing rates (SRs) and communication rates (CRs) are derived. To gain further insights, high signal-to-noise ratio slopes and rate scaling laws concerning the number of antennas are examined. The attainable near-field SR-CR regions of ISAC and the baseline frequency-division S&C are also characterized. Numerical results reveal that, as the number of antennas in the array grows, the SRs and CRs under our accurate model converge to finite values, while those under conventional far- and near-field models exhibit unbounded growth, highlighting the importance of precisely modeling the channels for near-field ISAC.

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arXiv2024

Cramer-Rao Bounds for Near-Field Sensing: A Generic Modular Architecture

A generic modular array architecture is proposed, featuring uniform/non-uniform subarray layouts that allows for flexible deployment. The bistatic near-field sensing system is considered, where the target is located in the near-field of the whole modular array and the far-field of each subarray. Then, the closed-form expressions of Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs) for range and angle estimations are derived based on the hybrid spherical and planar wave model (HSPM). Simulation results validate the accuracy of the derived closed-form CRBs and demonstrate that: i) The HSPM with varying angles of arrival (AoAs) between subarrays can reduce the CRB for range estimation compared to the traditional HSPM with shared AoA; and ii) The proposed generic modular architecture with subarrays positioned closer to the edges can significantly reduce the CRBs compared to the traditional modular architecture with uniform subarray layout, when the array aperture is fixed.

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