This paper presents a theoretical framework to analyze the performance of an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) relaying system in which the IRS provides an additional degree of freedom combined with the flexible deployment of full-duplex UAV to enhance communication between ground nodes. Our framework considers three different transmission modes: (i) UAV-only mode, (ii) IRS-only mode, and (iii) integrated UAV-IRS mode to achieve spectral and energy-efficient relaying. For the proposed modes, we provide exact and approximate expressions for the end-to-end outage probability, ergodic capacity, and energy efficiency (EE) in closed-form. We use the derived expressions to optimize key system parameters such as the UAV altitude and the number of elements on the IRS considering different modes. We formulate the problems in the form of fractional programming (e.g. single ratio, sum of multiple ratios or maximization-minimization of ratios) and devise optimal algorithms using quadratic transformations. Furthermore, we derive an analytic criterion to optimally select different transmission modes to maximize ergodic capacity and EE for a given number of IRS elements. Numerical results validate the derived expressions. The solutions obtained from the proposed optimization algorithms are compared with those obtained through exhaustive search. Insights are drawn related to the different communication modes, optimal number of IRS elements, and optimal UAV height.

Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) are a promising solution to enhance the coverage of future wireless networks by tuning low-cost passive reflecting elements (referred to as metasurfaces ), thereby constructing a favorable wireless propagation environment. Different from prior works, which assume Rayleigh fading channels and do not consider the direct link between a base station and a user, this article develops a framework based on moment generation functions (MGF) to characterize the coverage probability of a user in an IRS-aided wireless systems with generic Nakagami-m fading channels in the presence of direct links. In addition, we demonstrate that the proposed framework is tractable for both finite and asymptotically large values of the metasurfaces. Furthermore, we derive the channel hardening factor as a function of the shape factor of Nakagami-m fading channel and the number of IRS elements. Finally, we derive a closed-form expression to calculate the maximum coverage range of the IRS for given network parameters. Numerical results obtained from Monte-Carlo simulations validate the derived analytical results.

This paper explores the evolution of wireless communication networks from utilizing the sub-6 GHz spectrum and the millimeter wave frequency band to incorporating extremely high frequencies like optical and terahertz for 6G and beyond. While these higher frequencies offer broader bandwidths and extreme data rate capabilities, the transition from single-band and heterogeneous networks to multi-band networks (MBNs), where various frequency bands coexist introduces novel challenges in channel modeling, transceiver and antenna design, programmable simulation platforms, standardization, and resource allocation. This paper provides a tutorial overview from the communication design perspective of the various frequency bands, elaborating on the above issues. Then, we introduce and examine typical MBN architectures for future networks and provide a detailed overview of state-of-the-art resource allocation problems for existing MBNs that typically operate on two frequency bands. The considered resource allocation optimization problems and solution techniques are discussed comprehensively. We then identify key performance metrics and constraint sets that should be considered for resource allocation optimization in future MBNs and provide numerical results to depict how various system parameters and user behaviors can influence their performance. Finally, we present several potential research issues as future work for the design and performance optimization of MBNs.

Integrating the multitude of emerging internet of things (IoT) applications with diverse requirements in beyond fifth generation (B5G) networks necessitates the coexistence of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services. However, bandwidth limited and congested sub-6GHz bands are incapable of fulfilling this coexistence. In this paper, we consider a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided wideband terahertz (THz) communication system to this end. In specific, we formulate a resource management problem, aiming at jointly optimizing the reflection coefficient of the RIS elements and the transmit power of the base station, as well as the wideband THz resource block allocation. To solve this problem, we adopt a supervised learning approach relying on optimization, deep learning and ensemble learning methods. Simulation results show that for an RIS of size 11×11, up to 49% spectral efficiency gain is achieved for the eMBB service compared to the counterparts, while ensuring the reliability and latency requirements of the URLLC service. Further, the ensemble learning model can perform real-time resource management at the expense of up to 1% performance loss, compared to the optimization approach.

The revolutionary sixth-generation wireless communications technologies and applications, notably digital twin networks (DTN), connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGINs), zero-touch networks, industry 5.0, healthcare 5.0, agriculture 5.0, and more, are driving the evolution of next-generation wireless networks (NGWNs). These innovative technologies and groundbreaking innovative applications will generate a sheer volume of data that requires the swift transmission of massive data across wireless networks and the capability to connect trillions of devices, thereby fueling the use of sophisticated next-generation multiple access (NGMA) schemes.In particular, NGMA strives to cater to the massive connectivity in the 6G era, enabling the smooth and optimized operations of NGWNs compared to existing multiple access (MA) schemes. This survey showcases non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) as the frontrunner for NGMA, spotlighting its novel contributions within the existing literature in terms of What has NOMA delivered?, What is NOMA currently providing? and What lies ahead for NOMA?. We present different variants of NOMA in this comprehensive survey, detailing their fundamental operations. In addition, this survey highlights NOMA’s applicability in a broad range of wireless communications technologies such as multi-antenna systems, machine learning, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), cognitive radio networks (CRN), integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), terahertz networks, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc. This survey delves deeper by providing a comprehensive literature review of NOMA’s interplay with various state-of-the-art wireless technologies. Furthermore, despite the numerous perks and advantages of NOMA, we also highlight several technical challenges of NOMA, which NOMA-assisted NGWNs may encounter. Next, we unveil the research trends of NOMA in the 6G era, offering reliable, robust, and swift communications. Finally, we offer design recommendations and insights along with the future perspectives of NOMA as the leading choice for NGMA within the realm of NGWNs.

This paper develops a stochastic geometry framework to characterize the statistics of the downlink interference and coverage probability of a typical user in a coexisting terahertz (THz) and radio frequency (RF) network. We first characterize the exact Laplace Transform (LT) of the aggregate interference and coverage probability of a user in a THz-only network. Then, for a coexisting RF/THz network, we derive the coverage probability of a typical user considering biased received signal power association (BRSP). The framework can be customized to capture the performance of a typical user in various network configurations such as THz-only, opportunistic RF/THz, and hybrid RF/THz. In addition, asymptotic approximations are presented for scenarios where the intensity of THz BSs becomes large or molecular absorption coefficient in THz approaches to zero. Numerical results demonstrate the accuracy of the derived expressions and extract insights related to the significance of the BRSP association compared to the conventional reference signal received power (RSRP) association in the coexisting network.