CVaR-Based Variational Quantum Optimization for User Association in Handoff-Aware Vehicular Networks

Efficient resource allocation is essential for optimizing various tasks in wireless networks, which are usually formulated as generalized assignment problems (GAP). GAP, as a generalized version of the linear sum assignment problem, involves both equality and inequality constraints that add computational challenges. In this work, we present a novel Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR)-based Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) framework to address GAP in vehicular networks (VNets). Our approach leverages a hybrid quantum-classical structure, integrating a tailored cost function that balances both objective and constraint-specific penalties to improve solution quality and stability. Using the CVaR-VQE model, we handle the GAP efficiently by focusing optimization on the lower tail of the solution space, enhancing both convergence and resilience on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. We apply this framework to a user-association problem in VNets, where our method achieves 23.5% improvement compared to the deep neural network (DNN) approach.

Beamforming Design for Wideband Near-Field Communications With Reconfigurable Refractive Surfaces

To meet the growing demand for high data rates, cellular systems are expected to evolve towards higher carrier frequencies and larger antenna arrays, but conventional phased arrays face challenges in supporting such a prospection due to their excessive power consumption induced by numerous phase shifters required. Reconfigurable Refractive Surface (RRS) is an energy efficient solution to address this issue without relying on phase shifters. However, the increased radiation aperture size extends the range of the Fresnel region, leading the users to lie in the near-field zone. Moreover, given the wideband communications in higher frequency bands, we cannot ignore the frequency selectivity of the RRS. These two effects collectively exacerbate the beam-split issue, where different frequency components fail to converge on the user simultaneously, and finally result in a degradation of the data rate. In this paper, we investigate an RRS-based wideband near-field multi-user communication system. Unlike most existing studies on wideband communications, which consider the beam-split effect only with the near-field condition, we study the beam-split effect under the influence of both the near-field condition and the frequency selectivity of the RRS. To mitigate the beam-split effect, we propose a Delayed-RRS structure, based on which a beamforming scheme is proposed to optimize the user's data rate. Through theoretical analysis and simulation results, we analyze the influence of the RRS's frequency selectivity, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed beamforming scheme, and reveal the importance of jointly considering the near-field condition and the frequency selectivity of RRS.

RIS-Assisted Aerial Non-Terrestrial Networks: An Intelligent Synergy with Deep Reinforcement Learning

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted aerial non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) offer a promising paradigm for enhancing wireless communications in the era of 6G and beyond. By integrating RIS with aerial platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and high-altitude platforms (HAPs), these networks can intelligently control signal propagation, extending coverage, improving capacity, and enhancing link reliability. This article explores the application of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) as a powerful tool for optimizing RIS-assisted aerial NTNs. We focus on hybrid proximal policy optimization (H-PPO), a robust DRL algorithm well-suited for handling the complex, hybrid action spaces inherent in these networks. Through a case study of an aerial RIS (ARIS)-aided coordinated multi-point non-orthogonal multiple access (CoMP-NOMA) network, we demonstrate how H-PPO can effectively optimize the system and maximize the sum rate while adhering to system constraints. Finally, we discuss key challenges and promising research directions for DRL-powered RIS-assisted aerial NTNs, highlighting their potential to transform next-generation wireless networks.

A Tutorial on Non-Terrestrial Networks: Towards Global and Ubiquitous 6G Connectivity

The International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2030 framework recently adopted by the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) envisions 6G networks to deliver intelligent, seamless connectivity that supports reliable, sustainable, and resilient communications. Recent developments in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 17-19, particularly within the Radio Access Network (RAN)4 working group addressing satellite and cellular spectrum sharing and RAN2 enhancing New Radio (NR)/IoT for NTN, highlight the critical role NTN is set to play in the evolution of 6G standards. The integration of advanced signal processing, edge and cloud computing, and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and aerial platforms, such as Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and high-, medium-, and low-altitude platform stations, has revolutionized the convergence of space, aerial, and Terrestrial Networks (TN). Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered deployments for NTN and NTN-IoT, combined with Next Generation Multiple Access (NGMA) technologies, have dramatically reshaped global connectivity. This tutorial paper provides a comprehensive exploration of emerging NTN-based 6G wireless networks, covering vision, alignment with 5G-Advanced and 6G standards, key principles, trends, challenges, real-world applications, and novel problem solving frameworks. It examines essential enabling technologies like AI for NTN (LEO satellites and aerial platforms), DRL, edge computing for NTN, AI for NTN trajectory optimization, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)-enhanced NTN, and robust Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) beamforming. Furthermore, it addresses interference management through NGMA, including Rate-Splitting Multiple Access (RSMA) for NTN, and the use of aerial platforms for access, relay, and fronthaul/backhaul connectivity.

Holographic-Pattern Based Multi-User Beam Training in RHS-Aided Hybrid Near-Field and Far-Field Communications

Reconfigurable holographic surfaces (RHSs) have been suggested as an energy-efficient solution for extremely large-scale arrays. By controlling the amplitude of RHS elements, high-gain directional holographic patterns can be achieved. However, the complexity of acquiring real-time channel state information (CSI) for beamforming is exceedingly high, particularly in large-scale RHS-assisted communications, where users may distribute in the near-field region of RHS. This paper proposes a one-shot multi-user beam training scheme in large-scale RHS-assisted systems applicable to both near and far fields. The proposed beam training scheme comprises two phases: angle search and distance search, both conducted simultaneously for all users. For the angle search, an RHS angular codebook is designed based on holographic principles so that each codeword covers multiple angles in both near-field and far-field regions, enabling simultaneous angular search for all users. For the distance search, we construct the distance-adaptive codewords covering all candidate angles of users in a real-time way by leveraging the additivity of holographic patterns, which is different from the traditional phase array case. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves higher system throughput compared to traditional beam training schemes. The beam training accuracy approaches the upper bound of exhaustive search at a significantly reduced overhead.

From Federated Learning to Quantum Federated Learning for Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

6G wireless networks are expected to provide seamless and data-based connections that cover space-air-ground and underwater networks. As a core partition of future 6G networks, Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGIN) have been envisioned to provide countless real-time intelligent applications. To realize this, promoting AI techniques into SAGIN is an inevitable trend. Due to the distributed and heterogeneous architecture of SAGIN, federated learning (FL) and then quantum FL are emerging AI model training techniques for enabling future privacy-enhanced and computation-efficient SAGINs. In this work, we explore the vision of using FL/QFL in SAGINs. We present a few representative applications enabled by the integration of FL and QFL in SAGINs. A case study of QFL over UAV networks is also given, showing the merit of quantum-enabled training approach over the conventional FL benchmark. Research challenges along with standardization for QFL adoption in future SAGINs are also highlighted.

Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G: Integrated, Intelligent and Ubiquitous Connectivity

Universal connectivity has been part of past and current generations of wireless systems, but as we approach 6G, the subject of social responsibility is being built as a core component. Given the advent of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), reaching these goals will be much closer to realization than ever before. Owing to the benefits of NTN, the integration NTN and Terrestrial Networks (TN) is still infancy, where the past, the current and the future releases in the 3$^{\text{rd}}$ Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provide guidelines to adopt a successfully co-existence/integration of TN and NTN. Therefore, in this article, we have illustrated through 3GPP guidelines, on how NTN and TN can effectively be integrated. Moreover, the role of beamforming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms is highlighted to achieve this integration. Finally the usefulness of integrating NTN and TN is validated through experimental analysis.

Spatial Multiplexing in Near-Field Line-of-Sight MIMO Communications: Paraxial and Non-Paraxial Deployments

Sixth generation (6G) wireless networks are envisioned to include aspects of energy footprint reduction (sustainability), besides those of network capacity and connectivity, at the design stage. This paradigm change requires radically new physical layer technologies. Notably, the integration of large-aperture arrays and the transmission over high frequency bands, such as the sub-terahertz spectrum, are two promising options. In many communication scenarios of practical interest, the use of large antenna arrays in the sub-terahertz frequency range often results in short-range transmission distances that are characterized by line-of-sight channels, in which pairs of transmitters and receivers are located in the (radiating) near field of one another. These features make the traditional designs, based on the far-field approximation, for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems sub-optimal in terms of spatial multiplexing gains. To overcome these limitations, new designs for MIMO systems are required, which account for the spherical wavefront that characterizes the electromagnetic waves in the near field, in order to ensure the highest spatial multiplexing gain without increasing the power expenditure. In this paper, we introduce an analytical framework for optimizing the deployment of antenna arrays in line-of-sight channels, which can be applied to paraxial and non-paraxial network deployments. In the paraxial setting, we devise a simpler analytical framework, which, compared to those available in the literature, provides explicit information about the impact of key design parameters. In the non-paraxial setting, we introduce a novel analytical framework that allows us to identify a set of sufficient conditions to be fulfilled for achieving the highest spatial multiplexing gain. The proposed designs are validated with numerical simulations.

CmWave and Sub-THz: Key Radio Enablers and Complementary Spectrum for 6G

Sixth-generation (6G) networks are poised to revolutionize communication by exploring alternative spectrum options, aiming to capitalize on strengths while mitigating limitations in current fifth-generation (5G) spectrum. This paper explores the potential opportunities and emerging trends for cmWave and sub-THz spectra as key radio enablers. This paper poses and answers three key questions regarding motivation of additional spectrum to explore the strategic implementation and benefits of cmWave and sub-THz spectra. Also, we show using case studies how these complementary spectrum bands will enable new applications in 6G, such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), re-configurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Numerical simulations reveal that the ISAC performance of cmWave and sub-THz spectra outperforms that of existing 5G spectrum, including sub-6 GHz and mmWave. Additionally, we illustrate the effective interplay between RIS and NTN to counteract the effects of high attenuation at sub-THz frequencies. Finally, ongoing standardization endeavors, challenges and promising directions are elucidated for these complementary spectrum bands.

An Overview of Intelligent Meta-surfaces for 6G and Beyond: Opportunities, Trends, and Challenges

With the impending arrival of the sixth generation (6G) of wireless communication technology, the telecommunications landscape is poised for another revolutionary transformation. At the forefront of this evolution are intelligent meta-surfaces (IS), emerging as a disruptive physical layer technology with the potential to redefine the capabilities and performance metrics of future wireless networks. As 6G evolves from concept to reality, industry stakeholders, standards organizations, and regulatory bodies are collaborating to define the specifications, protocols, and interoperability standards governing IS deployment. Against this background, this article delves into the ongoing standardization efforts, emerging trends, potential opportunities, and prevailing challenges surrounding the integration of IS into the framework of 6G and beyond networks. Specifically, it provides a tutorial-style overview of recent advancements in IS and explores their potential applications within future networks beyond 6G. Additionally, the article identifies key challenges in the design and implementation of various types of intelligent surfaces, along with considerations for their practical standardization. Finally, it highlights potential future prospects in this evolving field.