Joint Communications and Sensing for 6G Satellite Networks: Use Cases and Challenges

Satellite Networks (SN) have traditionally been instrumental in providing two key services: communications and sensing. Communications satellites enable global connectivity, while sensing satellites facilitate applications such as Earth observation, navigation, and disaster management. However, the emergence of novel use cases and the exponential growth in service demands make the independent evolution of communication and sensing payloads increasingly impractical. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches to optimize satellite resources. Joint Communications and Sensing (JCAS) technology represents a transformative paradigm for SN. By integrating communication and sensing functionalities into unified hardware platforms, JCAS enhances spectral efficiency, reduces operational costs, and minimizes hardware redundancies. This paper explores the potential of JCAS in advancing the next-generation space era, highlighting its role in emerging applications. Furthermore, it identifies critical challenges, such as waveform design, Doppler effect mitigation, and multi-target detection, that remain open for future research. Through these discussions, we aim to stimulate further research into the transformative potential of JCAS in addressing the demands of 6G and beyond SN.

Holographic MIMO for Next Generation Non-Terrestrial Networks: Motivation, Opportunities, and Challenges

In this article, we propose the integration of the Holographic Multiple Input Multiple Output (HMIMO) as a transformative solution for next generation Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), addressing key challenges, such as high hardware costs, launch expenses, and energy inefficiency. Traditional NTNs are constrained by the financial and operational limitations posed by bulky, costly antenna systems, alongside the complexities of maintaining effective communications in space. HMIMO offers a novel approach utilizing compact and lightweight arrays of densely packed radiating elements with real-time reconfiguration capabilities, thus, capable of optimizing system performance under dynamic conditions such as varying orbital dynamics and Doppler shifts. By replacing conventional antenna systems with HMIMO, the complexity and cost of satellite manufacturing and launch can be substantially reduced, enabling more streamlined and cost-effective satellite designs. This advancement holds significant potential to democratize space communications, making them accessible to a broader range of stakeholders, including smaller nations and commercial enterprises. Moreover, the inherent capabilities of HMIMO in enhancing energy efficiency, scalability, and adaptability position this technology as a key enabler of new use cases and sustainable satellite operations.

Demonstration of Safe Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by 5G Active Antenna Systems

The careful planning and safe deployment of 5G technologies will bring enormous benefits to society and the economy. Higher frequency, beamforming, and small-cells are key technologies that will provide unmatched throughput and seamless connectivity to 5G users. Superficial knowledge of these technologies has raised concerns among the general public about the harmful effects of radiation. Several standardization bodies are active to put limits on the emissions which are based on a defined set of radiation measurement methodologies. However, due to the peculiarity of 5G such as dynamicity of the beams, network densification, Time Division Duplexing mode of operation, etc, using existing EMF measurement methods may provide inaccurate results. In this context, we discuss our experimental studies aimed towards the measurement of radiation caused by beam-based transmissions from a 5G base station equipped with an Active Antenna System(AAS). We elaborate on the shortcomings of current measurement methodologies and address several open questions. Next, we demonstrate that using user-specific downlink beamforming, not only better performance is achieved compared to non-beamformed downlink, but also the radiation in the vicinity of the intended user is significantly decreased. Further, we show that under weak reception conditions, an uplink transmission can cause significantly high radiation in the vicinity of the user equipment. We believe that our work will help in clearing several misleading concepts about the 5G EMF radiation effects. We conclude the work by providing guidelines to improve the methodology of EMF measurement by considering the spatiotemporal dynamicity of the 5G transmission.

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.

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.

Adaptive Timers and Buffer Optimization for Layer-2 Protocols in 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks

Interest in the integration of Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN); primarily satellites; has been rekindled due to the potential of NTN to provide ubiquitous coverage. Especially with the peculiar and flexible physical layer properties of 5G-NR, now direct access to 5G services through satellites could become possible. However, the large Round-Trip Delays (RTD) in NTNs require a re-evaluation of the design of RLC and PDCP layers timers ( and associated buffers), in particular for the regenerative payload satellites which have limited computational resources, and hence need to be optimally utilized. Our aim in this work is to initiate a new line of research for emerging NTNs with limited resources from a higher-layer perspective. To this end, we propose a novel and efficient method for optimally designing the RLC and PDCP layers' buffers and timers without the need for intensive computations. This approach is relevant for low-cost satellites, which have limited computational and energy resources. The simulation results show that the proposed methods can significantly improve the performance in terms of resource utilization and delays.

Signal Processing Based Antenna Pattern Characterization for MIMO Systems

Sophisticated antenna technologies are constantly evolving to meet the escalating data demands projected for 6G and future networks. The characterization of these emerging antenna systems poses challenges that necessitate a reevaluation of conventional techniques, which rely solely on simple measurements conducted in advanced anechoic chambers. In this study, our objective is to introduce a novel endeavour for antenna pattern characterization (APC) in next-generation multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems by utilizing the potential of signal processing tools. In contrast to traditional methods that struggle with multi-path scenarios and require specialized equipment for measurements, we endeavour to estimate the antenna pattern by exploiting information from both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-LoS contributions. This approach enables antenna pattern characterization in complex environments without the need for anechoic chambers, resulting in substantial cost savings. Furthermore, it grants a much wider research community the ability to independently perform APC for emerging complex 6G antenna systems, without relying on anechoic chambers. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed novel approach in accurately estimating the true antenna pattern.

IRS Assisted MIMO Full Duplex: Rate Analysis and Beamforming Under Imperfect CSI

Intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) have emerged as a promising technology to enhance the performance of wireless communication systems. By actively manipulating the wireless propagation environment, IRS enables efficient signal transmission and reception. In recent years, the integration of IRS with full-duplex (FD) communication has garnered significant attention due to its potential to further improve spectral and energy efficiencies. IRS-assisted FD systems combine the benefits of both IRS and FD technologies, providing a powerful solution for the next generation of cellular systems. In this manuscript, we present a novel approach to jointly optimize active and passive beamforming in a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) FD system assisted by an IRS for weighted sum rate (WSR) maximization. Given the inherent difficulty in obtaining perfect channel state information (CSI) in practical scenarios, we consider imperfect CSI and propose a statistically robust beamforming strategy to maximize the ergodic WSR. Additionally, we analyze the achievable WSR for an IRS-assisted MIMO FD system under imperfect CSI by deriving both the lower and upper bounds. To tackle the problem of ergodic WSR maximization, we employ the concept of expected weighted minimum mean squared error (EWMMSE), which exploits the information of the expected error covariance matrices and ensures convergence to a local optimum. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed design through extensive simulations. The results demonstrate that our robust approach yields significant performance improvements compared to the simplistic beamforming approach that disregards CSI errors, while also outperforming the robust half-duplex (HD) system considerably

Robust Beamforming for IRS Aided MIMO Full Duplex Systems

In this paper, a novel robust beamforming for an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) assisted FD system is presented. Since perfect channel state information (CSI) is often challenging to acquire in practice, we consider the case of imperfect CSI and adopt a statistically robust beamforming approach to maximize the ergodic weighted sum rate (WSR). We also analyze the achievable WSR of an IRS-assisted FD with imperfect CSI, for which the lower and the upper bounds are derived. The ergodic WSR maximization problem is tackled based on the expected Weighted Minimum Mean Squared Error (WMMSE), which is guaranteed to converge to a local optimum. The effectiveness of the proposed design is investigated with extensive simulation results. It is shown that our robust design achieves significant performance gain compared to the naive beamforming approaches and considerably outperforms the robust Half-Duplex (HD) system.

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 possibilities, but also presents unique challenges. Its success 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 ongoing research explores the potential of JCAS, there are related avenues of investigation that hold tremendous potential to profoundly transform the sixth generation (6G) and beyond cellular networks. This article sheds light on the new opportunities and challenges presented by JCAS by taking into account the key technical challenges of FD systems. Unlike simplified JCAS scenarios, we delve into the most comprehensive configuration, encompassing uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) users, as well as monostatic and bistatic radars, all harmoniously coexisting to jointly push the boundaries of both the communications and sensing performance. The performance improvements introduced by this advancement bring forth numerous new challenges, each meticulously examined and expounded upon.