Cell-Free Full-Duplex Communication -- An Overview

Cell-free (CF) architecture and full-duplex (FD) communication are leading candidates for next-generation wireless networks. The CF framework removes cell boundaries in traditional cell-based systems, thereby mitigating inter-cell interference and improving coverage probability. In contrast, FD communication allows simultaneous transmission and reception on the same frequency-time resources, effectively doubling the spectral efficiency (SE). The integration of these technologies, known as CF FD communication, leverages the advantages of both approaches to enhance the spectral and energy efficiency in wireless networks. CF FD communication is particularly promising due to the low-power and cost-effective FD-enabled access points (APs), which are ideal for short-range transmissions between APs and users. Despite its potential, a comprehensive survey or tutorial on CF FD communication has been notably absent. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature. It begins with an overview of FD communication fundamentals, self-interference cancellation techniques, and CF technology principles, including their implications for current wireless networks. The discussion then moves to the integration and compatibility of CF and FD technologies, focusing on channel estimation, performance analysis, and resource allocation in CF FD massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) networks, supported by an extensive literature review and case studies.

Downlink Beamforming for Cell-Free ISAC: A Fast Complex Oblique Manifold Approach

Cell-free integrated sensing and communication (CF-ISAC) systems are just emerging as an interesting technique for future communications. Such a system comprises several multiple-antenna access points (APs), serving multiple single-antenna communication users and sensing targets. However, efficient beamforming designs that achieve high precision and robust performance in densely populated networks are lacking. This paper proposes a new beamforming algorithm by exploiting the inherent Riemannian manifold structure. The aim is to maximize the communication sum rate while satisfying sensing beampattern gains and per AP transmit power constraints. To address this constrained optimization problem, a highly efficient augmented Lagrangian model-based iterative manifold optimization for CF-ISAC (ALMCI) algorithm is developed. This algorithm exploits the geometry of the proposed problem and uses a complex oblique manifold. Conventional convex-concave procedure (CCPA) and multidimensional complex quadratic transform (MCQT)-CSA algorithms are also developed as comparative benchmarks. The ALMCI algorithm significantly outperforms both of these. For example, with 16 APs having 12 antennas and 30 dBm transmit power each, our proposed ALMCI algorithm yields 22.7% and 6.7% sum rate gains over the CCPA and MCQT-CSA algorithms, respectively. In addition to improvement in communication capacity, the ALMCI algorithm achieves superior beamforming gains and reduced complexity.

A Riemannian Manifold Approach to Constrained Resource Allocation in ISAC

This paper introduces a new resource allocation framework for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, which are expected to be fundamental aspects of sixth-generation networks. In particular, we develop an augmented Lagrangian manifold optimization (ALMO) framework designed to maximize communication sum rate while satisfying sensing beampattern gain targets and base station (BS) transmit power limits. ALMO applies the principles of Riemannian manifold optimization (MO) to navigate the complex, non-convex landscape of the resource allocation problem. It efficiently leverages the augmented Lagrangian method to ensure adherence to constraints. We present comprehensive numerical results to validate our framework, which illustrates the ALMO method's superior capability to enhance the dual functionalities of communication and sensing in ISAC systems. For instance, with 12 antennas and 30 dBm BS transmit power, our proposed ALMO algorithm delivers a 10.1% sum rate gain over a benchmark optimization-based algorithm. This work demonstrates significant improvements in system performance and contributes a new algorithmic perspective to ISAC resource management.

Sensing and Backscatter Communication Integration: Realizing Efficiency in Wireless Systems for IoT

In an era driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) and rapid wireless communication advances, the synergy between sensing and backscatter communication (BackCom) has emerged as a frontier of research. This paper delves deep into the integration of sensing technologies with BackCom, a burgeoning field with significant implications for energy-efficient wireless systems. By tracing the historical developments and principles of BackCom, we establish the foundational understanding crucial for integrating advanced sensing methodologies. Our study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analyses of system performances with qualitative assessments of various integration techniques. Furthermore, these integrated systems showcase enhanced adaptability in dynamic environments, a pivotal attribute for future IoT applications. These findings hold profound implications for industries focusing on smart technologies, as they underscore the potential for achieving both sustainable and efficient communication. Our research distinguishes itself by not only highlighting the benefits but also addressing the challenges faced in this integration, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Cell-Free Bistatic Backscatter Communication: Channel Estimation, Optimization, and Performance Analysis

This study introduces and investigates the integration of a cell-free architecture with bistatic backscatter communication (BiBC), referred to as cell-free BiBC or distributed access point (AP)-assisted BiBC, which can enable potential applications in future (EH)-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. To that purpose, we first present a pilot-based channel estimation scheme for estimating the direct, cascaded, forward channels of the proposed system setup. We next utilize the channel estimates for designing the optimal beamforming weights at the APs, reflection coefficients at the tags, and reception filters at the reader to maximize the tag sum rate while meeting the tags' minimum energy requirements. Because the proposed maximization problem is non-convex, we propose a solution based on alternative optimization, fractional programming, and Rayleigh quotient techniques. We also quantify the computational complexity of the developed algorithms. Finally, we present extensive numerical results to validate the proposed channel estimation scheme and optimization framework, as well as the performance of the integration of these two technologies. Compared to the random beamforming/combining benchmark, our algorithm yields impressive gains. For example, it achieves $\sim$ 64.8\% and $\sim$ 253.5\% gains in harvested power and tag sum rate, respectively, for 10 dBm with 36 APs and 3 tags.

RIS-Assisted Energy Harvesting Gains for Bistatic Backscatter Networks: Performance Analysis and RIS Phase Optimization

Inexpensive tags powered by energy harvesting (EH) can realize green (energy-efficient) Internet of Things (IoT) networks. However, tags are vulnerable to energy insecurities, resulting in poor communication ranges, activation distances, and data rates. To overcome these challenges, we explore the use of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) for EH-based IoT networks. The RIS is deployed to enhance RF power at the tag, improving EH capabilities. We consider linear and non-linear EH models and analyze single-tag and multi-tag scenarios. For single-tag networks, the tag's maximum received power and the reader's signal-to-noise ratio with the optimized RIS phase-shifts are derived. Key metrics, such as received power, harvested power, achievable rate, outage probability, bit error rate, and diversity order, are also evaluated. The impact of RIS phase shift quantization errors is also studied. For the multi-tag case, an algorithm to compute the optimal RIS phase-shifts is developed. Numerical results and simulations demonstrate significant improvements compared to the benchmarks of no-RIS case and random RIS-phase design. For instance, our optimal design with a \num{200}-element RIS increases the activation distance by \qty{270}{\percent} and \qty{55}{\percent} compared to those benchmarks. In summary, RIS deployment improves the energy autonomy of tags while maintaining the basic tag design intact.

Time-Spread Pilot-Based Channel Estimation for Backscatter Networks

Current backscatter channel estimators employ an inefficient silent pilot transmission protocol, where tags alternate between silent and active states. To enhance performance, we propose a novel approach where tags remain active simultaneously throughout the entire training phase. This enables a one-shot estimation of both the direct and cascaded channels and accommodates various backscatter network configurations. We derive the conditions for optimal pilot sequences and also establish that the minimum variance unbiased (MVU) estimator attains the Cramer-Rao lower bound. Next, we propose new pilot designs to avoid pilot contamination. We then present several linear estimation methods, including least square (LS), scaled LS, and linear minimum mean square error (MMSE), to evaluate the performance of our proposed scheme. We also derive the analytical MMSE estimator using our proposed pilot designs. Furthermore, we adapt our method for cellular-based passive Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks with multiple tags and cellular users. Extensive numerical results and simulations are provided to validate the effectiveness of our approach. Notably, at least 10 dBm and 12 dBm power savings compared to the prior art are achieved when estimating the direct and cascaded channels. These findings underscore the practical benefits and superiority of our proposed technique.

NOMA-Assisted Symbiotic Backscatter: Novel Beamforming Designs Under Imperfect SIC

Optimal beamforming designs under imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC) decoding for a symbiotic network of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) primary users and a secondary ambient tag have been lacking. We address that issue here. The primary base station (BS) serves NOMA users and a passive tag simultaneously in this network. We develop two transmit beamforming designs to meet the user and tag requirements while mitigating the effect of imperfect SIC. Specifically, we design optimal BS transmit beamforming and power allocation to either maximize the weighted sum rate of NOMA users and the tag or minimize the BS transmit power under the minimum rate requirements while satisfying the tag minimum energy requirement. Because both these problems are non-convex, we propose algorithms using alternative optimization, fractional programming, and semi-definite relaxation techniques. We also analyze their computational complexity. Finally, we present extensive numerical results to validate the proposed schemes and to show significant performance gains while keeping the tag design intact. For example, the proposed digital beamforming increases the harvested power and data rate by 2.16e3 % and 314.5 % compared to random beamforming.