Optimum Power-Subcarrier Allocation and Time-Sharing in Multicarrier NOMA Uplink

Currently used resource allocation methods for uplink multicarrier non-orthogonal multiple access (MC-NOMA) systems have multiple shortcomings. Current approaches either allocate the same power across all subcarriers to a user, or use heuristic-based near-far, strong channel-weak channel user grouping to assign the decoding order for successive interference cancellation (SIC). This paper proposes a novel optimal power-subcarrier allocation for uplink MC-NOMA. This new allocation achieves the optimal power-subcarrier allocation as well as the optimal SIC decoding order. Furthermore, the proposed method includes a time-sharing algorithm that dynamically alters the decoding orders of the participating users to achieve the required data rates, even in cases where any single decoding order fails to do so. Extensive experimental evaluations show that the new method achieves higher sum data rates and lower power consumption compared to current NOMA methods.

Successive Interference Cancellation-aided Diffusion Models for Joint Channel Estimation and Data Detection in Low Rank Channel Scenarios

This paper proposes a novel joint channel-estimation and source-detection algorithm using successive interference cancellation (SIC)-aided generative score-based diffusion models. Prior work in this area focuses on massive MIMO scenarios, which are typically characterized by full-rank channels, and fail in low-rank channel scenarios. The proposed algorithm outperforms existing methods in joint source-channel estimation, especially in low-rank scenarios where the number of users exceeds the number of antennas at the access point (AP). The proposed score-based iterative diffusion process estimates the gradient of the prior distribution on partial channels, and recursively updates the estimated channel parts as well as the source. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline methods in terms of normalized mean squared error (NMSE) and symbol error rate (SER) in both full-rank and low-rank channel scenarios, while having a more dominant effect in the latter, at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNR).

Optimum Power Allocation for Low Rank Wi-Fi Channels: A Comparison with Deep RL Framework

Upcoming Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems require high data rates ($\geq$ 500 Mbps) and low power consumption for seamless experience. With an increasing number of subscribing users, the total number of antennas across all transmitting users far exceeds the number of antennas at the access point (AP). This results in a low rank wireless channel, presenting a bottleneck for uplink communication systems. The current uplink systems that use orthogonal multiple access (OMA) and the proposed non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), fail to achieve the required data rates / power consumption under predominantly low rank channel scenarios. This paper introduces an optimal power sub carrier allocation algorithm for multi-carrier NOMA, named minPMAC, and an associated time-sharing algorithm that adaptively changes successive interference cancellation decoding orders to maximize sum data rates in these low rank channels. This Lagrangian based optimization technique, although globally optimum, is prohibitive in terms of runtime, proving inefficient for real-time scenarios. Hence, we propose a novel near-optimal deep reinforcement learning-based energy sum optimization (DRL-minPMAC) which achieves real-time efficiency. Extensive experimental evaluations show that minPMAC achieves 28\% and 39\% higher data rates than NOMA and OMA baselines. Furthermore, the proposed DRL-minPMAC runs ~5 times faster than minPMAC and achieves 83\% of the global optimum data rates in real time

Hierarchical Deep Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Resource Management in Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

Efficient spectrum allocation has become crucial as the surge in wireless-connected devices demands seamless support for more users and applications, a trend expected to grow with 6G. Innovations in satellite technologies such as SpaceX's Starlink have enabled non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to work alongside terrestrial networks (TNs) and allocate spectrum based on regional demands. Existing spectrum sharing approaches in TNs use machine learning for interference minimization through power allocation and spectrum sensing, but the unique characteristics of NTNs like varying orbital dynamics and coverage patterns require more sophisticated coordination mechanisms. The proposed work uses a hierarchical deep reinforcement learning (HDRL) approach for efficient spectrum allocation across TN-NTN networks. DRL agents are present at each TN-NTN hierarchy that dynamically learn and allocate spectrum based on regional trends. This framework is 50x faster than the exhaustive search algorithm while achieving 95\% of optimum spectral efficiency. Moreover, it is 3.75x faster than multi-agent DRL, which is commonly used for spectrum sharing, and has a 12\% higher overall average throughput.

Artificial Intelligence, Ambient Backscatter Communication and Non-Terrestrial Networks: A 6G Commixture

The advent of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) represents a compelling response to the International Mobile Telecommunications 2030 (IMT-2030) framework, enabling the delivery of advanced, seamless connectivity that supports reliable, sustainable, and resilient communication systems. Nevertheless, the integration of NTN with Terrestrial Networks (TN) necessitates considerable alterations to the existing cellular infrastructure in order to address the challenges intrinsic to NTN implementation. Additionally, Ambient Backscatter Communication (AmBC), which utilizes ambient Radio Frequency (RF) signals to transmit data to the intended recipient by altering and reflecting these signals, exhibits considerable potential for the effective integration of NTN and TN. Furthermore, AmBC is constrained by its limitations regarding power, interference, and other related factors. In contrast, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within wireless networks demonstrates significant potential for predictive analytics through the use of extensive datasets. AI techniques enable the real-time optimization of network parameters, mitigating interference and power limitations in AmBC. These predictive models also enhance the adaptive integration of NTN and TN, driving significant improvements in network reliability and Energy Efficiency (EE). In this paper, we present a comprehensive examination of how the commixture of AI, AmBC, and NTN can facilitate the integration of NTN and TN. We also provide a thorough analysis indicating a marked enhancement in EE predicated on this triadic relationship.

Deep Reinforcement Learning Optimized Intelligent Resource Allocation in Active RIS-Integrated TN-NTN Networks

This work explores the deployment of active reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (A-RIS) in integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN-NTN) while utilizing coordinated multipoint non-orthogonal multiple access (CoMP-NOMA). Our system model incorporates a UAV-assisted RIS in coordination with a terrestrial RIS which aims for signal enhancement. We aim to maximize the sum rate for all users in the network using a custom hybrid proximal policy optimization (H-PPO) algorithm by optimizing the UAV trajectory, base station (BS) power allocation factors, active RIS amplification factor, and phase shift matrix. We integrate edge users into NOMA pairs to achieve diversity gain, further enhancing the overall experience for edge users. Exhaustive comparisons are made with passive RIS-assisted networks to demonstrate the superior efficacy of active RIS in terms of energy efficiency, outage probability, and network sum rate.

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.

Optimal Power Allocation and Time Sharing in Low Rank Multi-carrier Wi-Fi Channels

The ever-evolving landscape of distributed wireless systems, e.g. multi-user AR/VR systems, demands high data rates (up to 500 Mbps per user) and low power consumption. With increasing number of participating users, uplink data transmission in the situation where the number of transmitter user antennas exceeds the number of access point (AP) antennas presents a low-rank channel problem. Current Wi-Fi standards using orthogonal multiple access (OMA) fail to address these requirements. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based systems, while outperforming the OMA methods, still fall short of the requirement in low-rank channel uplink transmission, because they adhere to a single decoding order for successive interference cancelation (SIC). This paper proposes and develops a novel optimal power-subcarrier allocation algorithm to maximize the achieved data rates for this low rank channel scenario. Additionally, the proposed algorithm implements a novel time-sharing algorithm for simultaneously participating users, which adaptively varies the decoding orders to achieve higher data rates than any single decoding order. Extensive experimental validations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves 39%, 28%, and 16% higher sum data rates than OMA, NOMA, and multi-carrier NOMA baselines respectively, under low-rank channel conditions, under varying SNR values. We further show that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the baselines with varying numbers of users or AP antennas, showing the effectiveness of the optimal power allocation and time-sharing.