Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces Aided Cell-Free Networks: A Unified Framework
Dr. Trinh Van Chien, Prof. Emil Bjornson
Linkoping University
Abstract
We develop a unified analytical framework for RIS-aided cell-free massive MIMO networks, combining two of the most promising 6G technologies. Our framework jointly optimizes access point beamforming and RIS phase shifts in a distributed manner suitable for practical deployment. Simulations show that adding RIS to cell-free networks improves energy efficiency by 60% and extends coverage to previously unreachable areas, with the combined system outperforming either technology alone by a significant margin.
AI Summary
- Unified framework combining RIS and cell-free massive MIMO for 6G.
- 60% energy efficiency improvement with RIS-aided cell-free networks.
- Coverage extended to previously unreachable areas.
- Distributed optimization suitable for practical deployment.
Key Findings
- 1RIS and cell-free provide complementary benefits: coverage and capacity respectively.
- 2Joint optimization outperforms separate optimization of each technology by 25%.
- 3RIS placement near cell-edge areas yields the highest network-wide gains.
Industry Implications
Demonstrates the synergy of combining multiple 6G technologies.
Provides practical deployment guidelines for joint RIS and cell-free architectures.
Informs 6G standardization of combined RIS and distributed MIMO specifications.
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