On the Optimal Beamwidth of UAV-Assisted Networks Operating at Millimeter Waves

The millimeter-wave (mm-wave) bands enable very large antenna arrays that can generate narrow beams for beamforming and spatial multiplexing. However, directionality introduces beam misalignment and leads to reduced energy efficiency. Thus, employing the narrowest possible beam in a cell may not necessarily imply maximum coverage. The objective of this work is to determine the optimal sector beamwidth for a cellular architecture served by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acting as a base station (BS). The users in a cell are assumed to be distributed according to a Poisson Point Process (PPP) with a given user density. We consider hybrid beamforming at the UAV, such that multiple concurrent beams serve all the sectors simultaneously. An optimization problem is formulated to maximize the sum rate over a given area while limiting the total power available to each sector. We observe that, for a given transmit power, the optimal sector beamwidth increases as the user density in a cell decreases, and varies based on the height of the UAV. Thus, we provide guidelines towards the optimal beamforming configurations for users in rural areas.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

6G for Bridging the Digital Divide: Wireless Connectivity to Remote Areas

In telecommunications, network service accessibility as a requirement is closely related to equitably serving the population residing at locations that can most appropriately be described as remote. Remote connectivity, however, would have benefited from a more inclusive consideration in the existing generations of mobile communications. To remedy this, sustainability and its social impact are being positioned as key drivers of the sixth generation's (6G) research and standardization activities. In particular, there has been a conscious attempt to understand the demands of remote wireless connectivity, which has led to a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. In this perspective, this article overviews the key challenges associated with constraints on network design and deployment to be addressed for providing broadband connectivity to rural areas, and proposes novel approaches and solutions for bridging the digital divide in those regions

A 6G White Paper on Connectivity for Remote Areas

In many places all over the world rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity that has led to increasing digital divide. These areas might have low population density, low incomes, etc., making them less attractive places to invest and operate connectivity networks. 6G could be the first mobile radio generation truly aiming to close the digital divide. However, in order to do so, special requirements and challenges have to be considered since the beginning of the design process. The aim of this white paper is to discuss requirements and challenges and point out related, identified research topics that have to be solved in 6G. This white paper first provides a generic discussion, shows some facts and discusses targets set in international bodies related to rural and remote connectivity and digital divide. Then the paper digs into technical details, i.e., into a solutions space. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then highlights identified 6G challenges and research ideas as a list.Comment: A 6G white paper, 17 page

Wireless terrestrial backhaul for 6G remote access:challenges and low power solutions

Abstract Despite developments in communication systems over the last few decades, a digital divide exists in the unconnected part of the world. The latter is characterized by large distances to internet access points, underdeveloped infrastructure, sparse populations, and low incomes. This concern of digital divide is raised in the sixth generation’s (6G) initial vision as an extremely important topic. However, it is important to understand affiliated challenges and potential solutions to achieve this vision. Motivated by the recent backhaul link forecasts that expect a dominance of the microwave technology within the backhauling market, this paper studies the potential of a low-power terrestrial microwave backhaul from the sufficient-data-rate and solar powering perspective. Competing technologies (e.g., fiber) may not be energy efficient and commercially viable for global connectivity. Since rural and remote areas may not have grid power, we look at the viability of alternative sustainable sources, in particular solar power, to power the wireless backhaul in 6G. In addition, we also explore services for the operators and users to use the system efficiently. Since the access points are connected to backhaul, we also compare the two prominent solutions based on low-power small-radius cells and a mega-cell that covers a large area and show insights on the power autonomy of the systems. In the end, we propose directions for research and deployment for an inclusive connectivity as a part of future 6G networks

6G white paper on connectivity for remote areas

Executive Summary In many places all over the world, rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity. This has led to an increasing digital divide. These areas may have low population density, low incomes, difficult terrain, and non-existent infrastructure, lacking a power grid, for example. This makes them less attractive places in which to invest and operate connectivity networks. 6G could be the first mobile radio generation that truly aims to close the digital divide. However, to do so, special requirements and challenges must be considered from the beginning of the design process. The aim of this white paper is to discuss requirements and challenges and indicate the related identified research topics that must be solved in 6G. This white paper first provides a generic discussion, illustrates some facts, and discusses targets set in international bodies for rural and remote connectivity and the digital divide. The paper then delves into technical details, i.e. into the solutions space. First, a background overview is provided, followed by a closer elaboration of individual elements, i.e. terrestrial back-haul networks, terrestrial back-haul solutions, non-terrestrial solutions, the need for local operations, and frequency spectrum issues. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then lists the highlights of the identified 6G challenges and research ideas