Intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) have emerged as a key enabler for beyond fifth-generation (B5G) communication technology and for realizing sixth-generation (6G) cellular communication. In addition, B5G and 6G networks are expected to support aerial user communications in accordance with the expanded requirements of data transmission for an aerial user. However, there are challenges in providing wireless communication for aerial users owing to the different radio wave propagation properties between terrestrial areas and aerial areas. In this article, we propose an IRS-aided cellular network coverage extension for aerial users. In our proposed network, IRS and base stations (BSs) cooperate with each other to provide air-ground communication to aerial users (AUs), the aim of which is to prevent interference signals from spreading to a wide area. Furthermore, IRS placement is designed to maximize the network performance in terms of the spatial signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) while mitigating inter-cell interference. Numerical analysis results indicate that the proposed IRS-aided network outperforms the benchmark system without IRSs when the IRS installation positions are optimally determined.

中文翻译：

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面向6G的地面通信网络中的智能反射表面放置优化

智能反射面（IRS）已成为超越第五代（B5G）通信技术和实现第六代（6G）蜂窝通信的关键推动力。此外，B5G和6G网络有望根据对空中用户的数据传输扩展要求来支持空中用户通信。然而，由于地面区域和空中区域之间的无线电波传播特性不同，在为空中用户提供无线通信方面存在挑战。在本文中，我们为航空用户提出了IRS辅助的蜂窝网络覆盖范围扩展。在我们提议的网络中，IRS和基站（BS）相互合作，为空中用户（AU）提供空地通信，目的是防止干扰信号扩散到大范围。此外，IRS放置旨在最大程度地降低空间信噪比（SINR）的网络性能，同时减轻小区间干扰。数值分析结果表明，当确定IRS安装位置时，建议的IRS辅助网络优于没有IRS的基准系统。