Reinforcement Learning for Rate Maximization in IRS-aided OWC Networks
On the map: Deep reinforcement learning methods → RL for energy, networks and operations
Abstract (arXiv)
Optical wireless communication (OWC) is envisioned as one of the main enabling technologies of 6G networks, complementing radio frequency (RF) systems to provide high data rates. One of the crucial issues in indoor OWC is service interruptions due to blockages that obstruct the line of sight (LoS) between users and their access points (APs). Recently, reflecting surfaces referred to as intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) have been considered to provide improved connectivity in OWC systems by reflecting AP signals toward users. In this study, we investigate the integration of IRSs into an indoor OWC system to improve the sum rate of the users and to ensure service continuity. We formulate an optimization problem for sum rate maximization, where the allocation of both APs and mirror elements of IRSs to users is determined to enhance the aggregate data rate. Moreover, reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms, specifically Q-learning and SARSA algorithms, are proposed to provide real-time solutions with low complexity and without prior system knowledge. The results show that the RL algorithms achieve near-optimal solutions that are close to the solutions of mixed integer linear programming (MILP). The results also show that the proposed scheme achieves up to a 45% increase in data rate compared to a traditional scheme that optimizes only the allocation of APs while the mirror elements are assigned to users based on the distance.
Key facts. No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in RL for energy, networks and operations, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods. Builds on 5 of its 19 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 7 Sep 2024.
Builds on
5 of 19 references.
References · 5
- 2019Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces vs. Relaying: Differences, Similarities, and Performance Comparisoncited by 6
- 2020Spectral and Energy Efficiency of IRS-Assisted MISO Communication with Hardware Impairmentscited by 3
- 2021Q-learning algorithm for resource allocation in WDMA-based optical wireless communication networkscited by 1
- 2021Reinforcement Learning for Resource Allocation in Steerable Laser-based Optical Wireless Systemscited by 1
- 2023Resource Allocation in IRS-aided Optical Wireless Communication Systemscited by 1
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