Throughput Maximization in RIS-Assisted NOMA-THz Communication Network

Abstract

In order to overcome spectrum scarcity and provide higher data rates, the sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication network is expected to perform data transmission using terahertz (THz) frequencies. However, the effective implementation of these communication systems is hampered by severe levels of signal degradation to which the THz bandwidth is subject to. Recent improvements and advancements in the fabrication process of electromagnetic (EM) metamaterials have made reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) a very promising solution to address these THz-related attenuation issues. Additionally, the adoption of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) transmissions represents an effective way to improve spectrum efficiency for 6G networks. In this paper, we investigate the problem of downlink aggregated sum-rate maximisation for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system assisted by a RIS panel in performing NOMA transmission within the THz bandwidth. More specifically, we propose an optimization algorithm that jointly optimizes the transmitting power at the access point (AP) and the phase-shift coefficients for the RIS elements iteratively. Through simulation results, we demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms conventional benchmark schemes in terms of achieved aggregated throughput.