Outdoor Localization of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces using Radio Maps

Determining the best locations for Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) is crucial in attaining an intelligent and controllable wireless environment, where increased probability of Line-of-Sight (LoS) links results in achieving higher performance gains. This paper investigates the potential in improving the performance of IRS-assisted wireless communication systems for Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) users. We particularly evaluate the coverage performance of placing multiple IRSs within an area map that consists of pre-installed Base Stations (BSs). We propose a fast and novel Angle-Direction Localization algorithm to determine optimal IRS locations such that a virtual LoS (VLoS) path to the NLoS users can be established. Through our proposed algorithm, we show an increase in the LoS connections to the NLoS users in the area map using optimally localized IRSs. Lastly, we show minimized end-to-end path loss levels at the NLoS user locations on the placement of IRSs using radio maps. Our results showcase that optimally localized IRSs, play an important role in extending the coverage of an existing network.