This year, at the IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference held in Milan from 24–27 March 2025, TITAN proudly celebrated a major achievement by our research team, which was honored…
This year, at the IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference held in Milan from 24–27 March 2025, TITAN proudly celebrated a major achievement by our research team, which was honored with the ‘Best Workshop Paper Award’ at the conference.
This prestigious recognition was awarded for the paper titled: “Efficient IRS Deployment in IRS-Assisted OWC Networks Using a Circle Packing Algorithm”, which is the result of a collaborative effort by our talented team: Juncheng Li (University of Edinburgh), Shenjie Huang (University of Edinburgh), Iman Tavakkolnia (University of Cambridge), Harald Haas (University of Cambridge), and Majid Safari (University of Edinburgh).
Laser-based optical wireless communication (OWC) can provide ultra-high-speed mobile connectivity for future networks. To address the misalignment challenges inherent in laser-based OWC systems, the paper introduces a novel intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted indoor OWC system, which employs a multi-cell architecture and leverages passive IRS elements to enhance user coverage. The concept of angular coverage in indoor laser-based communication is introduced, and an analytical framework is proposed to calculate the angular coverage probability of users. Additionally, an innovative IRS deployment strategy, inspired by circle-packing principles, is proposed to enhance the angular coverage of users with varying locations and orientations. Numerical results validate the proposed IRS deployment strategy, demonstrating its superior performance compared to a conventional laser-based OWC architecture, achieving at least a threefold improvement in angular coverage probability.
The paper was a part of the WS10 Workshop, which provided a dynamic forum for academia and industry experts to discuss the latest advances in OWC. The session, held from 14:00 to 15:30 in Room N4-5 and chaired by Hanaa Abumarshoud from the University of Glasgow, was a focal point for robust discussions on integrating OWC into next-generation networks. Here, our TITAN team’s contribution stood out, igniting conversations about innovative IRS deployment strategies that could transform global communications.
OWC offers unique advantages including: a wide, unregulated spectrum enabling high-speed data transmission; enhanced physical layer security, protecting communications against interference; immunity to electromagnetic interference, ideal for complex network environments; and energy efficiency and resilience, vital for next-generation and sustainable communication networks.
Despite these advantages, integrating OWC with existing systems remains a significant challenge. Our award-winning research paves the way for overcoming these obstacles, offering innovative solutions that align with the comprehensive KPIs of future networks—ranging from resilience and self-adaptation to environmental sustainability.
The Best Workshop Paper Award is a testament to the groundbreaking work being carried out at TITAN. As we continue to lead in wireless research and development, our commitment to solving complex integration challenges remains unwavering. Our innovative approach to IRS deployment in OWC networks not only pushes the boundaries of current technology but also paves the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
TITAN is part of the Federated Telecoms Hubs (FTH) alongside CHEDDAR, HASC, and JOINER. Together, we conduct world-leading R&D and create a new knowledge-sharing framework, roadmap technology, develop skills, and engage with standards while instilling a commercialisation-focused mindset across academia.
If you have any questions about the contents of this article, please contact titan-enquiries@eng.cam.ac.uk
