Abstract
Free-space optics (FSO)-based, high-altitude plat form (HAP)-assisted backhaul network has recently attracted research efforts worldwide. Nevertheless, one of the critical concerns on HAP-assisted FSO links is cloud coverage, which may block the FSO connections completely. This paper explores a novel solution that uses multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) array. These UAVs are deployed to diverse the FSO link from HAP-to-ground base station (BS) to avoid cloud coverage. We assume the Fisher-Snedecor $\mathcal{F}$ model for the atmospheric turbulence and use a selection combing (SC) receiver to obtain signals from multiple UAVs. We analytically derive the probability density function (PDF) of the received end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by employing the moment matching method, which can obtain an accurate approximation of PDF to the product of $\mathcal{F}$ variables. Using the derived statistics, we investigate different system performance metrics, including outage probability, outage capacity, and average bit error rate (BER). Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are provided to validate analytical results.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
