Minimum Data Rate Maximization for Uplink Pinching-Antenna Systems
Sotiris A. Tegos, Panagiotis D. Diamantoulakis, Zhiguo Ding, George K. Karagiannidis
TL;DR
This paper addresses uplink performance optimization for multi-user pinching-antenna (PA) systems by maximizing the minimum data rate across devices, formalized as $\max_{\mathbf{x}^{\text{P}},\mathbf{q}} \min_m R_m^{\text{P}}$. It proposes a two-step approach that decouples PA-position optimization (transformed into a convex problem via auxiliary variables and successive convex approximation) from a closed-form resource-allocation solution derived from a convex subproblem, using orthogonal multiple access (OMA) and spacing constraints on PA placement. Numerical results demonstrate substantial gains over conventional fixed-antenna layouts, highlighting the importance of PA positioning for mitigating LoS blockage and large-scale path loss in next-generation networks.
Abstract
This paper addresses, for the first time, the uplink performance optimization of multi-user pinching-antenna (PA) systems, recently developed for next-generation wireless networks. By leveraging the unique capabilities of PAs to dynamically configure wireless channels, we focus on maximizing the minimum achievable data rate between devices to achieve a balanced trade-off between throughput and fairness. An effective approach is proposed that separately optimizes the positions of the PAs and the resource allocation. The antenna positioning problem is reformulated into a convex one, while a closed-form solution is provided for the resource allocation. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the investigated system using the proposed algorithm over corresponding counterparts, emphasizing the significant potential of PA systems for robust and efficient uplink communication in next-generation wireless networks.