A Comparative Performance Analysis of Phase Configuration Algorithms in Near-Field for Multi-User LIS-Aided UAV Systems

Authors

  • Truong Anh Dung Le Quy Don Technical University
  • Pham Thanh Hiep Le Quy Don Technical University
  • Nguyen Thu Phuong Le Quy Don Technical University
  • Le Hai Nam Le Quy Don Technical University

Abstract

Large intelligent surfaces (LIS) are a key 6G technology, but extremely large antenna arrays (ELAA) necessitate near-field (NF) operation, challenging conventional far-field (FF) beamforming. This paper addresses NF multi-user (MU) beamforming in a LIS-aided Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) relay system. We develop and compare two distinct phase configuration algorithms for multi-beam NF focusing: a low-complexity Grouped Beamforming heuristic and a Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) Beamforming metaheuristic. Performance, including Average Array Gain, Average Minimum Array Gain, their Cumulative Distribution Functions, and computational complexity, is evaluated via Monte Carlo simulations against baseline methods. Both proposed algorithms significantly outperform baselines. GWO Beamforming especially ensuring fairness under high user loads, but incurs a considerable computational cost. Conversely, Grouped Beamforming offers a practical real-time solution. Our findings illuminate the critical performance-complexity trade-offs guiding algorithm selection for NF MU LIS-UAV deployments.

Additional Files

Published

2026-05-16

Issue

Section

Applied Informatics