Tackling Interference in HAPS Networks via Angular-Aware Clustering and RSMA

2026-05-28

AI Summary

This work addresses the severe inter-user interference in High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) networks, where strong line-of-sight links result in limited channel variation. To mitigate this issue, the paper proposes a novel joint optimization framework that, for the first time, incorporates angular information into user clustering and jointly optimizes interference-aware resource block allocation, directional beamforming, and rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA). By leveraging spatial characteristics and coordinated resource management under limited orthogonal resources, the proposed approach effectively suppresses interference and significantly enhances per-user spectral efficiency. Extensive evaluations demonstrate that the method outperforms existing baseline schemes in terms of both interference mitigation and spectral efficiency gains.

Abstract

High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) have emerged as a promising enabler for next-generation wireless networks, offering ubiquitous connectivity to ground users. Operating either in standalone mode or in integration with terrestrial networks, HAPS can significantly enhance both coverage and capacity due to their strategic placement in the stratosphere. However, interference management in HAPS-empowered networks requires special attention due to the unique propagation characteristics of HAPS links. In particular, the strong line-of-sight (LoS) conditions between HAPS and ground users result in limited channel variability, thereby intensifying inter-user interference. In this work, we consider a single HAPS serving multiple ground users through multiple beams over a limited number of orthogonal resource blocks (RBs). To address the resulting interference, we propose a novel angular-aware user clustering and interference-aware RB allocation framework that strategically clusters users, designs beams to serve each cluster, and allocates RBs to users across clusters. To further mitigate intra-RB interference, a rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) scheme is incorporated. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed clustering and RSMA-based approach significantly outperforms baseline schemes in terms of achievable per-user spectral efficiency.

Problem

• HAPS
• interference management
• line-of-sight
• user clustering
• resource allocation

Innovation

• Angular-aware clustering
• Rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA)
• Interference management
• HAPS networks
• Resource block allocation