Coexisting Terahertz and RF Finite Wireless Networks: Coverage and Rate Analysis

Wireless communications over Terahertz (THz)-band frequencies are vital enablers of ultra-high rate applications and services in sixth-generation (6G) networks. However, THz communications suffer from poor coverage because of inherent THz features such as high penetration losses, significant molecular absorption, and severe path loss. To surmount these critical challenges and fully exploit the THz band, we explore a coexisting radio frequency (RF) and THz finite indoor network in which THz small cells are deployed to provide high data rates, and RF macrocells are deployed to satisfy coverage requirements. Using stochastic geometry tools, we assess the performance of coexisting RF and THz networks and derive tractable analytical expressions for the coverage probability and average achievable rate. The analytical results are validated with Monte-Carlo simulations. Several insights are devised for accurate tuning and optimization of THz system parameters, including the THz bias, and the fraction of THz access points (APs) to deploy. The obtained results recognize a clear coverage/rate trade-off where a high fraction of THz AP improves the rate significantly but may degrade the coverage performance. Furthermore, the location of a user in the finite area highly affects the fraction of THz APs that optimizes its quality of service.

Automated summary

This article investigates the application of wireless communication in the Terahertz frequency band and explores the use of both radio frequency (RF) and Terahertz (THz) networks to solve the coverage problem in THz communications. The performance of coexisting RF and THz networks is evaluated using stochastic geometry tools, and tractable analytical expressions for coverage probability and average achievable rate are derived. The results highlight a trade-off between coverage rate and user location in optimizing THz access point deployment for quality of service.