A Novel 3D Non-Stationary 6G Wideband Geometry-Based Channel Model for AIRS-Assisted Maritime Communication

In maritime scenarios, the quality of ground-to-sea communication can be affected by the blockage of terrains and the long communication distances. By introducing aerial intelligent reflecting surface (AIRS), it is possible to improve the communication range as well as the communication stability flexibly with relatively small costs. In this paper, we propose a new three-dimensional (3D) non-stationary wideband geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) for AIRS-assisted ground-to-sea communication. In this model, the irregular sea surface fluctuation and the waveguide effects due to complex maritime climatic conditions are analyzed, the impulse response of the channel is computed and the relevant statistical properties such as the correlation function and the Doppler frequency shift are derived. Additionally, the 3D motion of the ship is simulated, the limitations of scatterer distribution in maritime environments are considered. Based on simulations, the enhancement of the channel by the AIRS phase design, the impact of relative motion between the AIRS and the ship are analyzed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model accurately characterizes the AIRS-assisted ground-to-sea communication channel. With proper phase design and quantization, AIRS can effectively enhance channel stability and mitigate the Doppler effect.