IRS‐Assisted Localization for Airborne Mobile Networks

The use of intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) in next‐generation mobile networks is currently a hot topic. At the same time, next‐generation mobile networks are going airborne as heavily discussed in this book. Since the base stations and users both are meant to be mobile in this setting, this chapter explores the possibility of using IRS in airborne networks (ANs) for localization of users and base stations. Positioning is an important aspect in present and future wireless networks, where it augments the network operations and assists in multiple localization‐based applications. This chapter outlines the use of IRS in AN in different settings and gives an overview of potential positioning using pilot symbols in beyond‐5G (B5G) mobile networks employing IRSs.