RIS-aided double beamforming optimization algorithm for improving secrecy rate in space–ground integrated networks

The high-frequency band, crucial for supporting the 5G/6G system, faces challenges of signal obstruction by obstacles. This is attributed to significant path loss resulting from radio straightness and short radio distance. To address these challenges, there is a growing interest in leveraging non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), utilizing high-altitude satellites as base stations or terminals. Within a three-dimensional NTN system, the vulnerability of wireless signals to eavesdropping due to the open nature of the environment is a notable drawback. To mitigate this vulnerability, this paper introduces an algorithm designed to maximize the secrecy rate. The proposed algorithm optimizes security performance by fine-tuning the base station and RIS beamforming vectors. This optimization is achieved through successive convex approximation and minorization–maximization algorithms. Simulation results affirm the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of secrecy rate over existing techniques.