Quantized RIS-Aided Multi-User Secure Beamforming Against Multiple Eavesdroppers

This paper focuses on a network scenario where a multi-antenna access point serves multiple single-antenna users in the presence of multiple eavesdroppers, with the aid of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS). The RIS employs low-resolution programmable reflecting elements (PREs) for cost-effective implementation. In order to establish secure links for all users, we consider the joint design of the transmit beamformers and PREs to maximize either the geometric mean of secrecy rates or the worst user’s secrecy rate. Novel computational algorithms of low computational complexity are developed for the solution of these mixed discrete continuous optimization problems. Simulations show the merit of the proposed designs in in achieving fair secrecy rate distributions and ensuring secure links for all users.