Selected publications

Journal and workshop papers

1. EQE-QAOA: An Equivalence-Preserving Qubit Efficient Framework for Combinatorial Optimization

   X. Ma, F. Fang, X. Xie, X. Wang and L. Hanzo

   Submitted to IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing, 2026

   Submitted2026

   • Quantum optimization

   arXiv: EQE-QAOA: An Equivalence-Preserving Qubit Efficient Framework for Combinatorial Optimization (opens in a new tab)
   Explore the EQE-QAOA interactive lab ↗

   Explore QAOA for Max-Cut and see how global symmetry enables an equivalent circuit with fewer qubits. Compare quantum states, circuit evolution, and resource requirements through interactive browser-based simulations.

2. QAOA-Based Pilot Assignment for Cell-Free Massive MIMO Systems

   X. Ma, F. Fang and X. Wang

   Accepted to IEEE Quantum Week 2026 Workshop on Signal and Information Processing in the Quantum Era, 2026

   Accepted2026

   • Quantum optimization
   • Wireless resource optimization

   arXiv: QAOA-Based Pilot Assignment for Cell-Free Massive MIMO Systems (opens in a new tab)

3. Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning System over NOMA Networks

   B. Wu, F. Fang and X. Wang

   IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 2026

   Early Access2026

   • Edge AI & federated learning
   • NOMA & multiple access

   IEEE Xplore: Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning System over NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning System over NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)

4. Pinching Antennas in Blockage-Aware Environments: Modeling, Design, and Optimization

   X. Xie, F. Fang, Z. Ding and X. Wang

   IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 25, pp. 21513-21528, 2026

   Published2026

   • RIS & flexible antennas

   IEEE Xplore: Pinching Antennas in Blockage-Aware Environments: Modeling, Design, and Optimization (opens in a new tab)DOI: Pinching Antennas in Blockage-Aware Environments: Modeling, Design, and Optimization (opens in a new tab)

5. Robust and Secure Transmission for Movable-RIS-Assisted ISAC With Imperfect Sense Estimation

   L. Zhuang, X. Xie, F. Fang, A. Attaran and Z. Zhang

   IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 25, pp. 17071-17085, 2026

   Published2026

   • RIS & flexible antennas
   • Security & trust

   IEEE Xplore: Robust and Secure Transmission for Movable-RIS-Assisted ISAC With Imperfect Sense Estimation (opens in a new tab)DOI: Robust and Secure Transmission for Movable-RIS-Assisted ISAC With Imperfect Sense Estimation (opens in a new tab)

6. Topology-Preserving Deep Joint Source-Channel Coding for Semantic Communication

   O. Erak, O. Alhussein, F. Fang and S. Muhaidat

   IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 30, pp. 2974-2978, 2026

   Published2026

   • Semantic communications

   IEEE Xplore: Topology-Preserving Deep Joint Source-Channel Coding for Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)DOI: Topology-Preserving Deep Joint Source-Channel Coding for Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)

7. Contrastive Learning and Adversarial Disentanglement for Privacy-Aware Task-Oriented Semantic Communication

   O. Erak, O. Alhussein and W. Tong

   IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 13, no. 12, pp. 25948-25965, June 2026

   Published2026

   • Semantic communications
   • Security & trust

   IEEE Xplore: Contrastive Learning and Adversarial Disentanglement for Privacy-Aware Task-Oriented Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)DOI: Contrastive Learning and Adversarial Disentanglement for Privacy-Aware Task-Oriented Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)

8. Adaptive Token Merging for Efficient Transformer Semantic Communication at the Edge

   O. Erak, O. Alhussein, H. Abou-Zeid, M. Bennis and S. Muhaidat

   IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, vol. 7, pp. 4112-4128, 2026

   Published2026

   • Semantic communications
   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Adaptive Token Merging for Efficient Transformer Semantic Communication at the Edge (opens in a new tab)DOI: Adaptive Token Merging for Efficient Transformer Semantic Communication at the Edge (opens in a new tab)

9. Model Compression for Sustainable AI in xG Wireless Networks: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

   F. M. A. Khan, M. Hallaq, H. Abou-Zeid, O. Erak, O. Waqar, S. A. Hassan, O. Alhussein and E. Hossain

   IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, vol. 28, pp. 5747-5791, 2026

   Published2026

   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Model Compression for Sustainable AI in xG Wireless Networks: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (opens in a new tab)DOI: Model Compression for Sustainable AI in xG Wireless Networks: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions (opens in a new tab)

10. Dynamic Authentication and Granularized Authorization With a Cross-Domain Zero Trust Architecture in Large-Scale IoT Networks

    X. Ma, F. Fang, T. Liu and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, vol. 13, pp. 5888-5904, 2026

    Published2026

    • Security & trust
    • Edge AI & federated learning

    IEEE Xplore: Dynamic Authentication and Granularized Authorization With a Cross-Domain Zero Trust Architecture in Large-Scale IoT Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Dynamic Authentication and Granularized Authorization With a Cross-Domain Zero Trust Architecture in Large-Scale IoT Networks (opens in a new tab)

11. Personalized Vehicular Health Diagnosis via Large Language Model

    Y. Chen, G. Qiang, X. Xie, B. Wang, D. Cai, M. Diyan, T. Liu and F. Fang

    IEEE Communications Standards Magazine, 2026

    Published online (Early Access)2026

    • Edge AI & federated learning

    IEEE Xplore: Personalized Vehicular Health Diagnosis via Large Language Model (opens in a new tab)DOI: Personalized Vehicular Health Diagnosis via Large Language Model (opens in a new tab)

12. Straggler-Resilient Federated Learning Over a Hybrid Conventional and Pinching Antenna Network

    B. Wu, F. Fang, M. Zeng and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 75, no. 7, pp. 15404-15409, July 2026

    Published2026

    • Edge AI & federated learning
    • RIS & flexible antennas

    IEEE Xplore: Straggler-Resilient Federated Learning Over a Hybrid Conventional and Pinching Antenna Network (opens in a new tab)DOI: Straggler-Resilient Federated Learning Over a Hybrid Conventional and Pinching Antenna Network (opens in a new tab)

13. TeleOracle: Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation With Long-Context Support for Networks

    N. Alabbasi, O. Erak, O. Alhussein, I. Lotfi, S. Muhaidat and M. Debbah

    IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 12, no. 10, pp. 13170-13182, May 2025

    Published2025

    • Edge AI & federated learning

    IEEE Xplore: TeleOracle: Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation With Long-Context Support for Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: TeleOracle: Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation With Long-Context Support for Networks (opens in a new tab)

14. A Low-Complexity Placement Design of Pinching-Antenna Systems

    X. Xie, F. Fang, Z.Ding and X. Wang

    IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 1784-1788, Aug. 2025

    Published2025

    • RIS & flexible antennas

    IEEE Xplore: A Low-Complexity Placement Design of Pinching-Antenna Systems (opens in a new tab)DOI: A Low-Complexity Placement Design of Pinching-Antenna Systems (opens in a new tab)

15. Stackelberg Game Enabled Performance Enhancement in Digital Twin-Assisted Federated Learning with Reputation-Aware Client Selection

    B. Wu, F. Fang and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 24, no. 12, pp. 10502-10516, Dec. 2025

    Published2025

    • Edge AI & federated learning

    IEEE Xplore: Stackelberg Game Enabled Performance Enhancement in Digital Twin-Assisted Federated Learning with Reputation-Aware Client Selection (opens in a new tab)DOI: Stackelberg Game Enabled Performance Enhancement in Digital Twin-Assisted Federated Learning with Reputation-Aware Client Selection (opens in a new tab)

16. Rethinking Power Minimization in a Downlink Hybrid NOMA Network

    X. Xie, F. Fang, and X. Wang

    IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 953-957, May 2025

    Published2025

    • NOMA & multiple access

    IEEE Xplore: Rethinking Power Minimization in a Downlink Hybrid NOMA Network (opens in a new tab)DOI: Rethinking Power Minimization in a Downlink Hybrid NOMA Network (opens in a new tab)

17. Power-Efficient Optimization for Coexisting Semantic and Bit-Based Users in NOMA Networks

    X. Xie, F. Fang, L. Zhang and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 73, no. 12, pp. 14183-14196, Dec. 2025

    Published2025

    • NOMA & multiple access
    • Semantic communications

    IEEE Xplore: Power-Efficient Optimization for Coexisting Semantic and Bit-Based Users in NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Power-Efficient Optimization for Coexisting Semantic and Bit-Based Users in NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)

18. Joint Secrecy Rate Achieving and Authentication Enhancement via Tag-based Encoding in Chaotic UAV Communication Environment

    J. Wang, F. Fang, G. Han, N. Wang and X. Wang

    IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 9491-9507, April 2025

    Published2025

    • Security & trust

    IEEE Xplore: Joint Secrecy Rate Achieving and Authentication Enhancement via Tag-based Encoding in Chaotic UAV Communication Environment (opens in a new tab)DOI: Joint Secrecy Rate Achieving and Authentication Enhancement via Tag-based Encoding in Chaotic UAV Communication Environment (opens in a new tab)

19. Knowledge Sharing-enabled Semantic Rate Maximization for Multi-cell Task-oriented Hybrid Semantic-Bit Communication Networks

    H. Chen, F. Fang, and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 73, no. 12, pp. 14364-14380, Dec. 2025

    Published2025

    • Semantic communications

    IEEE Xplore: Knowledge Sharing-enabled Semantic Rate Maximization for Multi-cell Task-oriented Hybrid Semantic-Bit Communication Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Knowledge Sharing-enabled Semantic Rate Maximization for Multi-cell Task-oriented Hybrid Semantic-Bit Communication Networks (opens in a new tab)

20. Federated Unfolding Learning for CSI Feedback in Distributed Edge Networks

    C. Tan, D. Cai, F. Fang, Z. Ding, and P. Fan

    IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 410-424, Jan. 2025

    Published2025

    • Edge AI & federated learning

    IEEE Xplore: Federated Unfolding Learning for CSI Feedback in Distributed Edge Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Federated Unfolding Learning for CSI Feedback in Distributed Edge Networks (opens in a new tab)

21. Joint Computational Resource Allocation and Layer Partitioning for Federated Learning

    G. Qiang, F. Fang, H. Chen and X. Wang

    IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 12, no. 19, pp. 40919-40933, Oct. 2025

    Published2025

    • Edge AI & federated learning
    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: Joint Computational Resource Allocation and Layer Partitioning for Federated Learning (opens in a new tab)DOI: Joint Computational Resource Allocation and Layer Partitioning for Federated Learning (opens in a new tab)

22. Secure Communication in Active RIS-Assisted MISO Systems with Hardware Impairments

    X. Bai, A, Yu, F, Fang, X. Wang, Y. Yang, and Y. Li

    IEEE Wireless Communications Letters, vol. 13, no. 12, pp. 3528-3532, Dec. 2024

    Published2024

    • RIS & flexible antennas
    • Security & trust

    IEEE Xplore: Secure Communication in Active RIS-Assisted MISO Systems with Hardware Impairments (opens in a new tab)DOI: Secure Communication in Active RIS-Assisted MISO Systems with Hardware Impairments (opens in a new tab)

23. Caching for Doubly Selective Fading Channels via Model Agnostic Meta-Reinforcement Learning

    W. He, F. Zhou, D. Tang, F. Fang, and W. Chen

    IEEE Systems Journal, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 1776-1785, Sept. 2024

    Published2024

    • Edge AI & federated learning
    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: Caching for Doubly Selective Fading Channels via Model Agnostic Meta-Reinforcement Learning (opens in a new tab)DOI: Caching for Doubly Selective Fading Channels via Model Agnostic Meta-Reinforcement Learning (opens in a new tab)

24. Joint Optimization of User Scheduling, Rate Allocation, and Beamforming for RSMA Finite Blocklength Transmission

    J. Zhu, J. Jin, Y. He, F. Fang, W. Huang, and Z. Zhang

    IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 11, no. 17, pp. 27904-27915, Sept. 2024

    Published2024

    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: Joint Optimization of User Scheduling, Rate Allocation, and Beamforming for RSMA Finite Blocklength Transmission (opens in a new tab)DOI: Joint Optimization of User Scheduling, Rate Allocation, and Beamforming for RSMA Finite Blocklength Transmission (opens in a new tab)

25. User-Specific Channel Estimation Overhead Optimization and Resource Allocation for Multi-User OTFS Systems

    S. Habibi, J. Chen, F. Fang, and X. Wang

    IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 28, no. 9, pp. 2126-2130, Sept. 2024

    Published2024

    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: User-Specific Channel Estimation Overhead Optimization and Resource Allocation for Multi-User OTFS Systems (opens in a new tab)DOI: User-Specific Channel Estimation Overhead Optimization and Resource Allocation for Multi-User OTFS Systems (opens in a new tab)

26. Semantic extraction model selection for IOT devices in edge-assisted semantic communications

    H. Chen, F. Fang, and X. Wang

    IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 28, no. 7, pp. 1733-1737, July 2024

    Published2024

    • Semantic communications

    IEEE Xplore: Semantic extraction model selection for IOT devices in edge-assisted semantic communications (opens in a new tab)DOI: Semantic extraction model selection for IOT devices in edge-assisted semantic communications (opens in a new tab)

27. Client Selection and Cost-Efficient Joint Optimization for NOMA-Enabled Hierarchical Federated Learning

    B. Wu, F. Fang, X. Wang, D. Cai, S. Fu, and Z. Ding

    IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 14289-14303, Oct. 2024

    Published2024

    • Edge AI & federated learning
    • NOMA & multiple access

    IEEE Xplore: Client Selection and Cost-Efficient Joint Optimization for NOMA-Enabled Hierarchical Federated Learning (opens in a new tab)DOI: Client Selection and Cost-Efficient Joint Optimization for NOMA-Enabled Hierarchical Federated Learning (opens in a new tab)

28. Maximizing the Value of Service Provisioning in Multi-User ISAC Systems through Fairness Guaranteed Collaborative Resource Allocation

    B. Li, X. Wang, and F. Fang

    IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 42, no. 9, pp. 2243-2258, Sept. 2024

    Published2024

    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: Maximizing the Value of Service Provisioning in Multi-User ISAC Systems through Fairness Guaranteed Collaborative Resource Allocation (opens in a new tab)DOI: Maximizing the Value of Service Provisioning in Multi-User ISAC Systems through Fairness Guaranteed Collaborative Resource Allocation (opens in a new tab)

29. Energy Efficiency Maximization for Downlink NOMA Designs Via Symbol-Level Precoding

    Y. Xu, F. Fang, S. Wang, D. Cai

    IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 73, no. 10, pp. 14974-14987, Oct. 2024

    Published2024

    • NOMA & multiple access

    IEEE Xplore: Energy Efficiency Maximization for Downlink NOMA Designs Via Symbol-Level Precoding (opens in a new tab)DOI: Energy Efficiency Maximization for Downlink NOMA Designs Via Symbol-Level Precoding (opens in a new tab)

30. Multi-Objective Multi-Dimensional Resource Allocation for Categorized QoS Provisioning in Beyond 5G and 6G Radio Access Networks

    Y. Fu, X. Wang and F. Fang

    IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 1790-1803, March 2024

    Published2024

    • Wireless resource optimization

    IEEE Xplore: Multi-Objective Multi-Dimensional Resource Allocation for Categorized QoS Provisioning in Beyond 5G and 6G Radio Access Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Multi-Objective Multi-Dimensional Resource Allocation for Categorized QoS Provisioning in Beyond 5G and 6G Radio Access Networks (opens in a new tab)

31. Joint Age-based Client Selection and Resource Allocation for Communication-Efficient Federated Learning over NOMA Networks

    B. Wu, F. Fang, and X. Wang

    IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 179-192, Jan. 2024

    Published2024

    • Edge AI & federated learning
    • NOMA & multiple access

    IEEE Xplore: Joint Age-based Client Selection and Resource Allocation for Communication-Efficient Federated Learning over NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Joint Age-based Client Selection and Resource Allocation for Communication-Efficient Federated Learning over NOMA Networks (opens in a new tab)

Conference papers

1. Adaptive Pareto-Optimal Token Merging for Edge Transformer Models in Semantic Communication

   O. Erak, O. Alhussein, H. Abou-Zeid and M. Bennis

   2025 IEEE Globecom Workshops (GC Wkshps), pp. 969-974, Dec. 2025

   Published2025

   • Semantic communications
   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Adaptive Pareto-Optimal Token Merging for Edge Transformer Models in Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)DOI: Adaptive Pareto-Optimal Token Merging for Edge Transformer Models in Semantic Communication (opens in a new tab)

2. Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning Systems

   B. Wu, F. Fang and X. Wang

   the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC-2025), pp. 4020-4025, June 2025

   Published2025

   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning Systems (opens in a new tab)DOI: Optimizing Value of Learning in Task-Oriented Federated Meta-Learning Systems (opens in a new tab)

3. Collaborative Knowledge Sharing-empowered Effective Semantic Rate Maximization for Two-tier Semantic-Bit Communication Networks

   H. Chen, F. Fang, and X. Wang

   the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC-2025), pp. 1-6, June 2025

   Published2025

   • Semantic communications

   IEEE Xplore: Collaborative Knowledge Sharing-empowered Effective Semantic Rate Maximization for Two-tier Semantic-Bit Communication Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Collaborative Knowledge Sharing-empowered Effective Semantic Rate Maximization for Two-tier Semantic-Bit Communication Networks (opens in a new tab)

4. A Goal-Oriented Context-Aware Adaptive Semantic Communication Scheme Using a Semantic Mask Module

   O. R. Ogunjimi, F. Chen, F. Fang and X. Wang

   2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops), pp. 1711-1716, June 2025

   Published2025

   • Semantic communications

   IEEE Xplore: A Goal-Oriented Context-Aware Adaptive Semantic Communication Scheme Using a Semantic Mask Module (opens in a new tab)DOI: A Goal-Oriented Context-Aware Adaptive Semantic Communication Scheme Using a Semantic Mask Module (opens in a new tab)

5. Leveraging Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation with Long-Context Support: For 3GPP Standards

   O. Erak, N. Alabbasi, O. Alhussein, I. Lotfi, A. Hussein, S. Muhaidat and M. Debbah

   2024 IEEE Globecom Workshops (GC Wkshps), pp. 1-6, Dec. 2024

   Published2024

   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Leveraging Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation with Long-Context Support: For 3GPP Standards (opens in a new tab)DOI: Leveraging Fine-Tuned Retrieval-Augmented Generation with Long-Context Support: For 3GPP Standards (opens in a new tab)

6. Large Language Model-Driven Curriculum Design for Mobile Networks

   O. Erak, O. Alhussein, S. Naser, N. Alabbasi, D. Mi and S. Muhaidat

   2024 IEEE/CIC International Conference on Communications in China (ICCC), pp. 179-184, Aug. 2024

   Published2024

   • Edge AI & federated learning

   IEEE Xplore: Large Language Model-Driven Curriculum Design for Mobile Networks (opens in a new tab)DOI: Large Language Model-Driven Curriculum Design for Mobile Networks (opens in a new tab)

7. Performance Optimization of Digital Twin Assisted Federated Learning over NOMA Networks Using Stackelberg Game

   B. Wu, F. Fang, and X. Wang

   the 2024 IEEE 100th Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC2024-Fall), pp. 1-6, Oct. 2024

   Published2024

   • Edge AI & federated learning
   • NOMA & multiple access

   IEEE Xplore: Performance Optimization of Digital Twin Assisted Federated Learning over NOMA Networks Using Stackelberg Game (opens in a new tab)DOI: Performance Optimization of Digital Twin Assisted Federated Learning over NOMA Networks Using Stackelberg Game (opens in a new tab)

8. An Efficient Federated Learning Framework for IoT Intrusion Detection

   Y. Chen, F. Fang, B. Wang and L. Zhang

   the 2024 IEEE 100th Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC2024-Fall), pp. 1-7, Oct. 2024

   Published2024

   • Edge AI & federated learning
   • Security & trust

   IEEE Xplore: An Efficient Federated Learning Framework for IoT Intrusion Detection (opens in a new tab)DOI: An Efficient Federated Learning Framework for IoT Intrusion Detection (opens in a new tab)

9. Accelerating and Compressing Deep Neural Networks for Massive MIMO CSI Feedback

   O. Erak and H. Abou-Zeid

   ICC 2023 - IEEE International Conference on Communications, pp. 1029-1035, June 2023

   Published2023

   • Edge AI & federated learning
   • Wireless resource optimization

   IEEE Xplore: Accelerating and Compressing Deep Neural Networks for Massive MIMO CSI Feedback (opens in a new tab)DOI: Accelerating and Compressing Deep Neural Networks for Massive MIMO CSI Feedback (opens in a new tab)

Announced in lab news

Recent paper acceptances announced by the lab.