Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Supported Wireless Communications

Abstract

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) have been recently considered in communication environments for focusing signal reflections to create smart radio environments. As it can create favorable propagation conditions by controlling the phase shifts of the reflected signals at the surface to enhance the communication quality. However, the current proofs of concept require complex operations for the RIS configuration, which are mainly realized via wired control connections. When used in wireless networks, RISs may contribute enhance wireless communications. The present paper, compares the RIS technology with the SISO case and evaluates the performance of RIS assisted communication system by giving an approximation of the achievable data rate and the energy efficiency, and investigates the effect of the achievable data rate and distances on the energy efficiency. In this work, based on a work by Emil Björnson [18], we have studied the impact of RIS on the wireless sensor networks by modifying some parameters and giving more interpretations. In particular, we illustrate numerical results that highlight the spectral efficiency gains of RISs when their size is sufficiently large as compared with the wavelength of the radio waves. In addition, we discuss key open issues that need to be addressed for unlocking the potential benefits of RISs for application to wireless communications and networks.