Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) constitute the key enabler for programmable electromagnetic propagation environments, and are lately being considered as a candidate physical-layer technology for the demanding connectivity, reliability, localization, and sustainability requirements of next generation wireless networks. In this paper, we first present the deployment scenarios for RIS-enabled smart wireless environments that have been recently designed within the ongoing European Union Horizon 2020 RISE-6G project, as well as a network architecture integrating RISs with existing standardized interfaces. We identify various RIS deployment strategies and sketch the core architectural requirements in terms of RIS control and signaling, depending on the RIS hardware architectures and respective capabilities. Furthermore, we introduce and discuss, with the aid of simulations and reflectarray measurements, two novel metrics that emerge in the context of RIS-empowered wireless systems: the RIS bandwidth and area of influence. Their extensive investigation corroborates the need for careful deployment and planning of the RIS technology in future networks.
翻译:重新配置的智能表面(RIS)是可用于编程的电磁传播环境的关键推进器,最近被视作是下一代无线网络要求的连通性、可靠性、本地化和可持续性要求的候选物理级技术。本文首先介绍最近在欧洲联盟当前地平线2020年RISE-6G项目范围内设计的基于RIS的智能无线环境的部署设想,以及将RIS与现有标准化界面相结合的网络结构。我们根据RIS硬件架构和各自能力,确定各种RIS部署战略,并勾画出RIS控制和信号方面的核心建筑要求。此外,我们在模拟和反射阵列测量的帮助下,介绍和讨论在RIS动力无线系统中出现的两种新指标:RIS带宽度和影响区。它们的广泛调查证实了在未来网络中仔细部署和规划RIS技术的必要性。</s>