Toward RIS-Enhanced Integrated Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Connectivity in 6G-Enabled IoE Era

The next generation of wireless systems will take the concept of communications and networking to another level and turn the vision of Internet of Everything (IoE) into reality. Everywhere connectivity through the integration of terrestrial, aerial, satellite, maritime, and underwater communications is expected in 6G-enabled IoE systems, where various services with satisfying performance are proffered in an uninterrupted universal manner. The successful realization of this ambitious goal relies on the development of pioneering solutions which can revolutionize the future of wireless technologies, while being secure, scalable, and reliable. Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is a novel paradigm which has recently been on the research spotlight and shown promising signs to expedite the evolution of 6G-enabled integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial (INTENT) IoE networks. Motivated by the unparalleled properties of this innovatory technology, we herein set forth the architecture of RIS-enhanced 6G-enabled INTENT IoE networks and clarify the decisive role of RIS in such an integrated environment. We also present the key challenges which need to be addressed for the successful realization of RIS-enhanced 6G systems in all dimensions.