Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-empowered communication is being considered as an enabling technology for sixth generation (6G) wireless networks. The key idea of RIS-assisted communication is to enhance the capacity, coverage, energy efficiency, physical layer security, and many other aspects of modern wireless networks. At the same time, mobile edge computing (MEC) has already shown its huge potential by extending the computation, communication, and caching capabilities of a standalone cloud server to the network edge. In this article, we first provide an overview of how MEC and RIS can benefit each other. We envision that the integration of MEC and RIS will bring an unprecedented transformation to the future evolution of wireless networks. We provide a system-level perspective on the MEC-aided RIS (and RIS-assisted MEC) that will evolve wireless network towards 6G. We also outline some of the fundamental challenges that pertain to the implementation of MEC-aided RIS (and RIS-assisted MEC) networks. Finally, the key research trends in the RIS-assisted MEC are discussed.
翻译:将独立云层服务器的计算、通信和缓存能力扩展至网络边缘,从而显示了移动边缘计算(MEC)的巨大潜力。在本篇文章中,我们首先概述了MEC和RIC可如何相互受益。我们设想,整合MEC和RIC将给无线网络的未来演变带来前所未有的转变。我们从系统一级的角度看待MEC辅助的RIS(和RIS辅助的MEC),将无线网络发展为6G。我们还概述了与实施MEC辅助的RIS(和RIS辅助的MEC)网络有关的一些基本挑战。最后,我们讨论了RIC辅助的MEC的关键研究趋势。