Proceeding Paper

Wireless Communications beyond Antennas: The Role of

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces †
Moazzam Shah Bukhari Syed 1, *, Hafiz Muhammad Attaullah 2 , Sundus Ali 2 and Muhammad Imran Aslam 2

1 School of Information & Communications Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
2 Department of Telecommunication Engineering, NED University of Engineering Technology,
Karachi 75270, Pakistan; [email protected] (H.M.A.); [email protected] (S.A.);
[email protected] (M.I.A.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]
† Presented at the 2nd International Conference on Emerging Trends in Electronic and Telecommunication
Engineering, Karachi, Pakistan, 15–16 March 2023.

Abstract: Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are a new and emerging technology that has the
potential to revolutionize the way that wireless communication systems are designed and imple-
mented. These surfaces are made up of a large number of small, individually controllable elements,
each of which can be used to manipulate the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves that
pass through it. This allows them to perform a wide range of functions, including wireless power
transfer, beamforming, and cloaking. In this work, we provide an overview of the principles and
applications of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and we discuss the advantages and challenges
of these surfaces in wireless communications. We also provide an overview of the current state of
research in this area. Moreover, we outline the future directions for the development of these surfaces.

Keywords: 5G; 6G; reconfigurable intelligent surfaces; next generation wireless systems;
wireless communications

1. Introduction
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), also known as smart surfaces, are a rela-
Citation: Syed, M.S.B.; Attaullah, tively new type of technology that has the potential to revolutionize the field of wireless
H.M.; Ali, S.; Aslam, M.I. Wireless communications. These surfaces are made up of a large number of small, individually
Communications beyond Antennas: controllable elements that can be used to manipulate electromagnetic waves in a desired
The Role of Reconfigurable manner. By changing the shape and orientation of these elements, reconfigurable intelligent
Intelligent Surfaces. Eng. Proc. 2023, surfaces can be used to reflect, absorb, or transmit electromagnetic waves, allowing them
32, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ to perform a variety of different functions.
engproc2023032010 Wireless communications have become an integral part of modern society, with an
Academic Editors: Muhammad
increasing number of devices relying on wireless connections to communicate with one
Faizan Shirazi and Saba Javed
another and access the internet. The demand for wireless data is expected to continue to
grow in the coming years, and new technologies will be needed to meet this demand [1].
Published: 24 April 2023 Traditional wireless communication technologies, such as multiple-input multiple-output
(MIMO) systems, have been successful in increasing the capacity and coverage of wireless
networks, but they have reached their limits in terms of performance [2].
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
RISs have the potential to be a key technology for next-generation wireless commu-
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
nications, as they offer several advantages over traditional antennas. These surfaces can
This article is an open access article
be made much smaller and more compact than traditional antennas, making them more
distributed under the terms and suitable for use in devices with limited space [3]. They also have the ability to adapt
conditions of the Creative Commons their shape and configuration to the specific needs of the wireless communication system,
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// allowing them to perform a wider range of functions than traditional antennas [4]. In
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ addition, RISs can be integrated into a variety of different materials and surfaces, making
4.0/). them more versatile and easier to deploy in a variety of different environments.

Eng. Proc. 2023, 32, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023032010 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/engproc

Eng. Proc. 2023, 32, 10 2 of 7

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of RISs as a next-generation

wireless technology. The paper begins by discussing the technical background of these sur-
faces, including their basic principles and the concept of metasurfaces. It will then explore
the various applications of RISs in wireless communications, including their use in wireless
power transfer, beamforming, and cloaking. The paper also discusses the advantages and
challenges of using these surfaces in wireless communications and concludes with a discus-
sion of the potential impact of these surfaces on the future of wireless communications.

2. Technical Background
Wireless communications rely on the transmission and reception of electromagnetic
waves, which are often generated and detected using antennas. Antennas come in a variety
of shapes and sizes, and each type is designed to operate over a specific range of frequencies
and to provide a specific level of performance. The design and placement of antennas play
a critical role in the performance of a wireless communication system, as the antennas are
responsible for converting electrical signals into electromagnetic waves and vice versa.
RISs are a new type of technology that can be used in place of traditional antennas to
transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. These surfaces are made up of a large number
of small, individually controllable elements, each of which can be used to manipulate the
phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves that pass through it. By changing the
shape and orientation of these elements, RISs can be used to reflect, absorb, or transmit
electromagnetic waves, allowing them to perform a variety of different functions.
The basic principles behind RISs are rooted in the concept of metasurfaces. A metasur-
face is a two-dimensional structure that is composed of a large number of subwavelength-
sized elements, each of which can be individually controlled to manipulate the phase
and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves that pass through it [5]. These elements
can be made from a variety of different materials, including metals, dielectrics, and semi-
conductors, and can be arranged in a variety of different patterns to achieve specific
electromagnetic properties [6].
Metasurfaces have been used in a variety of different applications, including antennas,
filters, polarizers, and beamformers [7]. However, the concept of RISs takes the idea of
metasurfaces one step further by adding the ability to control the shape and orientation
of the elements in real time. This allows RISs to adapt their shape and configuration to
the specific needs of the wireless communication system, making them more versatile and
efficient than traditional antennas [3].
In addition to their ability to adapt their shape and configuration, RISs have several
other advantages over traditional antennas. These surfaces can be made much smaller and
more compact than traditional antennas, making them more suitable for use in devices
with limited space [2,8].
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces have recently gained significant attention as a
promising solution for enhancing the performance of wireless communication systems.
RISs are passive, reconfigurable metasurfaces that can manipulate the phase, amplitude,
and polarization of impinging electromagnetic waves. The ability to intelligently control the
reflection of impinging waves enables the RIS to act as a programmable reflector, allowing
for the tailoring of the wireless propagation environment to improve the performance of
wireless communication systems.
The research on RISs has so far been focused on three main application areas:
Spectrum efficiency: by judiciously controlling the phase shifts of the RIS elements,
the interference level between different transmission links can be minimized, leading to
improved spectrum efficiency;
Energy efficiency: by directing the signal energy towards the intended receiver, the
energy efficiency of wireless communication systems can be improved;
Physical layer security: by creating a favorable propagation environment for the
legitimate users and a hostile environment for eavesdroppers, the physical layer security of
wireless communication systems can be enhanced.
Eng. Proc. 2023, 32, 10 3 of 7

Table 1 summarizes the main research challenges [5] and opportunities in the field of
RIS-aided wireless communication systems.

Table 1. List of open research challenges and opportunities within RISs.

Research Challenges Research Opportunities

Channel modeling Spectrum efficiency
Protocol design Energy efficiency
Complexity Physical layer security
Synchronization Cooperation and coordination among multi-RIS systems
Energy efficiency Potential for use in Millimeter Wave and Terahertz communications
Security and privacy Integration with other technologies such as MIMO and NOMA
Deployment and maintenance Ability to enhance coverage and capacity in indoor and outdoor environments
Interference management Feasibility for integration in 5G and beyond cellular networks

As RIS-aided wireless communication systems continue to evolve, there is a growing

need for further research to fully understand their potential and to develop practical
solutions for their implementation. This includes the development of efficient algorithms
for the design and control of RISs, the investigation of novel application areas for RISs, and
the implementation of large-scale experimental testbeds to validate the performance of
RIS-aided wireless communication systems.
While the field is currently in its infancy and many research opportunities are available,
there are also some challenges that need to be resolved in order to fully realize the potential
of RISs in wireless communication systems.

3. Application of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

RISs have a wide range of potential applications in wireless communications, and
researchers are actively exploring the use of these surfaces in a variety of different scenarios.
Some of the most promising applications of these surfaces include wireless power transfer,
beamforming, and cloaking.
Wireless power transfer is the process of transferring electrical energy from a power
source to a device without the use of physical cables. This is typically performed using elec-
tromagnetic waves, which can be generated and received using antennas. Reconfigurable
intelligent surfaces can be used in place of traditional antennas to transfer power wirelessly,
and they offer several advantages over traditional methods. For example, they can be made
much smaller and more compact than traditional antennas, making them more suitable for
use in portable devices [9,10].
In Figure 1 [11], some examples of how RISs can be used in various new sub-6 GHz sys-
tems with the help of primary and secondary transmitters and receivers (PUs, SUs) include:
a. Utilizing RISs to enhance the performance of multi-cell networks;
b. Using RISs to improve the performance of simultaneous wireless information and
power transfer (SWIPT) systems;
c. Implementing RISs in mobile edge computing (MEC) networks to improve
network performance;
d. Enhancing the performance of multi-group multicast systems using RISs;
e. Utilizing RISs to improve the performance of physical layer security (PLS) systems;
f. Using RISs to enhance the performance of cooperative relaying (CR) networks.
Eng.
Eng. Proc. 2023, 32,
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volume, 44 of
of 77

Figure 1. Exploring the potential of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in emerging sub-6 GHz sys-
Figure 1. Exploring the potential of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in emerging sub-6
tems [12].
GHz systems [12].

Beamforming is
Beamforming is aa technique
technique thatthat is
is used
used toto direct
direct electromagnetic
electromagnetic waves waves inin aa specific
specific
direction, and it is commonly used in wireless communication
direction, and it is commonly used in wireless communication systems to increase the range systems to increase the
range and capacity of the network. Reconfigurable intelligent
and capacity of the network. Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces can be used to shape the surfaces can be used to
shape the beam of the electromagnetic waves, allowing them
beam of the electromagnetic waves, allowing them to be directed towards specific devicesto be directed towards spe-
cific
or to devices or to avoid
avoid obstacles [13]. obstacles
This can be [13]. This can useful
particularly be particularly useful in
in environments environments
where the signal
where
is pronethe to signal is prone
interference or to interference
where there areormultiple
where there
devices arethat
multiple
need todevices that need to
be connected.
be connected.
Cloaking is the process of making an object or area invisible to electromagnetic waves,
and itCloaking
is a techniqueis thethat process of making
has been of interestantoobject or area
researchers forinvisible to electromagnetic
many years. Reconfigurable
waves, and it is a technique that has been of interest to researchers
intelligent surfaces can be used to create cloaking devices that can make an object for many years. orRecon-
area
invisible to electromagnetic waves over a specific range of frequencies [14]. This couldanhave
figurable intelligent surfaces can be used to create cloaking devices that can make ob-
aject
wideor range
area invisible
of practical to electromagnetic wavesmilitary,
applications, including over a specific
security,range of frequencies
and medical [14].
applications.
This could have
Additionally, it cana wide
enablerange
the of practical applications,
deployment of machine including military, security,
learning algorithms and
to the edge
medical
device applications.
where the data Additionally,
are generated.it can enable the deployment of machine learning al-
gorithms to the edge
In addition to thesedevice where the reconfigurable
applications, data are generated.intelligent surfaces have also been
In addition to these applications, reconfigurable
used in a variety of other scenarios, including radar systems, intelligent surfaces
wireless have
charging, andalso been
wireless
used in aAs
sensing. variety
research of other
in thisscenarios, including
area continues radar systems,
to progress, wireless
it is likely charging,
that new and wire-
and innovative
applications
less sensing. for As these
research surfaces
in thiswill
areabecontinues
discovered. to progress, it is likely that new and inno-
vative applications for these surfaces will be discovered.
4. Advantages and Challenges in Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
4. Advantages and Challenges
RISs have several advantages in Reconfigurable Intelligent
over traditional antennas inSurfaces
wireless communications,
including their size, versatility, and adaptability. These surfaces
RISs have several advantages over traditional antennas in wirelesscan be made much smaller
communications,
and more compact
including thanversatility,
their size, traditionalandantennas, making them
adaptability. Thesemore suitable
surfaces canforbeuse in devices
made much
with limited space [3,10]. Additionally, these surfaces have the ability to adapt
smaller and more compact than traditional antennas, making them more suitable for use their shape
and configuration
in devices to thespace
with limited specific needs
[3,10]. of the wireless
Additionally, thesecommunication
surfaces have the system,
abilityallowing
to adapt
them to perform a wider range of functions than traditional antennas [4].
their shape and configuration to the specific needs of the wireless communication system,
Despite
allowing themthese advantages,
to perform there
a wider are several
range challenges
of functions to the widespread
than traditional antennas adoption
[4]. of
reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in wireless communications. One of the main
Despite these advantages, there are several challenges to the widespread adoption of challenges
is the cost of these surfaces, as they require a large number of individually controllable
reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in wireless communications. One of the main chal-
elements, which can be expensive to manufacture and maintain [11]. Another challenge
lenges is the cost of these surfaces, as they require a large number of individually control-
is the complexity of these surfaces, as they require sophisticated control algorithms to
lable elements, which can be expensive to manufacture and maintain [11]. Another chal-
optimize their performance and adapt to changing conditions [14]. Additionally, there are
lenge is the complexity of these surfaces, as they require sophisticated control algorithms
regulatory and standards issues that need to be addressed before these surfaces can be
to optimize their performance and adapt to changing conditions [14]. Additionally, there
deployed on a large scale [15].
are regulatory and standards issues that need to be addressed before these surfaces can
be deployed on a large scale [15].
 gry, and as a result, it is important to design energy-efficient algorithms to manage the
RIS;
Security and privacy: the use of a large number of RIS elements can pose security
risks, and it is important to implement robust security mechanisms to protect the network
Eng. Proc. 2023, 32, 10 from malicious attacks; 5 of 7
Deployment and maintenance: the deployment and maintenance of an RIS-empow-
ered network can be costly and requires careful planning to ensure that the network is
deployed in the most efficient and effective manner;
There are several challenges that may occur in a scenario that is discussed in Figure 2 [16],
Interference: introducing an RIS can introduce more interference in the network due
which must be addressed when implementing an RIS-empowered smart radio network [17],
to the reflecting of the signals, which can lead to more difficulty in managing it.
such as:

Figure 2.
Figure 2. Scenario
Scenarioforfor
challenges of implementing
challenges a reconfigurable
of implementing intelligent
a reconfigurable surfacesurface
intelligent (RIS)-empow-
(RIS)-
ered smart radio network [16].
empowered smart radio network [16].

In order modeling:
Channel to overcome thethese challenges
behavior and realize
of the signal the full in
propagation potential of reconfigurable
the presence of an RIS is
intelligent surfaces in wireless communications, further research
not well understood, which makes it difficult to accurately model the channel; and development is
needed. This design:
Protocol includes thethe integration
development of of newinto
RISs materials
a radioand manufacturing
network requires techniques
the devel-
that can of
opment reduce
new the cost and
protocols to complexity
manage theofRIS these
andsurfaces, as well
coordinate its as the development
operation with otherof
new control
network algorithms and protocols that can optimize their performance and adaptabil-
elements;
ity. Complexity: the control and management of a large number of RIS elements can be
computationally complex and may require advanced algorithms to optimize the perfor-
5. Future
mance Research
of the network; Directions for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
Synchronization:
RISs have the potentialthe RIS to
elements must bethe
revolutionize synchronized to workcommunication
way that wireless together effectively,
sys-
which can be a challenging task especially when the network is highly dynamic;
tems are designed and implemented, and research in this area is actively ongoing. In the
Energy
future, efficiency:
it is likely the operation
that these of anbe
surfaces will RIS-empowered
used in a wide network can be power-hungry,
range of different applications,
and as a result, it is important to design energy-efficient
including wireless power transfer, beamforming, and cloaking. algorithms to manage the RIS;
Security and privacy: the use of a large number of RIS elements can pose security
risks, and it is important to implement robust security mechanisms to protect the network
from malicious attacks;
Deployment and maintenance: the deployment and maintenance of an RIS-empowered
network can be costly and requires careful planning to ensure that the network is deployed
in the most efficient and effective manner;
Interference: introducing an RIS can introduce more interference in the network due
to the reflecting of the signals, which can lead to more difficulty in managing it.
In order to overcome these challenges and realize the full potential of reconfigurable
intelligent surfaces in wireless communications, further research and development is
needed. This includes the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques
that can reduce the cost and complexity of these surfaces, as well as the development of
new control algorithms and protocols that can optimize their performance and adaptability.

5. Future Research Directions for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

RISs have the potential to revolutionize the way that wireless communication systems
are designed and implemented, and research in this area is actively ongoing. In the future, it
is likely that these surfaces will be used in a wide range of different applications, including
wireless power transfer, beamforming, and cloaking.
One area of particular interest is the use of RISs in 6G wireless networks. The next
generation of wireless networks is expected to be significantly faster and more efficient
than previous generations, and RISs have the potential to play a key role in achieving these
Eng. Proc. 2023, 32, 10 6 of 7

goals [13]. Researchers are exploring the use of these surfaces to improve the capacity
and coverage of 6G networks, as well as to reduce the energy consumption and latency of
these systems [4].
Another area of focus is the integration of RISs into existing infrastructure. Many of
the current applications of these surfaces require the deployment of additional hardware,
which can be expensive and complex. However, it is possible to integrate these surfaces
into existing infrastructure, such as walls, windows, and ceilings, which could greatly
simplify the deployment process [16,17]. This could have a significant impact on the cost
and feasibility of using these surfaces in a variety of different settings.
Researchers have been exploring various applications of RISs, including in 5G and
beyond networks, radar systems, and satellite communications. They have also been inves-
tigating the design, optimization, and implementation of RISs using advanced materials,
signal processing, and machine learning techniques. Despite the challenges, the field of
wireless communications beyond antennas is rapidly evolving, and RISs are expected to
play a crucial role in the future of wireless technology.
Overall, the future of RISs is bright, and it is likely that these surfaces will play a major
role in the development of future wireless communication systems.

Author Contributions: M.S.B.S. brainstormed, identified the topic, and structured the review study.
H.M.A. and M.S.B.S. jointly contributed to the reviewing of various studies as per the set structure of
the study. H.M.A. carried out intensive writing as well as proofreading. Moreover, S.A. and M.I.A.
critically reviewed and evaluated the study. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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