Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) have emerged as a promising technology for enhancing future wireless communications systems. By utilizing metamaterials to control electromagnetic waves, RIS can provide significant advantages such as improved coverage, energy efficiency, and enhanced multipath propagation. These benefits are particularly valuable in millimeter wave systems and traditional sub-6 GHz networks.

RIS technology has garnered attention from standardization bodies like 3GPP and ETSI, who are exploring its potential applications and regulatory implications. Industry groups and research projects are also actively investigating RIS for beyond-5G technologies, including joint communications and sensing, and artificial intelligence.

In this white paper, explore how RIS continues to gain momentum, understanding its specific test and measurement requirements is crucial for successful implementation. This white paper provides an overview of RIS technology, its applications, and the associated measurement challenges.