Terminology » Standard Wireless vs RIS:Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Comparison

Standard Wireless vs RIS:Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Comparison

standard wireless communication ris reconfigurable intelligent surface 6g

Introduction : Traditional wireless communication systems, often referred to as standard wireless systems, rely primarily on active components such as base stations, access points, and antennas to transmit and receive signals. In such systems, the wireless environment itself is typically passive and uncontrollable, which can lead to issues like signal fading, interference, and coverage gaps.

To address these limitations, the concept of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) has emerged as a revolutionary technology for next-generation (6G) networks. An RIS consists of a large array of programmable reflecting elements that can dynamically manipulate electromagnetic waves to enhance signal propagation and network performance.

RIS technology enables improved coverage, reduced interference and enhanced energy efficiency by intelligently reflecting and directing signals toward users. Although still in the developmental stage, RIS has the potential to complement or even replace traditional solutions like massive MIMO and relay stations in future networks.

Key differences

Comparing standard wireless systems with RIS assisted systems helps to understand how RIS technology transforms the wireless environment from a passive medium into an intelligent and controllable part of the communication process.

Feature	Standard Wireless Communication	Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)
Core Philosophy	Adaptive: The system adapts to the random and uncontrolled wireless environment.	Controlling: The system actively controls and programs the wireless environment to make it favorable for communication.
Role of the Environment	The environment (walls, buildings, objects) is a passive and detrimental factor that causes signal loss, fading, and blockages.	The environment is transformed into an active and beneficial part of the network, creating a “Smart Radio Environment.”
Technology Type	Relies on active components like power amplifiers and complex transceivers to transmit and receive signals.	A nearly passive metasurface composed of many small, electronically-tuned reflecting elements. It does not generate its own signals.
Energy Consumption	Active components in transmitters and receivers are power-hungry and a major source of energy consumption in the network.	Inherently low power, as the reflecting elements consume very little energy to change their phase state.
Main Function	Generates, modulates, and decodes radio signals at the endpoints (e.g., base station, user device).	Manipulates, reflects, and steers existing radio signals that impinge upon its surface.
Approach to “poor channel”	Overcomes a poor channel (e.g., a blockage) with complex signal processing, higher transmission power, or by finding an alternative path.	Improves the channel itself by creating a “virtual” line-of-sight path around the blockage, simplifying the communication task.
Signal path	The signal travels directly from the transmitter to the receiver, or via random, uncontrolled reflections.	Creates an additional, intelligent and controllable indirect signal path from the transmitter to the RIS and then to the receiver.
Hardware Complexity	Requires complex and costly active hardware (mixers, filters, power amplifiers, ADCs/DACs) at the transceivers.	Composed of a large number of simple, low-cost, passive reflecting elements (like MEMS or varactors) controlled by a basic micro-controller.
Deployment Location	Deployed at the endpoints of the communication link (e.g., cell towers, Wi-Fi access points, smartphones).	Deployed in the environment between the endpoints (e.g., on building facades, walls, ceilings, advertising billboards).
Impact on the System	Improvements are focused on the capabilities of the transmitter and receiver.	Improvements are focused on the entire communication link and ecosystem, enhancing coverage and performance for all users in its vicinity.

Conclusion: In summary, while standard wireless systems depend on active network infrastructure to manage signal transmission, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces introduce a new paradigm where the environment itself becomes adaptive and intelligent. The comparison highlights that RIS is not merely an enhancement of standard wireless systems but a transformative step toward programmable and sustainable wireless communication in the 6G era.