Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in Action for Non-Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

This paper explores the application of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to enhance coordination and performance in non-terrestrial and interplanetary communication networks, addressing environmental challenges and proposing a comprehensive framework.

Contribution

It introduces a novel RIS-assisted framework for non-terrestrial and interplanetary communications, highlighting its suitability for space constraints and discussing performance under environmental effects.

Findings

RIS improves NTN coordination efficiency

Simulation results show RIS effectiveness under environmental effects

Framework identifies key challenges and use cases

Abstract

Next-generation communication technology will be made possible by cooperation between terrestrial networks with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) comprised of high-altitude platform stations and satellites. Further, as humanity embarks on the long road to establish new habitats on other planets, cooperation between NTN and deep-space networks (DSN) will be necessary. In this regard, we propose the use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to improve coordination between these networks given that RIS perfectly match the size, weight, and power restrictions of operating in space. A comprehensive framework of RIS-assisted non-terrestrial and interplanetary communications is presented that pinpoints challenges, use cases, and open issues. Furthermore, the performance of RIS-assisted NTN under environmental effects such as solar scintillation and satellite drag is discussed in light of simulation results.