Shaping a Smarter Electromagnetic Landscape: IAB, NCR, and RIS in 5G Standard and Future 6G

TL;DR

This paper reviews the evolution and standardization of innovative wireless infrastructure components like IAB, NCR, and RIS in 5G and future 6G networks, emphasizing their role in enhancing throughput and reliability.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the standardization process and technological advancements of IAB, NCR, and RIS in 5G and upcoming 6G networks.

Findings

IAB offers a cost-effective alternative to fiber backhaul.

NCRs enable active wireless environment control.

RIS actively adapts the electromagnetic landscape for improved performance.

Abstract

The main objective of 5G and beyond networks is to provide an optimal user experience in terms of throughput and reliability, irrespective of location and time. To achieve this, traditional fixed macro base station deployments are being replaced by more innovative and flexible solutions, such as wireless backhaul and relays. This article focuses on the evolution and standardization of these advancements, which are shaping the electromagnetic landscape. Specifically, we explore Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, which offer a cost-efficient and agile alternative to fiber backhaul. We also discuss Network-Controlled Repeaters (NCRs) and the emergence of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) actively adapting the wireless environment. The article provides an overview of the 5G features and ongoing developments in 3GPP Release 18 related to these intelligent EM entities, highlighting the expected evolution of future wireless networks in terms of architecture, operations, and control signals.