Simultaneously Transmitting And Reflecting Surfaces (STARS) for Multi-Functional 6G

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of Simultaneously Transmitting and Reflecting Surfaces (STARS) to enhance multi-functional 6G wireless networks, covering communication, sensing, computing, and standardization aspects.

Contribution

It introduces various types of STARS, proposes three sensing architectures, and discusses applications for computing and caching in 6G networks.

Findings

Different STARS types with unique capabilities are characterized.

Three innovative STARS-enabled sensing architectures are proposed.

Progress in standardization supports STARS integration in 6G.

Abstract

Simultaneously transmitting and reflecting surface (STARS) empowered multi-functional 6G wireless networks are investigated. Starting with the communication functionality, various types of STARS are introduced in terms of power amplification capabilities, reciprocity features, and spatial density of elements. Then, three STARS-empowered wireless sensing architectures are proposed, namely STARS-aided monostatic sensing, STARS-enabled bistatic sensing, and sensing with target-mounted STARS, where the representative benefits and application challenges are identified. Furthermore, promising applications of STARS for computing and caching functionalities are explored to improve the computation efficiency and reduce the content delivery latency. Finally, recent standardization progress for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces is presented for motivating the employment of STARS in multi-functional 6G.