Intelligent Reflection as a Service (IRaaS): System Architecture, Enabling Technologies, and Deployment Strategy

TL;DR

This paper introduces IRaaS, a system architecture for intelligent reflection surfaces in 6G networks, enabling flexible, on-demand services through cloud and resource pooling technologies, thus accelerating RIS deployment.

Contribution

It proposes the IRaaS framework, detailing its architecture, enabling technologies, and deployment strategy to facilitate RIS integration in future mobile networks.

Findings

IRaaS simplifies RIS deployment for telecom operators.

The framework supports on-demand intelligent reflection services.

IRaaS accelerates RIS adoption from technical and commercial perspectives.

Abstract

Reflecting intelligent surface (RIS) is a promising technology for 6G mobile communications. However, identifying the niche of RIS within the mobile networks is a challenging task. To mitigate the escalating system complexity of mobile networks, we propose the concept of Intelligent Reflection as a Service (IRaaS), and discuss its system architecture, enabling technologies, and deployment strategy, respectively. By leveraging technologies such as resource pooling, service based architecture (SBA), cloud infrastructure, and model-free signal processing, IRaaS empowers telecom operators to deliver on-demand intelligent reflection services without a radical update of current communication protocols. In addition, IRaaS brings a novel deployment strategy that creates new opportunities for the vendors of intelligent reflection service and balances the interests of both telecom operators and property owners. IRaaS is expected to speed up the rollout of RIS from both technical perspective and commercial perspective, fostering an authentic smart radio environment for future mobile communications.