Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces vs. Relaying: Differences, Similarities, and Performance Comparison

Understand

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have the potential of realizing the emerging concept of smart radio environments by leveraging the unique properties of meta-surfaces.

• In this article, we discuss the potential applications of RISs in wireless networks that operate at high-frequency bands, e.g., millimeter wave (30-100 GHz) and sub-millimeter wave (greater than 100 GHz) frequencies.
• When used in wireless networks, RISs may operate in a manner similar to relays.
• This paper elaborates on the key differences and similarities between RISs that are configured to operate as anomalous reflectors and relays.