LiFi through reconfigurable intelligent surfaces: a new frontier for 6G?

Abumarshoud, H. , Mohjazi, L. , Dobre, O. A., Di Renzo, M., Imran, M. A. and Haas, H. (2022) LiFi through reconfigurable intelligent surfaces: a new frontier for 6G? IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, 17(1), pp. 37-46. (doi: 10.1109/MVT.2021.3121647)

Abstract

Light fidelity (LiFi), which is based on visible-light communications (VLC), is celebrated as a cutting-edge technological paradigm that is envisioned to be an indispensable part of 6G systems. Nonetheless, LiFi performance is subject to efficiently overcoming line-of-sight (LoS) blockage, whose adverse effect on the reliability of wireless reception becomes even more pronounced in highly dynamic environments, such as vehicular applications. Meanwhile, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have recently emerged as a revolutionary concept that transforms the physical propagation environment into a fully controllable and customizable space using a low-cost, low-power approach. We anticipate that the integration of RISs into LiFi-enabled networks will not only support blockage mitigation but will also provision complex interactions among network entities, and is hence manifested as a promising platform that enables a plethora of technological trends and new applications. In this article, for the first time in open literature, we set the scene for a holistic overview of RIS-assisted LiFi systems. Specifically, we explore the underlying RIS architecture from the perspective of physics and present a forward-looking vision that outlines potential operational elements supported by RIS-enabled transceivers and environments. Finally, we highlight major associated challenges and offer a look ahead toward promising future directions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Harald Haas acknowledges the financial support from the Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under Established Career Fellowship grant EP/R007101/1.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Imran, Professor Muhammad and Abumarshoud, Dr Hanaa and Mohjazi, Dr Lina
• Authors: Abumarshoud, H., Mohjazi, L., Dobre, O. A., Di Renzo, M., Imran, M. A., and Haas, H.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1556-6072
• ISSN (Online): 1556-6080
• Published Online: 12 November 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine 17(1): 37-46
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy