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System-Level Assessment of Massive Multiple-Input–Multiple-Output and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in Centralized Radio Access Network and IoT Scenarios in Sub-6 GHz, mm-Wave, and THz Bands

Pavia, J.P. ; Velez, V. ; Souto, N.S. ; Silva, M. ; Correia, A.

Applied Sciences Vol. 14, Nº 3, pp. 1098 - 1098, January, 2024.

ISSN (print):
ISSN (online): 2076-3417

Scimago Journal Ranking: 0,51 (in 2023)

Digital Object Identifier: 10.3390/app14031098

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Abstract
In this article we investigate in different scenarios the feasibility of using massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) to increase the throughput and the coverage with high energy efficiency, considering sub-6 GHz, mmWave and THz bands. With that objective, a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) suitable for beyond fifth generation (B5G) systems is considered, where we integrate the base stations (BSs) with multiple RISs and IoT devices or user equipment. RISs with a large number of quasi-passive re-flecting elements constitute a low-cost approach capable of shaping the radio wave propagation and improve wireless connectivity. We consider a scenario where multiple RISs are combined with mMIMO in the uplink in order to provide connectivity to Smart City (thousands of active low power IoT devices) wirelessly, in the 3.6GHz and 28GHz bands. We also address a scenario where RISs are adopted with mMIMO in the downlink so as to offer connectivity to a Stadium with Pitch, (thousands of active user equipment) in the 28GHz band. Finally, we have also stud-ied the connectivity at 100GHz of a Factory where several RIS panels replacing most of the BSs equipped with mMIMO assure improved throughput and coverage. We concluded that RISs are capable of improving the performance in any of these analyzed scenarios at the different fre-quency bands, justifying that they are a key enabling technology for 6G.