Reconfiguring wireless environments via intelligent surfaces for 6G: reflection, modulation, and security

The reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) has been recognized as an essential enabling technology for sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication networks. An RIS comprises a large number of small and low-cost reflecting elements whose parameters can be dynamically adjusted with a programmable controller. Each of these elements can effectively reflect a phase-shifted version of the incident electromagnetic wave. By configuring the wave phases in real time, the propagation environment of the information-bearing signals can be dynamically manipulated to enhance communication reliability, boost transmission rate, expand cellular coverage, and strengthen communication security. In this study, we provide an overview on RIS-assisted wireless communications. Specifically, we elaborate on the state-of-the-art enabling techniques for the RIS technology as well as their corresponding substantial benefits from the perspectives of RIS reflection and RIS modulation. With these benefits, we envision the integration of RISs into emerging applications for 6G. In addition, communication security is of unprecedented importance in future 6G networks with ubiquitous wireless services in multifarious verticals and areas. We highlight potential contributions of RISs to physical-layer security, in terms of secrecy rate and secrecy outage probability, exemplified by a typical case study from both theoretical and numerical aspects. Finally, we discuss challenges and opportunities on the deployment of RISs in practice to motivate future research.