Project description
Intelligent metasurface transformation of wireless networks
The operation of cellular networks remains conditioned by inherent limitations imposed by wireless channels. The EU-funded Pathfinder project will try to boost a wireless 2.0 model in order to adapt wireless channels to the operation of cellular networks. This will allow them to prevail over inherent limitations. The project will build on innovations in the field of electromagnetic metamaterials that can control and handle radio waves. This technology permits the design and production of software-reconfigurable intelligent metasurfaces (RISs) that optimise wireless channels and allow the control of waves from within these channels. The project aims to set the theoretical and algorithmic bases of RIS-empowered wireless 2.0 networks that will lead to further transformations of wireless networks.
Objective
The long-term vision of Pathfinder is to kick-start a wireless 2.0 paradigm where wireless channels will adapt to the operation of cellular networks, allowing networks to overcome the inherent limitations imposed by wireless channels hitherto. In this course, Pathfinder builds upon the advancements in the area of electromagnetic meta-materials that can control and manipulate radio waves. This technology allows for designing and fabricating software reconfigurable intelligent meta-surfaces (RISs) that dynamically optimize the wireless channels in response to the dynamic behavior of radio waves, showing an unprecedented potential to control waves from within the wireless channels.
This control allows for radio waves to circumvent physical obstacles, improving network coverage, while the phase alignment of RIS constituent elements can maximize the power at the receiver through constructive interference. This, can increase data-rates and reduce the transmit power. Furthermore, sensors and IoT devices can “recycle” and backscatter the ambient radio waves through RISs instead of generating their own, realizing the objective of smart, interconnected cities by employing passive elements that neither generate radio waves nor consume power to generate them.
In this setup, the overarching objective of Pathfinder is to set the theoretical and algorithmic foundations of RIS enabled wireless 2.0 networks by deriving: (1) physics-inspired models for the RIS/radio wave interaction. (2) communication & information-theoretic models for RISs networks. (3) models for large-scale analysis of RIS networks. (4) algorithms for the design and optimization of RIS operation. (5) measurements for the experimental verification of the developed models and algorithms. The realization of these objectives can indeed transform wireless networks, driving the economic and intellectual growth of all European society, creating new jobs, increasing revenues and simplifying our lives.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet of things
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
75794 Paris
France