RIS-Assisted Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: New Horizons for Flexible Access and Connectivity

Lina Bariah, Lina Mohjazi, Hanaa Abumarshoud, Bassant Selim, Sami Muhaidat, Mallik Tatipamula, Muhammad Ali Imran, Harald Haas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN) has emerged as a paradigm shifting architecture that offers largescale, flexible wireless coverage and seamless, high-rate connectivity to complement terrestrial communications. Nonetheless, unlocking the potentials of SAGIN is subject to addressing nontrivial challenges associated with their inherent time-variability, self-organization, and heterogeneity. Meanwhile, the concept of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) is recognized as a disruptive technology that supports an unprecedented control of electromagnetic waves propagation and potentially offers significant enhancements in spectral efficiency, coverage expansion, and security, all achieved in a low-cost and energy-efficient manner. We anticipate that the integration of RISs into SAGIN will not only play a fundamental role in improving the quality of interand intra- layer communications, but will also provide complex interactions among the three network segments, and hence, opens the horizons for a new breed of applications across all industries. In this article, we explore the underlying opportunities and challenges of integrating RIS-enabled communications into SAGIN, and present a forward-looking overview of the crosslayer operational elements supported by RISs. Finally, we outline major enabling technologies and present a look ahead toward addressing open research issues.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalIEEE Network
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2022

Keywords

  • Market research
  • Orbits
  • Reliability
  • Satellite broadcasting
  • Satellites
  • Space-air-ground integrated networks
  • Wireless communication

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