Reconfigurable Intelligent Edges: Illuminating the Shadow Region in Wireless Networks

Abstract

This paper proposes a new wireless enabling technology for future smart radio environments. The approach aims to enhance signal coverage within the shadow region(s) of wireless networks with the aid of so-called 'intelligent edges (IEs)'. IEs may be installed at the fringes of shadowing objects such as buildings, walls and other obstacles which obscure the optical signal path from a transmitter to receiver. We investigate two different approaches to illuminating the shadow region in wireless networks using IEs which exploit refraction or diffraction, operating in passive or active mode. The operation of IE-assisted communications are investigated, in particular the ways they can redirect electromagnetic energy towards regions with little or no wireless network coverage. Following from this, a number of variations of IEs are tested in real-world scenarios which consider illuminating the shadow region behind high-rise buildings, first in a city center, and then along a shoreline. Refractive IEs in particular, are shown to provide significant gains compared to the case when no IEs are involved, enhancing signal reception in the shadow region at street level behind a high rise building by as much as 12 dB. Critically, it is shown that intelligent edges offer a low complexity and cost-effective solution for improving connectivity in shadowing-limited environments.