Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)
A Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) is a panel of programmable reflective elements that can dynamically redirect radio signals. RIS can extend wireless coverage around corners, into buildings, and across dead zones without deploying additional base stations. It is a key enabling technology for 6G, making the wireless environment itself part of the network infrastructure.
Related terms explained
Beamforming is a signal processing technique that uses multiple antenna elements to focus radio signals in specific directions rather than broadcasting omnidirectionally. It is essential at mmWave and terahertz frequencies where signals are highly directional
A digital twin is a real-time virtual replica of a physical network that mirrors its behavior, topology, and performance. In 6G, operators will use digital twins to simulate configuration changes, predict failures, and optimize performance before applying changes to the live network