RIS-Based Channel Modeling and Prototypical Validation

The reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is envisioned to enable the ever-increasing number of demanding requirements for future sixth generation (6G) wireless networks. With the deployment of the RIS in the wireless network, the network operator is provided with the ability to alter the communication environment in real-time. To achieve the desired effect, optimal configurations for controlling the RIS are necessary. While the state of the art aims at determining this based on analytical models, it is not guaranteed to work well in experimental measurements. In order to quantify these differences, this work utilizes an RIS prototype and compares the optimal configurations of both, the analytically and experimentally obtained configurations via prototypical validation. The objective of this work is to gain insights in bridging the gap between experimental- and model-based optimization processes, and their solutions, by studying, comparing and validating different approaches with prototypical measurements.