Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Enabled Vehicular Communications: A Comprehensive Survey of Recent Advances and Future Challenges

This survey explores the transformative role of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technologies in vehicular communication systems. It begins by introducing key RIS concepts and classifying them into passive, active, and hybrid types, with particular focus on beyond diagonal RIS (BD-RIS) and its various architectural designs. The study then delves into the evolution of vehicular communication technologies, followed by channel modeling and strategies to ensure long-term system adaptability. The survey further investigates key technological advancements, such as advanced channel modeling and estimation techniques, strategies for optimizing network sum-rate and energy efficiency (EE), and enhancing security within vehicular networks through RIS. Additionally, it examines the integration of RIS with vehicular edge computing (VEC) frameworks, its potential in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supported networks, and its application in visible light communication (VLC) systems. The analysis also considers the synergy between RIS and mmWave technologies. Then, a comprehensive performance assessment is conducted to evaluate the impact of these advancements in RIS-based vehicular networks. The aim is to thoroughly elaborate, compare, and evaluate the literature concerning network scenarios, RIS details, methodologies, and optimization objectives. Conclusively, the research highlights key findings and charts future research directions, pinpointing imminent technical challenges and emerging areas for further exploration in the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicular communications.