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6G | Space

6G | Space: Smart surfaces

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smart surface; close-up of a reflective prism

We embrace the concept of smart surfaces, leveraging intelligent materials and interfaces to enable ubiquitous connectivity in our physical environments.

smart surface; close-up of a reflective prism

Smart Surface

We explore the connections between reflective / metamaterial surfaces and next-generation wireless networks. 6G wireless network promises much faster and better wireless connectivity to cover residential, commercial, and industrial environments, as it uses larger bandwidth and higher wireless frequencies, e.g., mmWave, cmWave, and terahertz. However, the propagation of these high frequency wireless signals is heavily subject to the environment. The distribution of wireless signal strength is random and uneven across the covered area due to the ambient reflectors, blockage, and moving objects like human body. Thus, maintaining a consistent high throughput broadband wireless channel between the user and the access point is challenging. We ask – “Can we establish consistent high-throughput connections for terahertz and cmWave communication in a low-cost and scalable way?” Stay tuned.

Related vertical(s): New spectrum and sharing