Energy Efficiency Enhancement in RIS-Assisted Networks: Deployment and Phase Shifter Configuration

Abstract

This research presents a focused analysis of enhancing energy efficiency in wireless networks through the strategic deployment of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), incorporating an analysis of phase shifter configurations. Employing stochastic geometry, we establish an analytical framework to evaluate RIS’s influence on energy consumption across diverse deployment strategies and environmental conditions. Moving beyond the predominant focus on spectrum efficiency, this study emphasizes energy optimization, aligning with the sustainability goals of future wireless networks. Our models demonstrate that careful selection of phase shifter settings and RIS placement can substantially decrease energy use while preserving network performance, especially in environments fraught with interference and high node density. Additionally, we investigate the trade-offs between the number of phase shifters per RIS unit and their bit resolution, offering a nuanced understanding of their effects on energy efficiency. The findings underscore RIS’s integral role in promoting energy-efficient network architectures and provide concrete guidelines for the development of greener wireless communication technologies.