Connectivity in the era of the (I)IoT: about security, features and limiting factors of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces

Abstract What are the key drivers of the (Industrial) Internet of Things ((I)IoT)? Alongside the interconnection of the various devices, sensors, and actuators, it is above all the data collected and transmitted that is of particular significance, the (I)IoT itself is the source and recipient of various types of data. Within this, there are two main aspects that need to be considered: (i) the transmission of data with appropriate latency and reliability requirements, and (ii) the safeguarding of this data. Both requirements are taken into account during the development of the Sixth Generation (6G) Wireless Systems. This is conceived to deliver higher data rates, reduced cost deployment, and enhanced reliability while providing universal connectivity. Hence, to assist such a vast network domain, (new) 6G-enabling technologies are developed, which include Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs), that are capable of modifying and reconfiguring the wireless propagation channels. This work describes concepts on how security, in particular Physical Layer Security (PhySec) methods, can be supported by RISs. Furthermore, an effective impedance surface model is presented, allowing efficient simulation of beamsplitting and shaping properties of RISs. Finally, the applicability of the use cases is mentioned, with a particular focus on Visible Light Communication (VLC).