A Promising Technology for 6G Wireless Networks: Intelligent Reflecting Surface

The intelligent information society, which is highly digitized, intelligence inspired, and globally data driven, will be deployed in the next decade. 6G wireless communication networks are key to achieve this grand blueprint, expected connect everything, provide full dimensional coverage integrate all functions support full-vertical applications. Recent research reveals that reflecting surface (IRS) with environment control capability a promising technology for networks. Specifically, IRS can intelligently wavefront, e.g., phase, amplitude, frequency, even polarization by massive tunable elements, thus achieving fine-grained 3-D passive beamforming. In paper, we first give blueprint of including vision, typical scenarios, performance indicators (KPIs). Then, an overview new signal model, hardware architecture, competitive advantages Besides, discuss potential application connectivity detail, controllable environment, ubiquitous connectivity, deep holographic connectivity. At last, summarize challenges deployment As timely review IRS, our summary interest both researchers practitioners engaging