Location-based real-time utilization of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for mmWave integrated communication and sensing in full-immersive multiuser Metaverse scenarios

The rapid progression of high-speed communication and computing is ushering in an era of deeper interactions in the Metaverse and other types of fully immersive multiuser virtual worlds. Advancements in technologies like virtual reality (VR) and high-frequency wireless communication networks, particularly in millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, are paving the way for next-generation visualization and interaction platforms. These systems will empower users to navigate virtual environments seamlessly, receiving high-quality, real-time content via mmWave communication networks. In this landscape, Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) emerges as a concept within research on beyond-5G wireless communications. It leverages existing wireless communication infrastructures, such as mobile networks and WiFi, for both data transmission and sensing purposes. By utilizing wireless signals as illuminators and analyzing their reflections from users and objects, JCAS enhances situational awareness and enables functionalities like position estimation or target detection.

Toward addressing QoS challenges in VR-supporting mmWave networks, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is proposed as a potential solution. These surfaces consist of passive elements capable of dynamically adjusting electromagnetic wave phases. Strategically deploying RIS in wireless environments enhances signal strength, reduces path loss, and optimizes overall communication performance. However, the comprehensive evaluation of RIS deployments on the system level remains relatively unexplored. Given the impracticality of field experiments, computer simulations offer a viable means to assess RIS performance. Fortunately, novel end-to-end simulation frameworks have been developed based on the ns-3 simulator, aiming at optimizing RIS deployment for optimizing both throughput and signal-to-noise ratio for each user location in the Metaverse. By simulating scenarios with and without RIS, their effectiveness in supporting JCAS communications and sensing tasks is demonstrated for the next generation of VR platforms with multiple coexisting users.