ETRI Launches Innovative Technology Enhancing Indoor Wireless Communication
Seoul, Wednesday, 9 April 2025.
South Korea’s ETRI introduces Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface technology, enhancing indoor communication by addressing signal loss issues, notably improving mmWave transmission through building windows.
Breakthrough in Signal Transmission
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) of South Korea has developed a transparent RIS technology that revolutionizes indoor wireless communication. The innovation utilizes miniature antenna arrays embedded in transparent PET film that can be directly applied to windows, eliminating the need for additional signal repeaters while maximizing transmission efficiency [1].
Technical Implementation and Testing
The technology’s effectiveness has been validated using Anritsu’s MS46122B vector network analyzer, which enables precise measurement of S-parameters and transmission losses between RIS-equipped and standard glass surfaces. This compact USB-type analyzer, capable of supporting frequencies up to 43.5GHz, has proven instrumental in providing reliable and repeatable measurements in both laboratory and field conditions [1].
Future Applications and Impact
As the telecommunications industry advances toward 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies, this RIS technology addresses a critical challenge in high-frequency communications - indoor coverage. The solution is particularly significant for millimeter wave (mmWave) communications, which traditionally suffer from significant signal attenuation when passing through building materials [1]. The measurement solutions provided by Anritsu are already being utilized across various research institutions and industrial settings, establishing themselves as crucial tools for quantifying the performance of RIS and metasurface technologies [1].
Industry Implementation
According to Anritsu representatives, this RIS technology represents a fundamental solution to indoor coverage challenges in high-frequency communications. The compact yet high-performance MS46122B analyzer has been instrumental in validating the technology’s effectiveness and preparing it for commercial implementation [1]. Anritsu’s global presence, with operations in over 90 countries and approximately 4,000 employees, positions them well to support the widespread adoption of this technology [1].