Aerial RIS for Enhancing IoT Connectivity: Opportunities and Challenges

Funding Sponsor

McMaster University

Author's Department

Electronics & Communications Engineering Department

Third Author's Department

Electronics & Communications Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1109/MIOT.2025.3612374

All Authors

Majid H. Khoshafa Telex M.N. Ngatched Yasser Gadallah Mohamed H. Ahmed Dusit Niyato

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

IEEE Internet of Things Magazine

Publication Date

1-1-2025

doi

10.1109/MIOT.2025.3612374

Abstract

Low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies are important for many Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring low data rates and energy-efficient operation. However, LPWANs face significant coverage, connectivity, and resilience limitations in obstructed or high-noise environments. To address these challenges, this article introduces a novel framework that integrates aerial reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (ARIS) - realized by mounting reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - into LPWAN-based IoT networks. Leveraging the adaptability of UAVs and the signal control capabilities of RIS, the proposed ARIS-assisted LPWAN framework enhances communication reliability and spatial coverage. The article presents: (i) a comprehensive system-level analysis of the ARIS-LPWAN integration framework, (ii) deployment principles, technical considerations, and potential application scenarios, (iii) a case study on forest fire detection supported by simulation results demonstrating improved reliability and reduced latency, and (iv) a detailed discussion on open research directions and challenges, including channel estimation, energy efficiency, and physical layer security. The findings provide a roadmap for deploying ARIS to enhance LPWAN performance in diverse and dynamic IoT environments.

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