New algorithm to improve communication via “smart” surfaces published in IEEE OJ-COMS

Researchers from the Wireless Networks Lab, IITP RAS and Intelligent Telecommunication Systems Lab of MIPT — Ilya Burtakov, Alexey Kureev, and Evgeny Khorov — have proposed an innovative method for tuning reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which can amplify signals in 5G and future 6G networks. Their paper «Simultaneous RIS Adjustment and Transmission Based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Simulated Annealing» has been published in the prestigious IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society (OJ-COMS). The research was supported by a joint grant from the RSF and NSFC “Development of H-MIMO for future wireless communications”.

Key Innovations.
RIS is a surface composed of numerous elements that can redirect radio waves to improve signal quality. However, configuring an RIS typically requires complex computations and significant time.

The new MCMC-SA algorithm streamlines this process by:

  • Operating without elaborate channel analysis – saving time and resources;
  • Adapting in real time during data transmission—gradually enhancing connectivity without interruptions;
  • Performing efficiently in challenging environments—such as indoor scenarios with multiple obstacles;
  • Scaling for large surfaces.

Why It Matters?
The RIS technology may become a key enabler for next-generation networks, providing stable signal even far from base stations. The MCMC-SA algorithm simplifies its deployment without changing current communication standards. This means rural users will get reliable internet, office workers will not suffer from dropped video calls, gamers will not experience online gameplay issues, doctors will be able to conduct telemedicine consultations without interference, smart homes will become more dependable, and first responders will maintain connectivity in disaster areas.

Our algorithm simplifies the configuration of smart surfaces by reducing overhead associated with channel estimation. This makes RIS more practical for real-world deployment in future wireless networks

notes Ilya Burtakov, winner of the the Russian Presidential Scholarship.

The developed algorithm is a true breakthrough for holographic MIMO technology because it is universal: it performs equally well with both simple 1-bit surfaces (where only 0° and 180° phases are possible) and advanced holographic MIMO systems, where each element can switch between multiple states. This is a key advantage, enabling the same technology to be applied across various scenarios—from budget-friendly solutions to future high-performance systems.

IEEE OJ-COMS is a leading open-access journal (Q1) dedicated to cutting-edge advancements in communication technologies.