In this paper, we provide the theoretical framework for the performance comparison of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) and amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying wireless systems. In particular, after statistically characterizing the end-to-end (e2e) wireless channel coefficient of the RIS-assisted wireless system, in terms of probability density function (PDF) and cumulative density function (CDF), we extract novel closed-form expressions for the instantaneous and average e2e signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for both the RIS-assisted and AF-relaying wireless systems. Building upon these expressions, we derive the diversity gain of the RIS-assisted wireless system as well as the outage probability (OP) and symbol error rate (SER) for a large variety of Gray-mapped modulation schemes of both systems under investigation. Additionally, the diversity order of the RIS-assisted wireless system is presented as well as the ergodic capacity (EC) of both the RIS-assisted and AF-relaying wireless systems. Likewise, high-SNR and high-number of metasurfaces (MS) approximations for the SER and EC for the RIS-assisted wireless system are reported. Finally, for the sake of completeness, the special case in which the RIS is equipped with only one MS is also investigated. For this case, the instantaneous and average e2e SNR are derived, as well as the OP, SER and EC. Our analysis is verified through respective Monte Carlo simulations, which reveal the accuracy of the presented theoretical framework. Moreover, our results highlight that, in general, RIS-assisted wireless systems outperform the corresponding AF-relaying ones in terms of average SNR, OP, SER and EC.

This paper is focused on providing the analytical framework for the quantification and evaluation of the joint effect of misalignment fading and hardware imperfections in the presence of multipath fading at terahertz (THz) wireless fiber extenders. In this context, we present the appropriate system model that incorporates the different operation, design, and environmental parameters. In more detail, it takes into account the transceivers antenna gains, the operation frequency, the distance between the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX), the environmental conditions, i.e., temperature, humidity, and pressure, the spatial jitter between the TX and RX antennas that results to antennas misalignment, the level of transceivers' hardware imperfections, and the stochastic characteristics of the wireless channel. Based on this model, we analyze and quantify the joint impact of misalignment and multipath fading by providing novel closed-form expressions for the probability and cumulative density functions of the composite channel. Moreover, we derive exact closed-form expressions for the outage probability for both cases of ideal and non-ideal radio frequency (RF) front-end. In addition, in order to quantify the detrimental effect of misalignment fading, we analytically obtain the outage probability in the absence of misalignment cases for both cases of ideal and non-ideal RF front-end. In addition, we extract the novel closed-form expressions for the ergodic capacity for the case of the ideal RF front-end and tight upper bounds for both the cases of ideal and non-ideal RF front-end. Finally, an insightful ergodic capacity ceiling for the non-ideal RF front-end case is provided.

This article discusses the basic system architecture for THz wireless links with bandwidths of more than 50 GHz into optical networks. New design principles and breakthrough technologies are required in order to demonstrate terabit- per-second data rates at near zero latency using the proposed system concept. Specifically, we present the concept of designing the baseband signal processing for both the optical and wireless links and using an E2E error correction approach for the combined link. We provide two possible electro-optical baseband interface architectures, namely transparent optical-link and digital- link architectures, which are currently under investigation. THz wireless link requirements are given as well as the main principles and research directions for the development of a new generation of transceiver front-ends that will be capable of operating at ultra-high spectral efficiency by employing higher-order modulation schemes. Moreover, we discuss the need for developing a novel THz network information theory framework, which will take into account the channel characteristics and the nature of interference in the THz band. Finally, we highlight the role of PBF, which is required in order to overcome the propagation losses, as well as the physical layer and medium access control challenges.

As the wireless world moves towards the sixth generation (6G) era, the demand of supporting bandwidth-hungry applications in ultra-dense deployments becomes more and more imperative. Driven by this requirement, both the research and development communities have turned their attention into the terahertz (THz) band, where more than $$20\,{\text {GHz}}$$20GHz of contiguous bandwidth can be exploited. As a result, novel wireless system and network architectures have been reported promising excellence in terms of reliability, massive connectivity, and data-rates. To assess their feasibility and efficiency, it is necessary to develop stochastic channel models that account for the small-scale fading. However, to the best of our knowledge, only initial steps have been so far performed. Motivated by this, this contribution is devoted to take a new look to fading in THz wireless systems, based on three sets of experimental measurements. In more detail, measurements, which have been conducted in a shopping mall, an airport check-in area, and an entrance hall of a university towards different time periods, are used to accurately model the fading distribution. Interestingly, our analysis shows that conventional distributions, such as Rayleigh, Rice, and Nakagami-m, lack fitting accuracy, whereas, the more general, yet tractable, $$\alpha $$α – $$\mu $$μ distribution has an almost-excellent fit. In order to quantify their fitting efficiency, we used two well-defined and widely-accepted tests, namely the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and the Kullback–Leibler tests. By accurately modeling the THz wireless channel, this work creates the fundamental tools of developing the theoretical and optimization frameworks for such systems and networks.

When fully implemented, sixth generation (6G) wireless systems will constitute intelligent wireless networks that enable not only ubiquitous communication but also high-accuracy localization services. They will be the driving force behind this transformation by introducing a new set of characteristics and service capabilities in which location will coexist with communication while sharing available resources. To that purpose, this survey investigates the envisioned applications and use cases of localization in future 6G wireless systems, while analyzing the impact of the major technology enablers. Afterwards, system models for millimeter wave, terahertz and visible light positioning that take into account both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS channels are presented, while localization key performance indicators are revisited alongside mathematical definitions. Moreover, a detailed review of the state of the art conventional and learning-based localization techniques is conducted. Furthermore, the localization problem is formulated, the wireless system design is considered and the optimization of both is investigated. Finally, insights that arise from the presented analysis are summarized and used to highlight the most important future directions for localization in 6G wireless systems.

Taking into consideration the existing Industry 4.0 infrastructures and the rise of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), more and more solutions are being developed, aiming towards increased environmental consciousness through advanced technologies, and human centricity. However, there are ongoing requirements on data traceability, and access to the related actors, to ensure the establishment of sustainable solutions, within the context of a digital circular economy (DCE) environment. Digital product passports (DPPs) constitute such novel technological solution that can enable the transition toward DCE and sustainable I4.0 and I5.0, as digital identities that are assigned to physical products, capable of tracing their lifecycles through data such as their technical specifications, usage instructions, and repair and maintenance information. Although the respective research community has started providing a thorough analysis of DPPs potential to constitute a CE enabler, their technical requirements are still unclear. As part of our contribution to this issue, we propose a fundamental CE framework with integrated DPP characteristics, with the potential of being adapted in different sector stages for the generation and distribution of DPPs both for stakeholders and consumers. The corresponding solution is further supported through a systematic literature review that follows a technological approach to the DPPs implementation.