NDLI Session on Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces: Revolutionizing Wireless Communications

The Dept. of Electronics and Computer Science and the Library, DBCE in association with the National Digital Library of India Club organized a Session on “INTELLIGENT REFLECTING SURFACES: REVOLUTIONIZING WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS” by Mr. Deron Rodrigues, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Electronics and Computer Science, for the students and staff of DBCE, on 24^th January 2025. A total of 25 club members registered for the event.

The session commenced with an introduction to the evolution of wireless communication technologies, tracing the journey from 1G to 5G. Mr. Deron elaborated on the significant milestones in each generation of wireless communication, such as voice communication in 1G, the advent of SMS and basic internet in 2G, multimedia capabilities in 3G, high-speed internet in 4G, and the integration of IoT with ultra-low latency in 5G. He then introduced the concept of 6G technology, highlighting its anticipated features and applications. He described how 6G promises ultra-low latency, data rates in the terabits per second range, and enhanced connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

The highlight of the session was the introduction to Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS). Mr. Rodrigues explained the fundamental working principles of IRS, which involve programmable meta-surfaces that can reflect electromagnetic waves intelligently to optimize wireless communication. He also shared examples of real-world applications where IRS could be utilized, such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and IoT systems, making the concept relatable and practical for the audience.  

The session concluded with a discussion on the future of wireless communications with IRS.The session ended with an interactive Q&A segment among the participants. The event was successfully organized and coordinated by Ms. Trima Fernandes, Assistant Professor & NDLI Co-ordinator- Dept. of Electronics and Computer Science.