Work

Comparative analysis of intelligent reflecting surfaces and AF/DF relaying for energy efficient wireless communication

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative analysis of intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) technology versus conventional amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF) relay schemes in wireless communication. By focusing on transmit power, energy efficiency, and the minimum IRS elements required to outperform traditional relaying, we explore IRS’s potential as an energy efficient alternative. Our analysis shows that IRS configurations, especially with optimal phase shifts, achieve substantial power savings and superior energy efficiency over to AF and DF relays. Moreover, IRS requires fewer elements to meet or exceed relaying performance under higher data rate demands, making it an ideal choice for energy conscious, high performance network designs. These results highlight IRS technology as a promising solution for sustainable, next-generation communication networks.

Source: EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

DOI: 10.1186/s13638-025-02453-0

Authors: Kuldeep Yadav, Himanshu Parashar, Soumen Mondal

Institutions: Vellore Institute of Technology University, Galgotias University, National Institute of Technology Durgapur

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Wireless Communication Technologies

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790