Citation

Hasan, S. M. Tanvir and Alias, Mohamad Yusoff and Bujang, Suhandi and Sheraz, Muhammad and Chuah, Teong Chee (2026) A Survey on Digital Twin–Assisted Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Applications. Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2026 (1). ISSN 2090-0147

Text A Survey on Digital Twin–Assisted Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces_ Fundamentals, Challenges, and Applications.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

Reconfgurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have emerged as a compelling technology for next-generation wireless networks, enabling programmable control of electromagnetic wave propagation to improve coverage, spectral efciency, and energy efciency. However, practical deployment remains constrained by challenges in channel estimation, real-time phase-shift optimization, and scalability in dynamic environments. Digital twin (DT) technology provides a promising solution by constructing highfdelity virtual replicas of wireless systems that enable predictive modeling, continuous monitoring, and closed-loop RIS control. While recent works have begun exploring DT–RIS integration, existing surveys lack a unifed framework that connects applicationlevel objectives with the underlying computational mechanisms. To address this gap, this paper introduces a dual-perspective taxonomy that organizes DT–RIS research along two complementary dimensions: (i) functional enablers, covering latency reduction and MEC performance, resource management, and security; and (ii) methodological enablers, including reinforcement learning, federated learning, generative models, and convex optimization. This joint perspective reveals how specifc algorithmic strategies underpin distinct network objectives, exposing interdependencies overlooked in prior single-axis analyses. Building on this framework, the survey synthesizes DT–RIS applications and identifes a fundamental trade-of between DT modeling fdelity and synchronization overhead that limits real-time operation. Finally, the paper outlines key open challenges, including CSI acquisition overhead, DT update latency, and control signaling cost, and discusses directions toward scalable and practically deployable DT–RIS architectures for 6G networks.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Internet of Things (IoT)
Subjects:	T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > TK5101-6720 Telecommunication. Including telegraphy, telephone, radio, radar, television
Divisions:	Faculty of Artificial Intelligence & Engineering (FAIE)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2026 06:22
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2026 06:22
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/17050

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