This new version, which incorporates a more affordable and significantly more energy-efficient component, is poised to transform the 5G market. It offers a reduction in energy consumption by a factor of ten and substantially lower costs in comparison with RIS 1.0. The next generation of RIS will provide operators with an agnostic, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solution, enabling them to enhance their network quality without the need for multiple antennas. For consumers, it ensures a consistent broadband connection, even in densely populated areas, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the 5G/5G+ sector.

Currently, 5G predominantly operates in the 3.5GHz band but is beginning to utilise millimetric waves (28GHz). As the frequency increases, the range diminishes, and the waves struggle to penetrate obstacles, leading to connectivity issues for users in indoor and urban areas with poor coverage. Telecom operators are thus in search of economical and ecological solutions to cater to the rising demand from consumers.

Version 2.0 of Greenerwave's RIS represents an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for mobile telecom operators. This French deeptech has developed passive and dynamic surfaces that can direct millimetric waves towards specific devices while adjusting their position in real-time. Compatible with all 5G/5G+ networks, Greenerwave's solution eliminates the need for an increasing number of transmitting antennas and amplifiers, which are expensive and consume a lot of energy for operators.

By introducing a more cost-effective and energy-efficient component, Greenerwave has significantly reduced the cost and energy consumption of its technology. This advancement leads to a tenfold decrease in the cost of the most expensive component, drastically lowering the bill of materials (BOM) for RIS 2.0 compared to 1.0. The energy consumption has also been reduced tenfold compared to the prior generation. These advancements enable the deployment of millimetric networks at reduced deployment and operational costs.

Lastly, RIS 2.0 offers operators significant financial benefits while maintaining the same level of network performance, compared to traditional active repeaters.

According to Geoffroy Lerosey, Co-Founder and CEO of Greenerwave: “RIS technology is generating spectacular interest within the telecommunications scientific community, and an increasing number of operators and vendors are starting to take a close look at it, especially in Asia. What is still lacking is standardisation of the technology by international bodies. Once this is done, Greenerwave will be ready with the most cost effective and sustainable products on the market.”

How it works

Greenerwave designs metasurfaces comprising elements that “shape” electromagnetic, enabling directional beams to be generated and controlled. These metasurfaces consist of a group of elements of centimetric size called pixels that act as micromirrors. Each pixel can modify the sign of the reflected wave. The interactions between pixels and microwaves are managed by algorithms derived from the world of physics that direct waves after their reflection on the surface. Passive, low-cost and easy to manufacture, this technology aims to optimise the use of electromagnetic waves while drastically reducing the antenna energy consumption and production costs.

A technology validated by major partnerships and a €15 million fundraising

After unveiling the pioneering concept a decade ago, the French deeptech’s technology was validated by the first 5G demonstration of RIS by NTT and AGC in Japan last year, and the first RIS network distributed at the 6G Summit in November 2022.

It subsequently proved its worth at the MWC 2023 on the stand of its partner Anritsu, a Japanese instrumentation company, where its RIS capacities were presented live.

Lastly, Greenerwave has just finalised in February 2024 a €15 million fundraising from the BPI Defense Innovation Fund, Safran Corporate Ventures, Intelsat, BNP and Plastic Omnium.