# LiFi Through Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces: A New Frontier for 6G?

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.02390 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2104.02390/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 6 Apr 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces for Enhanced NOMA-based Visible Light Communications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.04646/) (2021)
- [Multi-beam Beamforming in RIS-aided MIMO Subject to Reradiation Mask Constraints -- Optimization and Machine Learning Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.15367/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Light fidelity (LiFi), which is based on visible light communications (VLC), is celebrated as a cutting-edge technological paradigm that is envisioned to be an indispensable part of 6G systems. Nonetheless, LiFi performance is subject to efficiently overcoming the line-of-sight blockage, whose adverse effect on wireless reception reliability becomes even more pronounced in highly dynamic environments, such as vehicular application scenarios. Meanwhile, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) emerged recently as a revolutionary concept that transfers the physical propagation environment into a fully controllable and customisable space in a low-cost low-power fashion. We anticipate that the integration of RIS in LiFi-enabled networks will not only support blockage mitigation but will also provision complex interactions among network entities, and is hence manifested as a promising platform that enables a plethora of technological trends and new applications. In this article, for the first time in the open literature, we set the scene for a holistic overview of RIS-assisted LiFi systems. Specifically, we explore the underlying RIS architecture from the perspective of physics and present a forward-looking vision that outlines potential operational elements supported by RIS-enabled transceivers and RIS-enabled environments. Finally, we highlight major associated challenges and offer a look ahead toward promising future directions.