5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)
NCR vs RIS Comparison
Technical Comparison: Network-Controlled Repeaters vs Reconfigurable Metasurfaces
Highlights the distinction between active NCRs (containing power amplifiers providing RF power gain) and passive RIS (metasurfaces altering reflection phases without gain).
Technical Explanation
While both technologies manipulate wireless propagation, an NCR contains active RF power amplifiers that inject substantial power gain (up to 30 dB), overcoming long propagation path losses. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) are quasi-passive metasurfaces that alter reflection phase without amplification, suffering from double-path-loss penalties over long distances.
Key Functions
- Provides active RF power amplification (20-30 dB gain) to overcome severe path loss
- Differentiates from passive Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) which provide zero RF gain
- Serves longer transmission distances and penetrates building glass walls effectively
- Acts as the mature commercial 5G-Advanced bridge toward future 6G holographic RIS
Specifications
3GPP TR 38.867, TR 38.843 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
Telecom Technology Comparison
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