Wireless Round Table Conference

This presentation introduces a scalable and open testbed for 5G and emerging 6G research, integrating O-RAN architectures, massive MIMO, and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). Built on a modular hardware–software co-design, the platform enables reproducible experimentation from PHY to system level, supporting topics such as beamforming, channel manipulation, and intelligent radio environments. By combining real-time SDR-based implementations with flexible control of antennas and RIS, the testbed bridges theory and practical validation, providing universities with an accessible yet research-grade environment for advanced wireless experimentation and education.

This talk will introduce the fundamental principles of BD-RIS (Beyond Diagonal Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface) and MiLAC (Microwave Linear Analog Computer) and their roles in next-generation wireless communication systems. I will briefly cover the underlying concepts and system models, followed by an overview of how these approaches can improve flexibility and efficiency in wireless transmission. In addition, I will present preliminary prototyping work to illustrate practical implementation aspects and experimental observations.

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces have attracted significant research interest over the past decade, with substantial progress in modelling, optimisation, and prototype development. As the field moves closer to practical deployment, the main challenge is shifting from theoretical performance gains to real-world implementation and system integration. This talk will provide an overview of RIS research and discuss practical aspects of implementing RIS-assisted wireless systems. It will also share lessons learned from experimental demonstrations. The talk will conclude with a perspective on the future role of RIS in 5G-Advanced and 6G networks.

This talk outlines how multipath channel models in MATLAB and Simulink can be deployed onto NI USRP hardware using HDL code generation for real-time, hardware-in-the-loop validation of wireless systems. Traditional turnkey solutions can be costly and inflexible, while USRPs offer scalable and flexible alternatives. We focus on the workflow—from software model to deployment—and how MATLAB enables USRP reconfigurability for both stochastic and deterministic channels. The same flexible approach applies to terrestrial SISO and MIMO setups, as well as for NTN and ISAC, across supported USRP platforms.

Open RAN systems offer the flexibility to split the physical layer processing between a radio unit and a remotely located distribution unit. The University of Sheffield has developed a dual band sub-6 GHz Open RAN radio unit architecture. It enables two different network operators to share the radio unit hardware via a neutral host, simultaneously supporting both a public and a private 5G band or two distinct mobile operators’ bands. This reduces the power consumption and cost of deployment by avoiding duplication of hardware for each frequency band. Direct sampling techniques are proposed to further reduce the receiver power consumption, demonstrated experimentally at 28 GHz. The EVM and BLER performance are validated at link level for sub-Nyquist sampling. A millimetre wave E-band receiver operating at 73 GHz is also designed and demonstrated experimentally using commercially available components. Future wideband communication links will be supported at sub-6 GHz, FR2, and E-band frequencies using these power-efficient radio unit architectures.