Massive MIMO Channel-aware Decision Fusion Aided by Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Abstract: This paper investigates channel-aware decision fusion empowered by massive MIMO systems and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). By integrating both, we aim to improve goal-oriented (fusion) performance despite the unique propagation challenges introduced. Specifically, we investigate traditional favorable propagation properties in the context of RIS-aided Massive MIMO decision fusion. The above analysis is then leveraged (i) to design three sub-optimal simple fusion rules suited for the large-array regime and (ii) to devise an optimization criterion for RIS reflection coefficients based on long-term channel statistics. Simulation results confirm the appeal of the presented design.