Method and system for WTRU controlled reconfigurable smart surface

Abstract

A first wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) may receive a first discovery message associated with a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS). The first WTRU may transmit a solicitation message to an RIS controller in response to reception of the first discovery message, the solicitation message including one or more of capability information associated with the first WTRU, one or more RIS capabilities, one or more RIS modes, or an indication of a second WTRU. The first WTRU may receive a solicitation response message from the RIS controller in response to the solicitation message, the solicitation response message including RIS control information associated with the RIS. The first WTRU may transmit a transmission to the second WTRU via the RIS based on the RIS control information.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399,350, filed on August 19, 2022. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399,350 is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The technology described herein relates to the field of computing and communications, and more specifically to methods, devices, systems, architectures, and interfaces for computing and communications in advanced or next generation wireless communication systems, including communications performed using new radio and / or new radio (NR) access technologies and communication systems. Such NR access and technologies (which may also be referred to as 5G and / or 6G, etc.) and / or other similar wireless communication systems and technologies may include features and / or technologies for reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS). As described herein, the RIS may be able to adapt to radio environmental conditions. For example, the RIS may be able to electronically control the propagation of radio frequency (RF) signals irradiated on the surface of the RIS. Summary of the invention

[0004] A reconfigurable smart surface may be controlled by a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU), for example, to communicate with another WTRU via the RIS. The WTRU may receive a discovery message associated with the RIS. For example, the discovery message may include one or more capabilities associated with the RIS (e.g., reflection, absorption, or refraction). The WTRU may send a solicitation message in response to receiving the discovery message. For example, the solicitation message may include an indication of a source WTRU, an indication of a target WTRU, and a requested capability (e.g., a requested capability among the one or more capabilities associated with the RIS included in the discovery message). The WTRU may receive a response to the solicitation message, for example, the response including an indication that the solicitation message was accepted by the RIS. The WTRU may establish a link between the source WTRU and the target WTRU via the RIS. For example, the source WTRU, the target WTRU, and the RIS may be associated with a personal IoT network (PIN). For example, the source WTRU, the target WTRU, and the RIS may be associated with a customer premises network (CPN).

[0005] A first wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) may receive a first discovery message associated with a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS). The first discovery message includes one or more capability parameters associated with the RIS. The first WTRU may transmit a solicitation message to a RIS controller in response to receiving the first discovery message, the solicitation message including one or more of the following: capability information associated with the first WTRU, one or more RIS capabilities, one or more RIS modes, or an indication of a second WTRU. The one or more RIS capabilities may include reflection, refraction, and / or absorption. The one or more RIS modes may include a passive mode, an active mode, and / or a semi-active mode. The first WTRU may receive a solicitation response message from the RIS controller in response to the solicitation message, the solicitation response message including RIS control information associated with the RIS. The solicitation response message indicates that the second WTRU has been discovered.

[0006] The first WTRU may transmit a transmission to the second WTRU via the RIS based on the RIS control information. The transmission may be transmitted to the second WTRU using a RIS adaptation layer controlled by the first WTRU. The first WTRU may determine that the second WTRU has been discovered. The first WTRU may transmit a second discovery message to the second WTRU via the RIS. The first WTRU may receive a second discovery message response from the second WTRU via the RIS. The first WTRU may establish a unicast link with the second WTRU via the RIS. The RIS may be a RIS-capable PIN element (PERC). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is a system diagram illustrating an example communication system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented;

[0008] Figure 1B is an example of a method that can be used according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A system diagram of an example wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) for use within an illustrated communication system;

[0009] Figure 1C is an example of a method that can be used according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A system diagram of an example Radio Access Network (RAN) and an example Core Network (CN) used within the illustrated communication system;

[0010] Figure 1D is an example of a method that can be used according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A System diagram of another example RAN and another example CN for use within the illustrated communication system.

[0011] Figure 2An example wireless communication system including a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) is illustrated;

[0012] Figure 3 An example home automation personal Internet of Things (IoT) network (PIN) is illustrated;

[0013] Figure 4 An example customer premises network (CPN) is illustrated;

[0014] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example associated with ProSe direct discovery is illustrated;

[0015] Figure 7 An example topology of a RIS integrated CPN is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 8 An example topology of RIS integrated PIN is illustrated;

[0017] Fig. 9 An example protocol stack is illustrated;

[0018] Fig.10 illustrates an example call flow for RIS discovery and / or using RIS for WTRU-to-WTRU communications; and

[0019] Fig.11 An example call flow for a RIS capable PIN element (PERC) to discover and control RIS using a management capable PIN element PEMC or a gateway capable PIN element (PEGC) is illustrated.

[0020] Fig.12 An example control plane protocol stack for WTRU-to-WTRU communications via RIS is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1A1 is a diagram illustrating an example communication system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast, etc. to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content through sharing of system resources (including wireless bandwidth). For example, the communication system 100 may employ one or more channel access methods such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), zero tail unique word DFT spread OFDM (ZT UW DTS-s OFDM), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), resource block filtered OFDM, and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), etc.

[0022] like Figure 1A As shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, RAN 104 / 113, CN 106 / 115, public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, Internet 110 and other networks 112, but it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (any of which may be referred to as a “station” and / or “STA”) may be configured to send and / or receive wireless signals and may include a user equipment (WTRU), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a subscription-based unit, a pager, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, a hotspot or Mi-Fi device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automated process chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a WTRU.

[0023] The communication system 100 may also include a base station 114a and / or a base station 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device that is configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as the CN 106 / 115, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. By way of example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node B, an eNode B, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a gNB, an NR Node B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, and the like. Although the base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it should be appreciated that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0024] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as base station controllers (BSC), radio network controllers (RNC), relay nodes, etc. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to send and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies (which may be referred to as cells (not shown)). These frequencies may be in a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of a licensed spectrum and an unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage of wireless services to a specific geographic area, which may be relatively fixed or may change over time. The cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Therefore, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to send and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0025] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 116 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0026] More specifically, as noted above, the communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, and SC-FDMA. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 104 / 113 and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may use Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) to establish the air interface 115 / 116 / 117. WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High Speed ​​Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High Speed ​​UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0027] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) that may establish the air interface 116 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or Advanced LTE (LTE-A) and / or Advanced LTE Pro (LTE-A Pro).

[0028] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as NR radio access, which may establish the air interface 116 using New Radio (NR).

[0029] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may together implement LTE radio access and NR radio access, for example using the dual connectivity (DC) principle. Thus, the air interface utilized by the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions transmitted to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNBs and gNBs).

[0030] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), and GSM EDGE (GERAN).

[0031] Figure 1A The base station 114b in may be, for example, a wireless router, a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or an access point, and may utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in local areas such as commercial venues, homes, vehicles, campuses, industrial facilities, sky corridors (e.g., for use by drones), and roads. In one embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology (such as IEEE 802.11) to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology (such as IEEE 802.15) to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a picocell or a femtocell. As Figure 1A As shown, base station 114b may have a direct connection to Internet 110. Therefore, base station 114b may not need to access Internet 110 via CN 106 / 115.

[0032] The RAN 104 / 113 may be in communication with the CN 106 / 115, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, etc. The CN 106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Although not described in detail in the text and video, the CN 106 / 115 may be configured to provide voice, data, applications and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, etc. The CN 106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Figure 1AAlthough not shown in the figure, it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 / 113 and / or the CN 106 / 115 may be in direct or indirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to the RAN 104 / 113, which may utilize NR radio technology, the CN 106 / 115 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) that employs GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0033] The CN 106 / 115 may also act as a gateway for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and / or the Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The networks 112 may include wired communication networks and / or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the networks 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT.

[0034] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communication system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (e.g., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks via different wireless links). Figure 1A The illustrated WTRU 102c may be configured to communicate with the base station 114a, which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with the base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0035] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example WTRU 102. Figure 1B As shown, the WTRU 102 may include, among other things, a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, a display / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power source 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripherals 138. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0036] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. The processor 118 may perform signal decoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be coupled to the transmit / receive element 122. Although Figure 1B The processor 118 and the transceiver 120 are depicted as separate components, but it is understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0037] The send / receive element 122 may be configured to send a signal to a base station (e.g., base station 114a) or receive a signal from a base station via an air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the send / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to send and / or receive an RF signal. In an embodiment, the send / receive element 122 may be a transmitter / detector configured to send and / or receive, for example, an IR, UV, or visible light signal. In another embodiment, the send / receive element 122 may be configured to send and / or receive both an RF signal and an optical signal. It should be understood that the send / receive element 122 may be configured to send and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0038] Although the transmit / receive element 122 Figure 1B Although depicted as a single element in the figure, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals over the air interface 116.

[0039] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate signals to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and to demodulate signals received by the transmit / receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities. For example, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers for enabling the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11.

[0040] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to and may receive user input data from a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, and / or a display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from and store data in any type of suitable memory, such as a non-removable memory 130 and / or a removable memory 132. The non-removable memory 130 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, and a secure digital (SD) memory card, among others. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from and store data in a memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or a home computer (not shown).

[0041] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source 134, and may be configured to distribute and / or control power to the other components in the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power source 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, etc.

[0042] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or in lieu of the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) over the air interface 116 and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information by any suitable location-determination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0043] The processor 118 may also be coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software modules and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and / or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, module, FM radio unit, digital music player, media player, video game player module, Internet browser, virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) device and activity tracker, etc. Peripheral device 138 may include one or more sensors, which may be one or more of the following: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a time sensor; a geolocation sensor; an altimeter, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, a gesture sensor, a biometric sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

[0044] The WTRU 102 may include a full-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for both UL (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit 139 for reducing and / or substantially eliminating self-interference via hardware (e.g., a choke) or via signal processing performed by a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or via the processor 118). In one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for both UL (e.g., for transmission) or downlink (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous.

[0045] Figure 1C 1 is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 104 and the CN 106 in accordance with an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the CN 106.

[0046] The RAN 104 may include evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of evolved Node-Bs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the evolved Node-B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a.

[0047] Each of the evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, and scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, among other things. Figure 1C As shown, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with one another via an X2 interface.

[0048] Figure 1C The illustrated CN 106 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a serving gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (or PGW) 166. While each of the foregoing elements is depicted as being part of the CN 106, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0049] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the evolved Node-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, and selecting a particular serving gateway during an initial attach of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The MME 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0050] The SGW 164 may be connected to each of the evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface. The SGW 164 may generally route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The SGW 164 may perform other functions, such as anchoring the user plane during an inter-evolved Node-B handover, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0051] The SGW 164 may be connected to the PGW 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0052] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. For example, the CN 106 may include, or may be in communication with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that acts as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired networks and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0053] Although the WTRU Figures 1A to 1D Although described as wireless terminals, it is contemplated that in certain representative embodiments, such terminals may (eg, temporarily or permanently) use a wired communications interface with a communications network.

[0054] In a representative embodiment, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0055] A WLAN in infrastructure basic service set (BSS) mode may have an access point (AP) for a BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP may have access or an interface to a distribution system (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic to and / or out of the BSS. Traffic originating from outside the BSS and destined for the STA may be reached by the AP and may be delivered to the STA. Traffic originating from the STA and destined for a destination outside the BSS may be transmitted to the AP to be delivered to the corresponding destination. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be transmitted by the AP, for example, wherein the source STA may transmit traffic to the AP, and the AP may deliver traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be considered and / or referred to as point-to-point traffic. Direct link establishment (DLS) may be utilized to transmit point-to-point traffic between the source STA and the destination STA (e.g., directly between them). In certain representative embodiments, the DLS may use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z tunnel DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have an AP, and STAs within or using the IBSS (eg, all STAs in the STA) may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS communication mode may sometimes be referred to herein as an "ad hoc" communication mode.

[0056] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure operation mode or a similar operation mode, the AP may send beacons on a fixed channel (such as a primary channel). The primary channel may be a fixed width (e.g., a 20 MHz wide bandwidth) or a width dynamically set via signaling. The primary channel may be an operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STA to establish a connection with the AP. In certain representative embodiments, carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) may be implemented, for example, in an 802.11 system. For CSMA / CA, a STA (e.g., each STA) (including the AP) may sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA may back off. One STA (e.g., only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0057] A high throughput (HT) STA may communicate using a 40 MHz wide channel (eg, via a combination of a primary 20 MHz channel and adjacent or non-adjacent 20 MHz channels) to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0058] Very high throughput (VHT) STA can support 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz and / or 160MHz wide channels. 40MHz channels and / or 80MHz channels can be formed by combining continuous 20MHz channels. 160MHz channels can be formed by combining 8 continuous 20MHz channels, or by combining two non-continuous 80MHz channels (this can be called 80+80 configuration). For 80+80 configuration, after channel coding, the data can pass through a segment parser that can divide the data into two streams. Each stream can be processed by inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) and time domain processing separately. These streams can be mapped to two 80MHz channels, and the data can be sent by the transmitter STA. At the receiver of the receiver STA, the above-mentioned operation for the 80+80 configuration can be reversed, and the combined data can be transmitted to the medium access control (MAC).

[0059] 802.11af and 802.11ah support operating modes below 1GHz. Channel operating bandwidths and carriers are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah relative to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5MHz, 10MHz, and 20MHz bandwidths in the TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11ah supports 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, and 16MHz bandwidths using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah may support instrument type control / machine type communications, such as MTC devices in macro coverage areas. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, such as limited capabilities, including support for (e.g., only support for) certain bandwidths and / or limited bandwidths. MTC devices may include batteries with battery life above a threshold (e.g., to maintain very long battery life).

[0060] WLAN systems that can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah) include channels that can be designated as primary channels. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or limited by a STA (which supports the minimum bandwidth operating mode) from all STAs operating in the BSS. In the example of 802.11ah, for STAs (e.g., MTC-type devices) that support (e.g., only support) a 1MHz mode, the primary channel may be 1MHz wide, even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, 16MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier sensing and / or network allocation vector (NAV) settings may depend on the state of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, because a STA (supporting only a 1MHz operating mode) is sending to the AP, the entire available band may be considered busy even if most of the band remains idle and may be available.

[0061] In the United States, the available frequency band for 802.11ah is 902MHz to 928MHz. In South Korea, the available frequency band is 917.5MHz to 923.5MHz. In Japan, the available frequency band is 916.5MHz to 927.5MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6MHz to 26MHz, depending on the country code.

[0062] Figure 1D 1 is a system diagram illustrating the RAN 113 and the CN 115 in accordance with an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 113 may employ NR radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 113 may also be in communication with the CN 115.

[0063] The RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In one embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, the gNBs 180a, 180b may utilize beamforming to send signals to and / or receive signals from the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, the gNB 180a may, for example, use multiple antennas to send wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on unlicensed spectrum, while the remaining component carriers may be on licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNB 180a and gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0064] The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with parameter sets that may be scalable. For example, OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the wireless transmission spectrum. The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframes or transmit time intervals (TTIs) of varying or scalable lengths (e.g., containing different numbers of OFDM symbols and / or varying absolute time lengths over time).

[0065] The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be configured to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a standalone configuration and / or a non-standalone configuration. In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c while not accessing other RANs (e.g., such as the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c). In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may use one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as mobility anchor points. In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate / connect with the gNB 180a, 180b, 180c while also communicating / connecting with another RAN, such as the eNodeB 160a, 160b, 160c. For example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement the DC principle to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In a non-standalone configuration, the eNodeB 160a, 160b, 160c may act as a mobility anchor for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the gNB 180a, 180b, 180c may provide additional coverage and / or throughput for serving the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0066] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in UL and / or DL, support of network slicing, dual connectivity, interworking between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data towards a user plane function (UPF) 184a, 184b and routing of control plane information towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) 182a, 182b, etc. Figure 1D As shown, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may communicate with each other via an Xn interface.

[0067] Figure 1DThe illustrated CN 115 may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one session management function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possible data networks (DNs) 185a, 185b. Although each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 115, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0068] The AMF 182a, 182b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via the N2 interface and may act as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, support of network slicing (e.g., handling of different PDU sessions with different requirements), selecting a specific SMF 183a, 183b, management of registration areas, termination of NAS signaling, mobility management, etc. The AMF 182a, 182b may use network slicing in order to customize CN support for the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c based on the type of services utilized by the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c. For example, different network slices may be established for different use cases, such as services relying on ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC) access, services relying on enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) access, and / or services for machine type communication (MTC) access, etc. The AMF 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies, such as WiFi.

[0069] The SMF 183a, 183b may be connected to the AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 115 via the N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may also be connected to the UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 115 via the N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may select and control the UPF 184a, 184b, and configure traffic routing through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b may perform other functions such as managing and allocating WTRU IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, providing downlink data notification, etc. The PDU session type may be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, etc.

[0070] The UPF 184a, 184b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 113 via the N3 interface, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The UPF 184, 184b may perform other functions, such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, and providing mobility anchoring, etc.

[0071] The CN 115 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 115 may include or may communicate with an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that acts as an interface between the CN 115 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 115 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired networks and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be connected to local data networks (DNs) 185a, 185b via the UPF 184a, 184b via the N3 interface to the UPF 184a, 184b and the N6 interface between the UPF 184a, 184b and the DN 185a, 185b.

[0072] Given that Figures 1A to 1D as well as Figures 1A to 1D Corresponding to the description of the present invention, one or more or all of the functions described herein for one or more of the following items may be performed by one or more simulation devices (not shown): WTRU102a-102d, base station 114a-114b, evolved Node B 160a-160c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB 180a-180c, AMF 182a-182ab, UPF 184a-184b, SMF 183a-183b, DN 185a-185b and / or any other device described herein. The simulation device may be one or more devices configured to mimic one or more or all of the functions described herein. For example, the simulation device can be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0073] The simulation device may be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a laboratory environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, one or more simulation devices may perform one or more functions or all functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network in order to test other devices within the communication network. One or more simulation devices may perform one or more functions or all functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The simulation device may be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or may use over-the-air wireless communications to perform testing.

[0074] One or more simulation devices can perform one or more (including all) functions without being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, the simulation device can be used in a test scenario in a test laboratory and / or a non-deployed (e.g., testing) wired and / or wireless communication network to implement testing of one or more components. One or more simulation devices can be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via RF circuits (e.g., which can include one or more antennas) can be used by the simulation device to send and / or receive data.

[0075] As described herein, a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) may refer to a network node that uses a smart radio surface of one or more (e.g., small) antennas or metamaterial elements. For example, a smart radio surface of one or more antennas may be used to control a propagation environment, such as by tunable scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves. These surfaces may have reflective, refractive, and absorptive properties that may be configured, reconfigured, and / or adapted to a particular radio channel environment, such as using a microcontroller (e.g., a field programmable gate array or FPGA). Configuration of the RIS may be performed or assisted by the network, such as by a separate control signaling link for exchanging relevant side control information.

[0076] RIS can be used to provide an intelligent reconfigurable wireless environment (e.g., for future wireless communication systems such as 5G+ and 6G+). For example, RIS can include a flat surface having multiple (e.g., a large number) elements, each of which can be capable of independently inducing / causing a controllable amplitude and / or phase change of an incident signal. For example, by densely deploying RIS in a wireless network, wireless channels between transmitters and receivers can be (e.g., flexibly) reconfigured, for example, to achieve desired outcomes and distributions, address wireless channel fading and interference, and / or improve wireless communication capacity and reliability. RIS can be used to create virtual line-of-sight (LoS) links to bypass obstacles (e.g., via smart reflections), which can increase signal paths toward desired directions. For example, RIS can be used to improve channel rank, refine channel statistics or distributions, and / or suppress / eliminate interference and / or noise.

[0077] RIS can be integrated into existing wireless systems (e.g., cellular systems). For example, RIS can be deployed (e.g., deployed on a large scale) in wireless networks to enhance spectrum and energy efficiency, for example, in a cost-effective manner. RIS may enable a fundamental paradigm shift in wireless system and / or network design from existing MIMO systems without RIS to RIS-assisted MIMO systems. Because RIS is associated with a lower cost (e.g., compared to other network nodes), RIS can be more densely deployed in wireless networks in a cost-effective manner.

[0078] Figure 2 An example wireless communication system 200 including a RIS 202, a WTRU 204, a RIS controller 208, and a network node (e.g., such as a gNB or TRP) 206 is illustrated. The RIS 202 may be deployed in several scenarios, including, for example, a RIS-based massive MIMO system and / or RIS-based coverage enhancement. For example, in a RIS-based massive MIMO scenario, the RIS 202 may be deployed near (e.g., next to) the gNB / TRP 206, for example, to improve spectral efficiency. For example, in a RIS-based coverage enhancement scenario, the RIS 202 may be deployed away from the gNB / TRP 206, for example, to enhance network coverage (e.g., for weak coverage areas or coverage holes due to obstructions of the line-of-sight link from the gNB / TRP 206 to the WTRU 202) and / or to extend the coverage area of ​​the gNB / TRP 206.

[0079] In some scenarios, a personal Internet of Things (IoT) network (PIN) may be implemented. One or more of the following may apply. Figure 3 An example home automation PIN 300 is illustrated. Specific IoT features may be designed for devices that communicate using traditional cellular networks. IoT-enabled devices may exhibit improved power consumption performance, which may enable efficient deployment (eg, efficient mass deployment).

[0080] When multiple IoT devices are deployed in a private environment, WTRUs with IoT capabilities may be organized under a PIN. For example, in a home environment, security sensors, smart lights, smart sockets, printers, mobile phones, etc. may be managed by a residential gateway and communicate with each other. In this case, each device in the home may constitute a PIN. Each of these devices (e.g., security sensors, smart lights, smart sockets, printers, mobile phones, etc.) may be referred to as a PIN element, and different PIN elements may be associated with different capabilities. For example, a residential gateway may be a PIN element (e.g., PINGW) associated with a gateway capability and / or may be used to provide connections between PIN elements and between a 5G network and a PIN element. Additionally or alternatively, the residential gateway may support PIN management functionality.

[0081] Certain PINs may include wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, VR / AR glasses, and / or airpods, etc.). For example, in such a PIN, a WTRU (e.g., a mobile phone) may be configured with a PIN element associated with a gateway capability and a PIN element associated with a management capability. A wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, VR / AR glasses, airpods, etc.) may communicate with other devices in the PIN via a WTRU (e.g., a WTRU associated with a gateway capability). Additionally or alternatively, a wearable device may communicate with other WTRUs (e.g., WTRUs not in the PIN) via an external network (e.g., a 5G network).

[0082] In certain scenarios, a residential / customer premises network (CPN) may be implemented. Figure 4 An example associated with CPN400 in a home scenario is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. In some scenarios, a house may encounter coverage issues, for example, due to several floors and other obstacles (e.g., walls, doors, pillars, furniture). At 3.5GHz, mmWave and / or higher frequencies, outdoor to indoor coverage may become a problem. The answer may be that indoor solutions can be used to provide coverage; for example, a resident radio access station (PRAS) can be connected via fixed access. Certain organizations (e.g., 3GPP, Broadband Forum) may provide / consider specific implementations including fixed access, for example, as part of a 5G system (e.g., a wired wireless converged architecture specific implementation).

[0083] In some scenarios (e.g., most scenarios), a home may include a single entry network point, for example, where an evolved residential gateway (eRG) may be installed. Connectivity to the eRG may be achieved via fixed access, 5G fixed wireless access, and / or hybrid fixed access / 5G fixed wireless access.

[0084] In some scenarios, connectivity throughout the house may not be provided from a single PRAS. For example, if there are concrete floors and / or walls, one or more PRAS may be deployed in the house, which may provide adequate coverage (e.g., even coverage of attics, cubicles, and garages). At mmWave frequencies, PRAS may be implemented in each room (e.g., living room, kitchen, bedroom, attic, etc.), for example, because higher frequency signals and channels may be blocked (e.g., severely blocked) by walls.

[0085] Proximity Services (ProSe) may include services provided (e.g., by a 3GPP system) based on WTRUs being in proximity to each other. To provide proximity services, a WTRU may perform a ProSe discovery procedure, e.g., to discover other WTRUs in proximity. There are two ProSe discovery modes: Model A and Model B.

[0086] Figure 5 An example ProSe direct discovery 500 using Model A is illustrated. In Model A, a WTRU (e.g., an advertiser WTRU 510) may broadcast one or more announcement messages 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d that include a ProSe code (e.g., which may be associated with an ID of the advertiser WTRU and / or associated with a service provided by the advertiser WTRU 510). Other WTRUs 512, 514, 516, 518 (e.g., monitoring WTRUs) that receive the respective announcement messages 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d may determine that the advertiser WTRU 510 is nearby.

[0087] Figure 6 An example ProSe direct discovery 600 using Model B is illustrated. In Model B, a WTRU (e.g., a discoverer WTRU 610) may broadcast one or more solicitation request messages 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d including a ProSe query code (e.g., which may be associated with an ID of a WTRU to be discovered and / or associated with a service to be discovered). One or more of the other WTRUs 612, 614, 616, 618 (e.g., a discovered WTRU) receiving the solicitation request message may respond to the request (e.g., by transmitting response messages 604a, 604b), for example, including a ProSe response code (e.g., which may be associated with an ID of a discovered WTRU and / or associated with a ProSe service provided by the discovered WTRU). The discoverer WTRU 610 may determine that a discovered WTRU (e.g., such as WTRU 612 and WTRU 614) is nearby.

[0088] The RIS may be used to implement an intelligent reconfigurable wireless environment for future wireless communication systems (e.g., such as 5G and above and 6G and above). For example, the RIS may reflect, refract and / or absorb an incident beam to a desired direction (e.g., or to an undesired direction in the case of absorption). In certain scenarios, a RIS deployment may include a RIS integrated network that may be used to improve cellular network spectrum efficiency, network coverage, etc. In such a deployment, control of one or more antennas (e.g., many small antennas) of the RIS or the radio surface of a metamaterial element may be performed by a base station. The RIS may also or alternatively be part of a smaller scale personal indoor network, such as a residential network or a PIN (e.g., where direct WTRU to WTRU communication may occur without involving a network / base station). Control of the RIS (e.g., reflection, refraction and / or absorption of an incident beam) may be distributed to one or more WTRUs (e.g., a collection of WTRUs), such as for WTRU to WTRU unicast (or multicast) communication.

[0089] Described herein are techniques that may be used to enable discovery of a RIS for WTRU to WTRU communications.Described herein are techniques that may be used to enable a WTRU to control a RIS in, for example, a personal / customer premises network (e.g., which operates in a licensed spectrum and / or an unlicensed spectrum).

[0090] As described herein, the term "control signaling" may include any control signaling and / or side control information used to operate and / or optimize the operation of a RIS integrated network. As described herein, the terms "RIS" and "RIS controller" may be used interchangeably. As described herein, the term "public network operator" may be used to refer to an operator that provides outdoor coverage and / or has authorization to operate in a licensed spectrum for a given personal / indoor network operation. As described herein, the WTRU may have successfully performed initial access and / or has established a communication link to an access node via the RIS.

[0091] RIS integrated personal network can be associated with topology and / or configuration. One or more of the following can be applied. eRG / PRAS can be used to configure RIS for RIS integrated CPN. PEGC / PEMC can be used to configure RIS for RIS integrated PIN.

[0092] RIS discovery for WTRU to WTRU communication may be performed via the RIS. One or more of the following may apply. A specific protocol stack may be used for RIS discovery messages. Model A and / or Model B discovery models may be used for RIS discovery. The RIS controller may transmit / receive a solicitation message / request (e.g., indicating the capabilities of the RIS) to the eRG / PRAS / PEGC / PEMC. The RIS controller may transmit / receive a discovery / announcement message / request to the eRG / PRAS / PEGC / PEMC (e.g., based on the capabilities of the RIS). The eRG / PRAS may configure the RIS to reflect an illumination signal back to its source and / or may convert the CPN WTRU to a scanning mode (e.g., where the CPN WTRU sends a signal and measures the reflected signal power to discover the RIS).

[0093] The RIS may be controlled by the WTRU. One or more of the following may apply. A control plane protocol stack at a RIS controller may be used for WTRU to WTRU communication. For example, the control plane protocol stack may include RLC, MAC, PHY and / or a RIS adaptation layer, which may be placed on the RLC layer and / or may be used to tune / configure the properties of the RIS and / or RIS elements. The RIS adaptation layer, RLC, MAC and PHY may or may not be terminated at the RIS controller. For example, the RIS adaptation layer may be terminated at the RIS controller and may be used (e.g., only used) to adjust the RIS elements to reflect signals from the source WTRU to the destination WTRU. The RIS adaptation layer may be controlled by the source WTRU / destination WTRU, for example, based on the state of the PC5-RLC, PC5-MAC and PC5-PHY layers between the source WTRU / destination WTRU and the RIS controller. The control plane protocol stack at the RIS controller for WTRU to WTRU communication may include (e.g., may only include) a PHY and a RIS adaptation layer. The RIS adaptation layer may support multiple access (e.g., where a first set of RIS elements may be dedicated to transmissions from a source WTRU to a destination WTRU and a second set of RIS elements may be dedicated to transmissions from a destination WTRU to a source WTRU). The RIS adaptation layer may support multiple access, where a set of RIS elements may be dedicated to WTRU to WTRU transmissions and another set of RIS elements may be dedicated to gNB / PRAS / PEMC / PEGC to WTRU (e.g., including PIN elements, CPNWTRU, WTRU) transmissions. The RIS adaptation layer may support multicast transmissions, unicast transmissions and / or WTRU to WTRU transmissions.

[0094] RIS may be integrated into a personal network (eg, RIS-integrated personal network). One or more of the following may apply. RIS-integrated personal network may be considered as part of one or more different topologies including, for example, RIS-integrated CPN and / or RIS-integrated PIN.

[0095] In the case of a RIS-integrated CPN, the topology of the RIS-integrated residential network may include one or more of the following: a base station; a RIS controller and a RIS; an evolved residential gateway (eRG); and / or a residential radio access station (PRAS). For example, the RIS controller and the RIS may include a microcontroller that can be used to determine (e.g., in the electromagnetic domain) a response of the RIS based on control information from the RIS controller. For example, the eRG can be a gateway between a public network operator (e.g., fixed, mobile, and / or wired) and a CPN within a residence, office, and / or store. For example, the PRAS may include a base station installed at the CPN, for example, for use within a residence, office, and / or store.

[0096] Figure 7 An example topology of a RIS-integrated CPN 700 is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. CPN 700 may be a network located within a premises (e.g., a residence, office, or store) that may be owned, installed, and / or (e.g., at least partially) configured by a customer of a public network operator. The premises (e.g., a residential area including a residence, office, or store) may be within the coverage of the network. CPN 700 may include RIS 702, RIS controller 712, eRG 710, PRAS 708, and one or more WTRUs 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d. eRG 710 and PRAS 708 may be within the premises. PRAS 708 may provide access to a system (e.g., a 5G system) for WTRUs 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d within the premises, and / or may be connected (e.g., wired or wirelessly connected) to eRG 710. The eRG 710 may be connected to the same system (eg, 5G system) via a wireless link and / or a wired link, for example. Depending on the relevant premises, one or more PRAS (eg, such as PRAS 708) may be installed in a single CPN.

[0097] The RIS 702 may be used in the CPN 700, for example, to extend coverage within a residential area of ​​the PRAS 708 and / or WTRUs 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d seeking WTRU-to-WTRU communications within the residential network.

[0098] In some scenarios, RIS 702 and RIS controller 712 may be managed by a public network operator (e.g., via eRG 710). The public network operator may enable eRG 710 to control RIS controller 712. The public network operator may configure (e.g., preconfigure and / or reconfigure) RIS controller 712, e.g., to receive control signaling from eRG 710.

[0099] In some scenarios, the public network operator can enable the PRAS 708 to control the RIS controller 712. For example, the public network operator can configure (eg, preconfigure and / or reconfigure) the RIS controller 712 to receive control signaling from the PRAS 708.

[0100] In some scenarios, the RIS 702 and the RIS controller 712 may be managed by a customer of a public network operator and / or an owner of the eRG 710 (e.g., which may be different from the public network operator providing coverage to the relevant residential area). The RIS 702 and / or the RIS controller 712 may be configured (e.g., pre-configured and / or reconfigured), for example, by the customer and / or owner of the eRG to receive control signaling from the eRG 710 and / or the PRAS 708.

[0101] In certain scenarios, the public network operator may activate / deactivate or turn on / off the RIS 702. For example, the public network operator may activate and / or deactivate the RIS 702 based on the operating frequency band or bandwidth part (BWP) of a given CPN / PRAS. In a first CPN (e.g., such as CPN 700), for example, the operating frequency / BWP may include a specific location / floor (e.g., for safety or interference management considerations). If the RIS 702 is used to extend coverage in the first CPN 700, the performance / QoS / KPI of certain WTRUs (e.g., a WTRU connected to an outdoor network or another WTRU near an indoor network operating in the same frequency / BWP) may be degraded. For example, the performance measurements may include measurements that implicitly and / or explicitly take into account interference (e.g., such as RSRQ, SINR, and / or undesired RIS re-radiation).

[0102] In some scenarios, one or more (e.g., multiple) PRAS (e.g., such as PRAS 708) may be implemented within the CPN. For example, if multiple PRAS are implemented within the CPN, the public network operator and / or eRG 710 may be used to enable control of RIS 702 via a PRAS (e.g., one of the multiple PRAS).

[0103] The RIS may be integrated into a PIN (e.g., a RIS-integrated PIN). One or more of the following may apply. In the case of a RIS-integrated PIN, the topology may include one or more of the following: a base station; a RIS controller and a RIS; a PIN element (PE); a PIN element with gateway (GW) capabilities (PEGC); and / or a PIN element with management (Mgmt) capabilities (PEMC). For example, the RIS controller and the RIS may include a microcontroller that may be used to determine, for example, a response of the RIS based on control information from the RIS controller (e.g., in the electromagnetic domain). The PE may include a WTRU and a device configured to communicate within the PIN. The PEGC may include a WTRU PE capable of providing connectivity to and from other networks (e.g., a 5G network) and a PIN element directly connected using a PIN. The PEMC may include a PE associated with management capabilities (e.g., having the ability to manage the PIN).

[0104] Figure 8 An example topology of a RIS integrated PIN 800 is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. The PIN 800 may include a configured and managed device group, including, for example, a WTRU and / or one or more PEs 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d or WTRUs that are authorized (e.g., pre-authorized) to communicate with each other. The PIN may be implemented in an indoor or outdoor environment. The PEs 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d may use a PIN connection (e.g., a direct connection) and / or a relay for end-to-end communication. The direct connection in the PIN 800 may be implemented, for example, via a licensed spectrum (e.g., via a 3GPP licensed spectrum and / or a direct device connection). The PEMC 804c may receive information related to the PE (e.g., such as the identity, capabilities of the PE) and may manage the PIN. The PEGC 804d may be connected to another network (e.g., a 5G system), for example, to provide a direct or indirect connection between one or more of the PEs 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d and the other network. A single PIN element may be associated with both Mgmt capabilities and GW capabilities. The PIN may include at least one PEGC (e.g., such as the PEGC 804d) and a PEMC (e.g., such as the PEMC 804c).

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown, RIS 802 may be used to extend coverage of PIN 800 and / or coverage of PEs 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d (eg, PEs seeking PIN direct communications within a PIN network).

[0106] In some scenarios, the RIS 802 and the RIS controller 808 may be managed by a common network operator (e.g., via the PEMC 804c). For example, the common network operator may enable the PEMC 804c to control the RIS controller 808. The common network operator may configure (e.g., preconfigure and / or reconfigure) the RIS controller 808, for example, to receive control signaling from the PEMC 804c.

[0107] In certain scenarios, a public network operator may be operable to enable the PEGC 804d to control the RIS controller 808. The public network operator may configure (eg, preconfigure and / or reconfigure) the RIS controller 808 to receive control signaling from the PEGC 804d.

[0108] In some scenarios, the RIS 802 and the RIS controller 808 may be managed by a PIN owner (e.g., a PIN owner that may be a public network operator). For example, the RIS 802 and / or the RIS controller 808 may be configured (e.g., pre-configured and / or reconfigured) by the PIN owner to receive control signaling from the PEMC 804c and / or the PEGC 804d.

[0109] In certain scenarios, the public network operator may activate / deactivate or turn on / off the RIS 802. For example, the public network operator may activate / deactivate the RIS 802 based on the operating frequency band or bandwidth part (BWP) for PIN direct communication. For example, in a PIN direct connection, the operating frequency / BWP may include a specific location / floor (e.g., for safety considerations and / or interference management). If the RIS 802 is implemented in the PIN 800 to extend the coverage for PIN direct communication, the performance / QoS / KPI of certain WTRUs (e.g., a WTRU connected to an outdoor network or another WTRU near an indoor network operating in the same frequency / BWP) may be degraded. For example, the performance measurements may include measurements that implicitly and / or explicitly consider interference (e.g., such as RSRQ, SINR, and / or undesired RIS re-radiation).

[0110] In some scenarios, one or more (e.g., multiple) PEMCs (e.g., such as PEMC804c) and / or PEGCs (e.g., such as PEGC 804d) may be implemented within a single PIN. For example, if multiple PEMCs and / or PEGCs are implemented within a single PIN, the public network operator and / or the PIN owner may enable a RIS (e.g., such as RIS 802) that controls one or more of the PEMCs and / or PEGCs.

[0111] In some scenarios, one or more (e.g., multiple) PEMCs and / or PEGCs may be implemented within a single PIN. For example, if multiple PEMCs and / or PEGCs are implemented within a single PIN, the public network operator and / or PIN owner may implement control over the RIS of the PEMCs and / or PEGCs (e.g., in a manner similar to multiple access / resource allocation).

[0112] RIS discovery for WTRU-to-WTRU communication may be performed (eg, via RIS).One or more of the following may apply. Fig. 9 An example protocol stack 900 that can be used for RIS discovery messages is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. The RIS controller 904 may use a protocol stack for discovery messages, such as Fig. 9 For example, RIS controller 904 may use Model A and / or Model B to discover the model.

[0113] In Model A, for example, the RIS controller 904 may advertise its presence to other WTRUs. When the RIS controller broadcasts its advertisement message, the WTRU 902 may receive direct discovery related parameters including, for example, discovery codes, filters, etc. The WTRU 902 may also or alternatively receive capability parameters indicating RIS capabilities (e.g., such as reflection, refraction, and / or absorption). In the event that the RIS is capable of supporting more than one of the capabilities indicated, the capability parameter may include a list of capabilities. In certain scenarios, the capabilities of the RIS may be considered to be RIS modes (e.g., passive, semi-active, or active RIS).

[0114] In Model B, the RIS controller 904 may attempt to discover which WTRU(s) are adjacent to the RIS. When the RIS controller 904 broadcasts its discovery message, the RIS controller 904 may attempt to discover and / or identify WTRUs 902 around the RIS that may request (e.g., require) signal reflection, refraction, and / or absorption. When a WTRU 902 around the RIS receives the discovery message of the RIS controller, the WTRU 902 may transmit a solicitation message to the RIS controller 904. For example, the solicitation message may include relevant RIS capabilities (e.g., reflection, refraction, and / or absorption), RIS mode (e.g., passive, semi-active, or active), WTRU capability information, and / or destination WTRU information. In some scenarios, the RIS controller 904 may receive the solicitation message and may transmit the discovery message to the destination WTRU 902. In some scenarios, the RIS controller 904 may respond to the solicitation message transmitted by the WTRU 902. For example, the response of the RIS controller may include information related to the control of the RIS (e.g., how to control the RIS and what aspects of the RIS are controlled). In response to receiving the solicitation message response, the WTRU 902 may control the RIS to transmit a discovery message to the destination WTRU 902 .

[0115] Fig.10 An example associated with a call flow 1000 that may be used for RIS discovery and / or use of RIS for WTRU to WTRU communication is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. Fig.10As shown, the RIS controller may broadcast a discovery message, for example, to determine whether to request its capabilities from surrounding WTRUs (e.g., capabilities from surrounding WTRUs are needed). WTRU 1002a (e.g., source WTRU) may request to utilize RIS and transmit a solicitation message to RIS controller 1004. For example, the solicitation message may include source WTRU information, destination WTRU information, one or more RIS capabilities, one or more RIS modes, application ID (for ProSe), etc. The one or more RIS capabilities may be required and / or desired RIS capabilities. The one or more RIS capabilities may include reflection, refraction, or absorption. The one or more RIS modes may include passive mode, active mode, and / or semi-active mode. At 1010, based on the information provided in the solicitation message, RIS controller 1004 may transmit a discovery message to destination WTRU 1002c. For example, the discovery message may include source WTRU information, destination WTRU information, application ID (for ProSe), etc. At 1012, the destination WTRU 1002c may respond to the discovery message. For example, the destination WTRU 1002c may provide further information as part of the response message. At 1014, based on the discovery message response of the destination WTRU, the RIS controller 1004 may transmit a solicitation message response to the source WTRU 1002a. The solicitation message response from the RIS controller 1004 may include control signaling information, supported side control information, etc., which may be used to control the RIS. Additionally or alternatively, information related to the destination WTRU 1002c may be provided as part of the solicitation message response. At 1016, the source WTRU 1002a may transmit control signaling to control the RIS and / or utilize the requested RIS capabilities (e.g., in order to reach the destination WTRU). After transmitting the RIS control signaling to the RIS controller 1004, at 1026, the source WTRU 1002a may establish a unicast (e.g., PC5) link between the source WTRU 1002a and the destination WTRU 1002c via the RIS. For example, the source WTRU 1002a may transmit a send to the destination WTRU 1002c via the RIS based on the RIS control information. The transmission may be transmitted via the unicast link. For example, the transmission may be transmitted by the source WTRU 1002a to the destination WTRU 1002c using a RIS adaptation layer controlled by the source WTRU 1002a.

[0116] At 1018, the RIS controller 1004 may transmit a solicitation message response to the source WTRU 1002a in response to the solicitation message received from the source WTRU 1002a at 1008. The solicitation message response from the RIS controller 1004 may include control signaling information, supported side control information, etc., which may be used to control the RIS. At 1020, the source WTRU 1002a may transmit control signaling to control the RIS and / or utilize the requested RIS capabilities (e.g., in order to transmit a discovery message to the destination WTRU). At 1022, the source WTRU 1002a may transmit a discovery message to the destination WTRU 1002c, such as via the RIS. At 1024, the destination WTRU 1002c may respond to the discovery message of the source WTRU 1002a, such as via the RIS. For example, at 1024, the destination WTRU 1002c may transmit a discovery message response to the source WTRU 1002a via the RIS. After receiving the discovery message from the destination WTRU 1002c, the source WTRU 1002a may establish a unicast (e.g., PC5) link between the source WTRU 1002a and the destination WTRU 1002c via the RIS at 1026. For example, the source WTRU 1002a may transmit a transmission to the destination WTRU 1002c via the RIS based on the RIS control information. The transmission may be transmitted via the unicast link. For example, the transmission may be transmitted by the source WTRU 1002a to the destination WTRU 1002c using a RIS adaptation layer controlled by the source WTRU 1002a.

[0117] For example, if the source WTRU 1002a traverses various indirect paths (e.g., via RIS, via WTRU-to-WTRU relay, etc.) to reach the destination WTRU 1002c, the source WTRU 1002a may determine and / or identify the path based on the source WTRU's signal strength, operating frequency, size of the resource pool, SL-RSRP, SL-RSSI, etc. (e.g., from existing paths). For example, the source WTRU 1002a may also or alternatively determine and / or identify the path based on energy savings at the source WTRU 1002a, link capabilities, SINR, etc. In some scenarios, the source WTRU 1002a may communicate with the destination WTRU 1002c via direct communication. The source WTRU 1002a may also or alternatively use the path via RIS to improve communication reliability.

[0118] In some scenarios, a RIS may be considered a PIN element (e.g., having reflection, refraction, and / or absorption capabilities). As described herein, such a PIN element may be referred to as a RIS-capable PIN element (PERC). A RIS controller may receive a discovery / announcement message from another PIN element that is part of an existing PIN. The PIN element may be a PEMC and / or a PEGC. If a RIS controller of a PERC receives a discovery / announcement message including a PIN ID, the RIS controller (e.g., a RIS controller of a PERC) may transmit (e.g., directly) a connection request. For example, the connection request may indicate the capabilities of the PERC (e.g., reflection, refraction, and / or absorption). The PERC may transmit the connection request to the PEMC and / or the PEGC.

[0119] In some scenarios, the PEMC and / or PEGC may transmit a discovery message. For example, the discovery message may include an indication of a requested (e.g., desired) capability of the PERC. For example, the PEMC and / or PEGC may broadcast a discovery message with a desired capability indicated as reflection. The capability may be indicated as a bit string or service code within the discovery message. The discovery message may also or alternatively indicate a requested (e.g., required) frequency range for reflection (e.g., or any other capability of the RIS), including, for example, licensed spectrum and unlicensed spectrum.

[0120] If the PERC receives the discovery message (e.g., from the PEMC and / or PEGC), the PERC may respond to the discovery message. For example, the response to the discovery message may include one or more of the following: an indication of the requested (e.g., desired) capability (e.g., an indication that the desired capability is supported by the PERC); an indication that the requested (e.g., required) frequency range is supported; and the like. The PEMC / PEGC may transmit a solicitation request for the PERC to join the PIN. The PERC may respond to the solicitation request message using supported RIS control signaling information (e.g., capabilities supported by the PERC). The PEMC / PEGC may establish a link with the PERC and may initiate control of the RIS element to reflect a signal from the PEMC / PEGC to a desired direction, for example, to reach another PIN element.

[0121] Fig.11An example call flow 1100 that may be used for PERC discovery and control of RIS using a PEMC / PEGC 1102 is illustrated. One or more of the following may apply. At 1106, the PEMC / PEGC 1102 may broadcast a discovery message. The PEMC / PEGC 1102 may transmit the discovery message to determine whether a PERC with appropriate capabilities (e.g., a PERC with reflection capabilities on band N77) is available. The discovery message may indicate a PIN ID and / or one or more desired PERC capabilities. At 1108, the PERC (e.g., Fig.11 PERC#1 1104a) may respond to the discovery message with an indication of the capabilities of the PERC (e.g., PERC#1 has reflective and absorptive capabilities on band N77). As shown, PERC#2 1104b may not support the requested capabilities, and PERC#2 1104b may not transmit a response to the discovery message from PEMC / PEGC 1102. At 1110, PEMC / PEGC 1102 may transmit a solicitation request to join a PIN to PERC#1 1104a. PEMC / PEGC 1102 may include one or more authorization / security parameters and / or one or more policy configurations associated with the PIN in the solicitation request transmitted to PERC#1 1104a at 1110. At 1112, PERC#1 1104a may respond to the solicitation request, for example, using RIS control signaling details. At 1114, the PEMC / PEGC 1102 may establish a link to PERC#1 1104a and may initiate control of the RIS element associated with PERC#1 1104a (eg, to propagate the illumination signal to reach other PIN elements).

[0122] In some scenarios, the RIS may be deployed as part of the CPN (e.g., RIS integrated CPN). The RIS may be an off-the-shelf component and / or may be deployed with the PRAS and / or eRG. For example, the RIS may be configured (e.g., pre-configured) via a configuration portal on a web page. The owner of the CPN may configure (reconfigure) the RIS, e.g., via the eRG and / or PRAS, in a manner that enables control of the RIS.

[0123] For example, if the eRG / PRAS is configured to control the RIS via a RIS controller, the eRG / PRAS may allow / authorize an existing CPN WTRU to control the RIS for WTRU-to-WTRU communications. The eRG / PRAS may provide access information to the CPN WTRU to the RIS controller. The CPN WTRU may use the Model A and / or Model B discovery models to reach the RIS controller, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the eRG / PRAS may configure the RIS to reflect an illumination signal back to its source, and may switch the CPN WTRU to a "scanning" mode (e.g., where the CPN WTRU transmits a signal and measures the reflected signal power to discover the RIS).

[0124] In some scenarios, the eRG / PRAS may provide frequency range information (e.g., allowed frequency range) that may be used for WTRU-to-WTRU communication via the RIS. For example, the RIS may be configured (e.g., reconfigured) to operate on (e.g., only operate on) the allowed frequency range.

[0125] In certain scenarios, a control plane protocol stack associated with a RIS controller for WTRU-to-WTRU communications may include an RLC layer, a MAC layer, a PHY layer, and / or a RIS adaptation layer, which may be placed on the RLC layer and / or may be used to tune the properties of the RIS / RIS elements. For example, the RIS adaptation layer may be used to: change / update the phase and / or amplitude of a RIS element (e.g., explicit or implicit phase and / or amplitude of a RIS element); change / update illumination signal directivity / beamforming characteristics / TCI state; allocate (e.g., reallocate) RIS resources including RIS elements; change / update UL / DL configuration; configure (e.g., reconfigure) timing advance offset alignment; turn on / off RIS and / or RIS elements (e.g., separate RIS elements); switch between different RIS capabilities (e.g., from reflection to refraction), etc. The source WTRU may control the RIS via the RIS adaptation layer. For example, the source WTRU may utilize the PC5-RLC, PC5-MAC, and PC5-PHY links at the RIS controller to send RIS control signaling.

[0126] In some scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer may not terminate at the RIS controller. For example, if the RIS adaptation layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer are not terminated at the RIS controller, the source WTRU and / or the destination WTRU may adjust / configure the RIS elements to reflect the signal from the source WTRU to the destination WTRU / from the destination WTRU to the source WTRU.

[0127] In certain scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer may terminate at the RIS controller and be used (eg, only used) to adjust / configure the RIS elements to reflect signals from a source WTRU to a destination WTRU.

[0128] In certain scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer may be controlled by the source WTRU and / or the destination WTRU, for example, based on the state of the PC5-RLC, PC5-MAC, and / or PC5-PHY layers between the source WTRU / destination WTRU and the RIS controller. Based on control signaling (e.g., from the source WTRU / destination WTRU) provided to the RIS adaptation layer at the RIS controller, the RIS controller may adjust RIS elements, for example, as part of the RIS-PHY layer at the RIS.

[0129] In certain scenarios, a control plane protocol stack associated with a RIS controller for WTRU-to-WTRU communications may include (e.g., include only) a PHY layer and / or a RIS adaptation layer. The source WTRU may control the RIS based on information from the PC5-RLC and PC5-MAC links between the source WTRU and the destination WTRU (e.g., via the RIS adaptation layer). For example, the destination WTRU may also or alternatively control the RIS via the RIS adaptation layer. Based on control signaling (e.g., from the source WTRU / destination WTRU) provided to the RIS adaptation layer at the RIS controller, the RIS controller may adjust / configure the RIS elements as part of the RIS-PHY layer at the RIS.

[0130] For example, Fig.12 Examples associated with control plane protocol stacks 1200 and 1250 for WTRU-to-WTRU communications via RIS are illustrated. One or more of the following may apply.

[0131] In certain scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer may support multiple access, for example, where a set of RIS elements may be used (e.g., dedicated) for transmissions from a source WTRU to a destination WTRU, and another set of RIS elements may be used (e.g., dedicated) for transmissions from a destination WTRU to a source WTRU.

[0132] In certain scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer may support multiple access, for example, where a set of RIS elements may be used (e.g., dedicated) for WTRU to WTRU transmissions (e.g., only WTRU to WTRU transmissions), and another set of RIS elements may be used (e.g., dedicated) for gNB / PRAS / PEMC / PEGC to WTRU (e.g., including PIN elements, CPN WTRU, WTRU) transmissions. Such scenarios may also or alternatively be applied to scenarios where multiple network operators or multiple PINs exist (e.g., where a set of RIS elements may be dedicated to operating on a first frequency range / portion (e.g., BWP), and another set of RIS elements may be dedicated to operating on a second frequency range / portion). As described herein, the frequency range / portion may include a BWP, a component carrier, a Pcell, a Scell, an MCG, and / or an SCG, etc. Similarly, the techniques described herein may be used to semi-statically or dynamically configure a set of RIS elements for a particular frequency range / portion.

[0133] In certain scenarios, the RIS adaptation layer may support multicast transmissions (e.g., in addition to unicast transmissions) and / or WTRU-to-WTRU transmissions. For example, in RIS-based multicast transmissions, the gNB / PRAS / PEMC / PEGC / WTRU may control the RIS (e.g., to distribute the signal in a desired direction). For example, the RIS refraction capability may be used to perform multicast transmissions.

Claims

1. A first wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the first wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) being configured to: receiving a first discovery message associated with a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); transmitting, in response to receipt of the first discovery message, a solicitation message to a RIS controller, the solicitation message including one or more of: capability information associated with the first WTRU, one or more RIS capabilities, one or more RIS modes, or an indication of a second WTRU; receiving a solicitation response message from the RIS controller in response to the solicitation message, the solicitation response message including RIS control information associated with the RIS; and A transmission is transmitted to the second WTRU via the RIS based on the RIS control information.

2. The first WTRU of claim 1 , wherein the first WTRU is further configured to: It is determined that the second WTRU has been discovered.

3. The first WTRU of claim 2, wherein the solicitation response message indicates that the second WTRU has been discovered.

4. The first WTRU of claim 1 , wherein the first discovery message comprises one or more capability parameters associated with the RIS.

5. The first WTRU of claim 2, wherein the first WTRU is further configured to: transmitting, via the RIS, a second discovery message to the second WTRU; and A second discovery message response is received from the second WTRU via the RIS.

6. The first WTRU of claim 1, wherein the one or more RIS capabilities include reflection, refraction, or absorption.

7. The first WTRU of claim 1, wherein the one or more RIS modes include a passive mode, an active mode, or a semi-active mode.

8. The first WTRU of claim 5, wherein the first WTRU is further configured to establish a unicast link with the second WTRU via the RIS.

9. The first WTRU of claim 1, wherein the transmission is transmitted to the second WTRU using a RIS adaptation layer controlled by the first WTRU.

10. The first WTRU of claim 1, wherein the RIS is a RIS-capable PIN component (PERC).

11. A method performed by a first wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: receiving a first discovery message associated with a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); transmitting, in response to receipt of the first discovery message, a solicitation message to a RIS controller, the solicitation message including one or more of: capability information associated with the first WTRU, one or more RIS capabilities, one or more RIS modes, or an indication of a second WTRU; receiving a solicitation response message from the RIS controller in response to the solicitation message, the solicitation response message including RIS control information associated with the RIS; and A transmission is transmitted to the second WTRU via the RIS based on the RIS control information.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: It is determined that the second WTRU has been discovered.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the solicitation response message indicates that the second WTRU has been discovered.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first discovery message includes one or more capability parameters associated with the RIS.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: transmitting, via the RIS, a second discovery message to the second WTRU; as well as A second discovery message response is received from the second WTRU via the RIS.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more RIS capabilities include reflection, refraction, or absorption.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more RIS modes include a passive mode, an active mode, or a semi-active mode.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A unicast link is established with the second WTRU via the RIS.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmission is transmitted to the second WTRU using a RIS adaptation layer controlled by the first WTRU.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the RIS is a RIS-capable PIN component (PERC).

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