Reconfigurable smart surface mode selection

Abstract

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, there is at least one method and apparatus for performing communication with a network node or a network device of a communication network to exchange capabilities including a plurality of passive elements controlled by an active device for at least one particular mode for signaling in the communication network, the active device configures the apparatus to perform: receiving a mode selection request for a particular mode from a network node or network device; transmitting a mode selection response to the network node or the network device based on the mode selection request and the availability of the particular mode, the mode selection response comprising an acknowledgement for activation of the particular mode; and operating in a particular mode to enable communication between the network device and the network node via the reconfigurable smart surface.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,078, filed on November 17, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The teachings of exemplary embodiments according to the present application generally relate to improved aspects of devices and / or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), and more particularly, to improved aspects of devices and / or RIS mode selection. Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to provide background or context for the present disclosure as recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily concepts that have been previously contemplated or pursued. Thus, unless otherwise stated herein, the content described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in the present application and is not admitted to be prior art by being included in this section.

[0004] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or drawings are defined herein as follows: AIoT environment IoT FD Full Duplex FDD Frequency Division Duplex HD Half Duplex OAM Operation and Maintenance RIS Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface TDD Time Division Duplex UE User Equipment

[0005] Wireless propagation environments are random and uncontrollable. Recently, devices such as those including reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have been proposed as a means of having some control over the wireless propagation environment by means of software-controlled reflections. An RIS includes a planar array of passive reflecting elements that can reflect incident rays with adjustable phase shifts. The passive nature of the reflecting elements results in low hardware costs, low energy consumption, and the ability to operate naturally in different modes such as full duplex (FD) mode. An RIS would be an unobtrusive auxiliary device that could be easily and transparently integrated into existing communication networks, offering great flexibility and compatibility in terms of deployment.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose improved process operations for such devices and / or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0008] In an example aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided, such as an apparatus of a base station type or an apparatus of a network device type. The apparatus includes: at least one processor; at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: communicate with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of passive elements, and the plurality of passive elements are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network. Wherein the active device configures the apparatus to: receive a mode selection request for the specific mode from the network node; based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, send a mode selection response to the network node, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of the activation of the specific mode; and operate in the specific mode to enable communication between a user equipment and the network node.

[0009] In another example aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, including: communicating with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of an apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of passive elements, and the plurality of passive elements are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network. Wherein the active device configures a reconfigurable intelligent surface to perform: receive a mode selection request for the specific mode from the network node; based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, send a mode selection response to the network node, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of the activation of the specific mode; and operate in the specific mode to enable communication between a user equipment and the network node.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus and method that includes the apparatus and method of the foregoing paragraphs, where the mode selection response indicates whether the apparatus is available for a particular mode, where the apparatus includes at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface, or an array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements, where the apparatus includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface that includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface control unit and a reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit, where there is an inspection of the availability of the apparatus for a particular mode of operation; and allocating passive array elements and reconfiguring using parameters for forwarding operations, where based on the mode selection response, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface of the apparatus is identified as available, where at least one particular mode includes a reflection mode, a transparent mode, a half-duplex or full-duplex mode, a mirror mode, a shutdown mode, and a cascading mode, where in the reflection mode, the apparatus reflects the signaling in a desired direction based on the configuration, the beam for the reflection mode of the signaling is symmetric in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, and where the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal, where the reflection mode is an option for forwarding operations based on the available particular mode, where in the transparent mode, the apparatus applies transparent mode operation to refract the beam for transmitting the signaling in a specified direction, where the refraction mode is an option for the apparatus for the forwarding mode based on the available particular mode, where in the half-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted in time-division duplex or frequency-division duplex, where the half-duplex mode is the default mode, where the apparatus enables spatial multiplexing for the full-duplex mode, where based on spatial multiplexing is used to forward the signaling, the full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink transmission and downlink transmission, and where the elements of the apparatus are functionally divided into a part for forwarding the uplink transmission and another part for forwarding the downlink transmission, where in the full-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted simultaneously in the uplink direction and the downlink direction over the same frequency range, where in the mirror mode, the beam is scattered back in the return direction of the incident beam, where the mirror mode is used for channel state assessment and estimating the position of at least one of the reconfigurable intelligent surface or the mobile terminal, where in the shutdown mode, there is no forwarding operation, where the shutdown mode is implemented by using at least one of an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode or by using scattering, and where the apparatus scatters the beam into multiple beams over a wide angle, where in the cascading mode, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface of the apparatus is linked to help form a connection that overcomes blockage, where the parameters include the reflection angle, frequency, and phase adjustment, and / or where the configuration is implemented based on using the parameters and the on state is applied to the apparatus, and forwarding is enabled using the particular mode.

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method described in the above paragraph.

[0012] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus including: means for communicating with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the apparatus, the apparatus being for using at least one specific mode of signaling in the communication network; means for receiving, based on a determined need for a specific mode among the at least one specific mode, a mode selection request for the specific mode from the network node; means for sending, based on the mode selection request, a mode selection response to the network node, the mode selection response including an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and means for performing signaling using the specific mode via the apparatus in the communication network to enable communication between a user equipment and the network node.

[0013] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the means for at least communicating, receiving, sending, and performing includes a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0014] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, such as a network-side apparatus, including: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: communicate with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of passive elements controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode of signaling in the communication network; send a request for the specific mode to the network device based on a determined need for the specific mode among the at least one specific mode; receive a mode selection response, where the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and communicate with a user equipment via the network device using the specific mode.

[0015] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method including: communicating with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the apparatus, the apparatus including a plurality of passive elements controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode of signaling in the communication network; sending a request for the specific mode to the network device based on a determined need for the specific mode among the at least one specific mode; receiving a mode selection response, where the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and communicating with a user equipment via the network device using the specific mode.

[0016] Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus and method that includes an apparatus and / or network device and the method of the foregoing paragraph, where the mode selection response indicates whether the apparatus is available for a specific mode, where the apparatus includes at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface, or an array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements, where the reconfigurable intelligent surface of the apparatus includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface control unit and a reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit, where the mode selection response is based on a check of the availability of the apparatus for a specific mode of operation; and allocating passive array elements and reconfiguring using parameters for forwarding operations, where based on the mode selection response, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface of the apparatus is identified as available, where at least one specific mode includes a reflection mode, a transparent mode, a half-duplex or full-duplex mode, a mirror mode, an off mode, and a cascaded mode, where in the reflection mode, the apparatus reflects the signaling in a desired direction based on the configuration, and the beam for the reflection mode of the signaling is symmetric in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, and where the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal, where the reflection mode is an option for forwarding operations based on the available specific mode, where in the transparent mode, the apparatus applies transparent mode operation to refract the beam for transmitting the signaling in a specified direction, where the refraction mode is the normal forwarding mode based on the available specific mode, where in the half-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted in time-division duplex or frequency-division duplex, where the half-duplex mode is the default mode, where the apparatus enables spatial multiplexing for the full-duplex mode, where based on spatial multiplexing, the signaling is forwarded, and the full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink transmission and downlink transmission, and where the elements of the apparatus are functionally divided into a part for forwarding the uplink transmission and another part for forwarding the downlink transmission, where in the full-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted simultaneously in the uplink direction and the downlink direction over the same frequency range, where in the mirror mode, the beam is scattered back in the return direction of the incident beam, where the mirror mode is used for channel state assessment and estimating the position of at least one of the reconfigurable intelligent surface or the mobile terminal, where in the off mode, there is no forwarding operation, where the off mode is achieved by using at least one of an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode or by using scattering, and where the beam is scattered into multiple beams over a wide angle, where in the cascaded mode, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface is linked to help form a connection that overcomes blockage, where the parameters include the reflection angle, frequency, and phase adjustment, and / or where the configuration is implemented based on using the parameters and the on state is applied to the reconfigurable intelligent surface, and forwarding is enabled using the reconfigurable intelligent surface operating in a specific mode.

[0017] A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method described in the above paragraphs.

[0018] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided that includes: components for communicating with a network device of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the device, the device including a plurality of passive elements that are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network; a request component for sending a request for the specific mode to the network device based on a determined need for the specific mode in at least one of the specific modes; a component for receiving a mode selection response, where the mode selection response includes an acknowledgment of the activation of the specific mode; and a component for communicating with a user device via the network device using the specific mode.

[0019] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the components for at least communication, sending, receiving, and execution include a network interface and computer program code that is stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0020] A communication system includes a network-side device and a network device type device that perform the above operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or equivalent elements. The drawings are shown for a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, where:

[0022] Figure 1 The hardware architecture of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 The architecture of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) from a 3GPP perspective is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 The proposed architecture of a reconfigurable intelligent surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where there are active elements for channel sensing in addition to passive elements;

[0025] Figure 4 RIS-assisted ambient energy harvesting is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 A high-level block diagram of various devices for performing various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 6Shows a general network-initiated mode selection process;

[0028] Figure 7 Shows signal reflection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 Shows signal refraction in transparent mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 Shows a reflection mode selection process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 Shows the evaluation of requirements and needs for a mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 11 Shows an application mode selection request according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure: implement configuration and change the RIS to the on state;

[0033] Figure 12 Shows signal scattering back to the return direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 13 Shows network-initiated mirror mode selection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 14 Shows the absorption of a signal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 15 Shows network-initiated OFF mode selection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 16 Shows the evaluation of the need for the RIS OFF state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 17 Shows that the linked RIS creates a virtual LOS and connection between the UE and the gNB according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 18 Shows network-initiated cascade mode selection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Figure 19A And Figure 19B Each shows a method that can be performed by a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0041] In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one method and apparatus are presented for new operations related to improved aspects of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) mode selection.

[0042] Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)

[0043] As described above, the wireless propagation environment is random and uncontrollable. Recently, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have been proposed as a means of having some control over the wireless propagation environment by means of software-controlled reflections.

[0044] The RIS includes a planar array of passive reflecting elements that can reflect incident rays with adjustable phase shifts. The passive nature of the reflecting elements results in low hardware cost, low energy consumption, and the ability to operate naturally in different modes such as full-duplex (FD) mode. The RIS would be a low-profile auxiliary device that can be easily and transparently integrated into existing communication networks, providing great flexibility and compatibility in terms of deployment.

[0045] A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is a surface that can be used with network devices such as user equipment (UE), which is wireless and typically a mobile device, and network entities or network nodes such as, for example, a base station for a cellular network. The RIS can also be referred to as a "reconfigurable reflecting surface", "intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)", "large intelligent surface", "array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements", and the term "RIS" as used herein is intended to cover all of these and other similar devices. Current implementations of the RIS are based on liquid crystal meta-structures, reconfigurable reflecting arrays, mechanical structures, and programmable metamaterials or combinations thereof.

[0046] Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) with active elements

[0047] In addition to passive elements, the RIS can have reconfigurable active elements, where it can be connected to an RF chain via switches, as Figure 1 shown.

[0048] These active elements can be used for different functions such as: · Communicating control messages between the RIS and the BS; · Channel sensing by measuring reference signals.

[0049] The passive elements will reflect the incoming signal, and the phase of the passive elements can be configured to direct the incoming signal in a desired direction.

[0050] Figure 1 The hardware architecture of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is shown. As Figure 1As shown, there are passive components and active components. As Figure 1 shown, the active components are connected to the RF chain and the RIS controller.

[0051] The operating frequency of the RIS

[0052] The ambient energy consists of different signals at various frequencies. However, it is difficult to implement a RIS that can simultaneously support phase adjustment for incoming signals in different frequency bands. In the current state-of-the-art research, there is a focus on frequency-reconfigurable antennas, where an antenna that can reconfigure its operating frequency from 4.86 GHz to 5.89 GHz has been presented. A similar approach can be used to enable the RIS to support phase adjustment at different frequencies, and a specific frequency can be set for a group of components at a given time.

[0053] Figure 2 A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) architecture from the 3GPP perspective is shown. As Figure 2 shown, there is a UE and a gNB that perform RS-MT (mobile termination). As Figure 2 shown, the gNB is sending a DL reflection to the UE. Figure 2 The UE of responds with a UL reflection (consisting of a reflector array) via RS-Fwd.

[0054] The RIS-MT (control unit) is defined as a component that maintains a control link (C-link) between the gNB and the RIS to enable information exchange (e.g., side control information). The C-link is based on the NR Uu interface and on a different frequency band from the forward link. The forward link is decoupled from the C-link. The RIS reflects signals without decoding. The reflection angle can be dynamically controlled.

[0055] Figure 3 A proposed reconfigurable intelligent surface architecture according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where there are active components for channel sensing in addition to passive components.

[0056] A novel reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) architecture is proposed (as Figure 3 shown), where all components are passive except for a few randomly distributed active channel sensors. These active sensors are connected to the baseband of the controller. A compressive sensing-based solution is used to recover the full channel between the RIS and the transmitter / receiver, which is used to optimize the phase of the passive components.

[0057] There are many ambient RF signals, such as TV, radio, cellular, and Wi-Fi signals, which can be potential energy sources for energy. However, for an energy user (EU), it is difficult for the EU to efficiently harvest energy from these abundantly available signals due to their random nature and due to these energy sources being available at different frequencies. In RIS, which is mentioned as a very promising solution to this problem, because ambient signals can be focused on the EU by leveraging passive beamforming capabilities, which is shown in Figure 4 as shown.

[0058] Figure 4 Fig. shows RIS-assisted ambient energy harvesting. As Figure 4 shown, there are different IRSs, with TV (including Wifi and radio) between them. One of the IRSs is connected to the UE, and the other IRS is connected to the tag and the reader.

[0059] As far as is currently known, the aspect of RIS mode selection (which can be applied in 3GPP) has been overlooked in the literature. The example embodiments of the present disclosure are dedicated to addressing at least this shortcoming of the standard when applied in this context.

[0060] Before describing the example embodiments as detailed in the present disclosure, reference is made to Figure 5 , which is used to show a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices suitable for practicing the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which the example embodiments can be practiced.

[0062] Turning to Figure 5 , this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the example can be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110 and a radio access to an LTE, 5G, or 6G network base station, i.e., a gNB 170 and an NCE / MME / GW 190 are shown. In Figure 5In the example, user equipment (UE) 110 communicates wirelessly with wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access wireless network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver (Rx) 132 and a transmitter (Tx) 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnect mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber, or other optical communication equipment. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes an output module 140, and the output module 140 includes one or both of devices 140-1 and / or devices 140-2 that can be implemented in various ways. The output module 140 can be implemented in hardware as output module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. The output module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or implemented by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the output module 140 can be implemented as output module 140-2, and the output module 140-2 is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured to cause user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations as described herein with one or more processors 120. UE 110 communicates with gNB 170 via wireless link 111.

[0063] In this example, gNB 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 via a wireless device such as UE 110. gNB 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G (also known as New Radio (NR)). In 5G, gNB 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., NCE / MME / GW 190) via the NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. The NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, which can also include a Central Unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and a Distributed Unit (DU) (gNB-DU), where DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU can include or be coupled to a Radio Unit (RU) and controls the RU. The gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB, or hosts the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference 198, although reference 198 also shows the link between the remote element and the centralized element of gNB 170, such as the link between gNB-CU 196 and gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Note that DU 195 is considered to include a transceiver 160, for example, as part of the RU, but some such examples can have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of DU195 and connected to DU 195. gNB 170 can also be an eNB (Evolved Node B) base station, for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0064] gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected by one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver (Rx) 162 and a transmitter (Tx) 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor 152, the memory 155, and the network interface 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own one or more memories, one or more processors, and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0065] gNB 170 includes an output module 150, and the output module 150 includes one or both of devices 150-1 and / or devices 150-2 that can be implemented in various ways. The output module 150 can be implemented in hardware as the output module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 152. The output module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or implemented by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the output module 150 can be implemented as the output module 150-2, and the output module 150-2 is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to cause the gNB 170 to perform one or more of the operations described herein together with the one or more processors 152. Note that the functionality of the output module 150 can be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or implemented only in the DU 195.

[0066] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate via a network, such as via link 176 and link 131. Two or more gNBs 170 can communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 can be wired or wireless or both, and can implement, for example, the Xn interface for 5G, the X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0067] One or more buses 157 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 can be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 receiver implemented for a gNB for 5G, where other elements of the gNB 170 may be physically located at a different location from the RRH / DU, and one or more buses 157 can be partially implemented as, for example, an optical fiber cable or other suitable network connection that connects other elements of the gNB 170 (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network links.

[0068] Note that the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be clear that the equipment forming the cell can perform the functions. A cell forms part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, there can be three cells, each cell covering one-third of a 360-degree area, such that a single base station covers an approximate ellipse or circle. In addition, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. Thus, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers, the base station has a total of six cells.

[0069] The wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which include core network functionality. Additionally, the NCE / MME / GW 190 may perform, for example, access and mobility management functions (AMF), location management functions (LMF), mobility management entity (MME), network control element (NCE), policy control function (PCF), serving gateway (SGW), session management function (SMF), and unified data management (UDM). The NCE / MME / GW 190 provides connectivity via one or more links 181 to another network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management functions (AMF) and / or user plane functions (UPF) and / or session management functions (SMF). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) functionality. These are merely example functions that may be supported by the NCE / MME / GW 190, and note that functions for both 5G and LTE may be supported. The gNB 170 is coupled to the network element 190 via the link 131. The link 131 may be implemented as, for example, the NG interface for 5G, or the S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations using the one or more processors 175.

[0070] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is typically combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified as either external virtualization, which combines many networks or parts of networks into virtual units, or internal virtualization, which provides network-like functionality for software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as the processor 152 or processor 175 and the memories 155 and 171, and such virtualized entities also create technical effects.

[0071] The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memories, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memories, and removable memories. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be components for performing storage functions. As non-limiting examples, the processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, gNB 170, NCE / MME / GW 190, and other functions described herein.

[0072] Generally, various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, such as smart phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities, game devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, Internet devices that allow wireless Internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals incorporating combinations of such functions.

[0073] As described above, to the best of current knowledge, aspects of RIS mode selection (which can be applied in 3GPP) have been overlooked in the literature. Example embodiments of the present disclosure are dedicated to addressing at least this shortcoming of the standard when applying it.

[0074] RIS is a low-cost component and can be used in various modes. However, RIS technology has not been designed to provide such a solution that can be applied to 3GPP, and this technical problem needs to be solved. One problem solved in the example embodiments of the present disclosure is how to define various modes and mode selection for RIS, and the sub-problems are: 1. How to define various RIS modes and the triggering conditions for each mode? 2. How to perform network-controlled mode selection?

[0075] In the example embodiments of the present disclosure, various RIS modes and the triggering conditions for selecting a specific mode are defined. The RIS modes include HD / FD mode, reflection mode, transparent mode, mirror mode, OFF mode, and cascade mode. According to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a process for gNB-initiated RIS mode selection and related required signaling, asFigure 6 as shown and described below: 1. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in step 1 of Figure 6 , the RIS communicates its capabilities for various modes with the gNB via the network. Before initializing the RIS mode selection, a C-link connection establishment between the gNB and the RIS is required (via the RIS-MT): a. In Figure 6 step 1a, based on the capability information, the gNB evaluates the need for a specific mode, such as the HD / FD mode, reflection mode, transparent mode, mirror mode, OFF mode, and cascade mode: i. The gNB evaluation can be based on a UE request for a specific mode via the RIS to the gNB or a gNB need for a specific mode; 2. As shown in step 2 of Figure 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, based on a specific need, the gNB sends a mode selection request to the RIS-MT: a. In one example case, the gNB provides the RIS-MT with relevant configuration parameters to apply the mode. The parameters include reflection angle, frequency, phase adjustment, etc.; 3. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in step 3a of Figure 6 , the RIS-MT checks the availability of the RIS-Fwd for a specific operating mode. As shown in step 3b of Figure 6 , the RIS- MT then allocates passive RIS array elements and reconfigures their parameters (i.e., based on step 3a) for the forwarding operation; 4. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT sends a mode selection response to the gNB (which can be "yes" if the RIS is available for the mode, or "no" if the RIS is busy with some other tasks, i.e., due to a connection with another gNB (e.g., high priority for another mode)); 5. Finally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in steps 4 and 5 of Figure 6 , the RIS starts operating in the requested mode. The network enables the UE or the gNB to access via the RIS.

[0076] The present disclosure provides the required signaling and triggering conditions via the radio interface to enable all of the above mode selections as needed (or triggered).

[0077] The present disclosure provides signaling diagrams for each mode and possible triggering conditions for each mode. The RIS modes include the HD / FD mode, reflection mode, transparent mode, mirror mode, OFF mode, and / or cascade mode.

[0078] Reflection Mode, Transparent Mode, and HD / FD Mode

[0079] Figure 7 Illustrates signal reflection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 7 shown, there are incoming signals and reflected signals.

[0080] Definition: In the reflection mode (if supported by the RIS type), the RIS reflects the illuminating signal towards the desired direction based on the configuration from the gNB / OAM, as Figure 7 shown. The reflection mode is the "normal" forwarding mode of the RIS. The beams are symmetric in the uplink and downlink directions. For example, the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal.

[0081] Assumption: The gNB knows that the RIS is available, and coverage area holes are identified, for example, through network planning.

[0082] Use cases: Outdoor, coverage area enhancement scenario, indoor, UE-initiated reflection mode, such as persistent beams of the UE.

[0083] Transparent Mode

[0084] Figure 8 Illustrates signal refraction in the transparent mode according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 8 shown, there are incoming signals and forwarded signals.

[0085] Definition: In the transparent mode (if supported by the RIS type), the RIS refracts the illuminating beam towards the specified direction, as Figure 8 shown. The refraction mode is the "normal" forwarding mode of the RIS (if this mode is supported).

[0086] Assumption: Coverage area holes can be identified during the network planning and drive test phases.

[0087] Use cases: Outdoor-to-indoor usage scenarios.

[0088] HD / FD Mode

[0089] Definition: In the half-duplex mode (HD), data can be transmitted using time-division duplex (TDD) or frequency-division duplex (FDD). In the full-duplex mode (FD), data is transmitted simultaneously in the UL and DL directions within the same frequency range. HD is the default mode. The advantage of FD is that FD BS and RIS can be co-deployed to improve the overall system performance.

[0090] The disadvantage is a new type of interference.

[0091] The RIS implementation enables spatial multiplexing for the FD mode. When spatial multiplexing is in use, the FD mode enables simultaneous UL and DL transmissions through RIS elements that can be functionally divided into two parts. One part of the RIS element reflects the UL transmission, while the other part of the RIS element reflects the DL transmission.

[0092] Use case for HD: In a (TDD) system, the uplink-downlink configuration determines how the subframes in a radio frame are divided between the downlink and the uplink. To avoid interference, the network is synchronized, where all networks are in the uplink or downlink mode simultaneously.

[0093] Use case for FD: Enhanced user performance, UL performance enhancer for dense urban areas with high frequencies, enabling higher throughput and low latency, flexible scheduling, good for high-priority FR2 users and critical business-to-business applications.

[0094] Figure 9 A signaling diagram applied to reflection, transparent, and HD / FD modes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] Figure 9 A reflection mode selection process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0096] A proposed signaling diagram for the reflection mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 9 and is described as follows. It should be noted that the same diagram applies to the transparent mode and the HD / FD mode: 1. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in step 1 of Figure 9 , the RIS communicates its capabilities for various modes to the network. Before initializing the RIS mode selection, a C-link connection between the gNB and the RIS needs to be established (via RIS-MT): a. In step 1a of , based on this capability information, the gNB evaluates the need for the reflection mode or the HD / FD mode or the transparent mode, as shown in Figure 9 . The gNB evaluates whether both the RIS and the gNB support the mode and how many UEs need this specific mode before sending a mode selection request: Figure 10 i. The gNB evaluation can be based on a UE request for a specific mode via the RIS to the gNB or a gNB need for a specific mode; ii. The gNB evaluation can be based on a UE request for a specific mode via the RIS to the gNB or a gNB need for a specific mode; 2. As shown in step 2 of Figure 9 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, based on a specific need, the gNB sends a mode selection request to the RIS-MT: a. In an example scenario, the gNB provides relevant configuration parameters to the RIS to apply the mode. The parameters include reflection angle, frequency, phase adjustment, etc.; 3. According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 9 shown in step 3a of, the RIS-MT receives a reflection mode request or a mode selection request, and the feasibility of the requested configuration is checked (as Figure 11 shown). If the requested configuration is possible, the RIS state will be set to the on state. The operation and maintenance (OAM) controls the beam direction and is responsible for the beam index: a. The RIS-MT checks the availability of the RIS-Fwd for the reflection mode. As Figure 9 shown in step 3b of, the RIS-MT then allocates passive RIS array elements and reconfigures their parameters (i.e., based on step 2a) for the forwarding operation; 4. The RIS sends a mode selection response to the gNB (in the case where the RIS is available for the mode, it can be "yes", or if the RIS is busy with some other tasks, i.e., due to a connection with another gNB (e.g., high priority for another mode), then it can be "no"); 5. Finally, the RIS starts operating in the requested mode. The network enables the UE or the gNB to access via the RIS.

[0097] Figure 10 shows the requirements and needs assessment for the mode according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 10 shown in step 1010 of, there is a start. As Figure 10 shown in step 1020 of, the capabilities and / or needs for the mode are evaluated. As Figure 10 shown in step 1030 of, it is determined whether the gNB supports RIS-assisted communication. As Figure 10 shown in step 1040 of, it is determined whether the RIS supports the mode. As Figure 10 shown in step 1050 of, the users in the coverage area of the RIS are determined. Then as Figure 10 shown in step 1060 of, the RIS mode selection request is determined. It should be noted that if Figure 10 the result of any one of steps 1030, 1040, 1050, or 1060 is "no", then as Figure 10 shown in step 1070 of, there is an end.

[0098] Figure 11 shows the requirements and needs assessment for the mode according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 11 shown in step 1110 of, there is a start. As Figure 10 shown in step 1120 of, the mode selection request is applied. As Figure 11As shown in step 1130, determine whether the requested configuration is applicable. As Figure 11 shown in step 1140, if Figure 11 step 1130 is "Yes", then as Figure 11 shown in step 1140, implement the requested configuration. Then, as Figure 11 shown in step 1150, there is a RIS for the on state. It should be noted that if Figure 11 the result in step 1130 is "No", then as Figure 11 shown in step 1160, there is an end.

[0099] Figure 12 illustrates the signal scattering back to the return direction according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 12 shown, there are an incoming signal and a forwarding signal.

[0100] Mirror mode

[0101] Definition: In the mirror mode, the beam is scattered back to the return direction of the incident beam, as Figure 12 shown.

[0102] Use case: The network-initiated mirror mode can be used for channel state assessment and estimating the position of the RIS or the mobile RIS (e.g., the RIS mounted on the top of a vehicle).

[0103] Signaling diagram for the mirror mode

[0104] Figure 13 illustrates the network-initiated mirror mode selection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The proposed signaling diagram is shown in Figure 13 and described as follows: 1. As Figure 13 shown in step 1, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS communicates its capabilities for various modes to one or more gNBs. Before initializing the RIS mirror mode selection, a C-link connection between the gNB and the RIS needs to be established (via RIS-MT): a. Based on this capability information, the gNB evaluates the requirements for the mirror mode. As Figure 13 shown in step 1a, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB evaluates whether both the RIS and the gNB support the mode before sending a mode selection request: i. The gNB evaluation can be based on the need for channel state assessment between the gNB and the RIS, or estimating the position of the RIS or the mobile RIS (e.g., the RIS mounted on the top of a vehicle); 2. As Figure 13As shown in step 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, based on specific requirements, the gNB sends a mirror mode selection request to the RIS: a. In one example case, the gNB provides relevant configuration parameters for the RIS to apply the mode. The parameters include reflection angle, frequency, phase adjustment, etc.; 3. As Figure 13 shown in step 3a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT checks the availability of the RIS-Fwd for the mirror mode. As Figure 13 shown in step 3b, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT then allocates passive RIS array elements and reconfigures their parameters (i.e., based on step 2a) for the forwarding operation. If the requested configuration is possible, the RIS state will be set to the on state; 4. As Figure 13 shown in step 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT sends a mirror mode selection response to one or more gNBs (which can be "yes" if the RIS is available for the mode, or if the RIS is busy with some other tasks, i.e., due to connections with other gNBs (e.g., high priority for another mode), then it can be "no"); 5. As Figure 13 shown in step 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB sends a reference signal, which is used for channel state estimation between the gNB and the RIS or for locating the mobile RIS; 6. As Figure 13 shown in step 6, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS mirrors the incoming reference signal to the gNB; 7. As Figure 13 shown in step 7, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the network uses the received mirrored signal to estimate the channel state or the RIS location.

[0106] Off Mode

[0107] Definition: The off state means no forwarding operation. The off state can be achieved in several ways, such as using an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode. Using scattering (if supported), the RIS scatters the beam into multiple beams at a wide angle. Due to scattering, the signal will start to lose its integrity and eventually disappear. Using the absorption mode, the RIS invalidates the incident beam, as Figure 14 shown. The absorption mode can be implemented in various ways, for example: · Using absorption, where the radiated power is transformed into another type of energy, usually heat; · Using surface waves, where the incoming waveform is converted to propagate as a surface wave on the antenna surface.

[0108] Figure 14 Shows the absorption of a signal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 14 shown, there are signals with scattering of the incoming signal in all directions.

[0109] Use case: The off mode can be requested, for example, to avoid interference. The off mode can also be necessary when a network change is to be implemented.

[0110] Signaling diagram for the off mode

[0111] The proposed signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described as follows in Figure 15 : 1. As shown in step 1 of Figure 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS communicates its capabilities for various modes to the gNB. Before initializing the RIS off mode selection, a C-link connection establishment between the gNB and the RIS (via the RIS-MT) is required: a. Based on this capability information, as shown in step 1a of Figure 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB evaluates the need for the off mode. Before sending the mode selection request, the gNB evaluates whether both the RIS and the gNB support the mode: i. The gNB evaluation can be based on trigger conditions, for example, as shown in Figure 16 configuration update, high interference level, or lack of users; 2. As shown in step 2 of Figure 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, based on specific requirements, the gNB sends an off mode selection request to the RIS-MT: a. In one example case, the gNB provides the RIS with relevant configuration parameters to apply the mode. The parameters include reflection angle, frequency, phase adjustment, etc.; 3. As shown in step 3a of Figure 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT checks the availability of the RIS-Fwd for the off mode. Then, the RIS-MT allocates passive RIS array elements and reconfigures their parameters (i.e., based on step 2a) for off operation; 4. As shown in step 4 of Figure 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT sends an off mode selection response to the gNB (in the case where the RIS is available for the mode, it can be "yes", or if the RIS is busy with some other tasks, i.e., due to a connection with another gNB (e.g., for a high-priority for another mode), then it can be "no"); 5. As shown in Figure 15As shown in step 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS application off-mode configuration. The access of the UE or gNB via the RIS is disabled for a timer T or until indicated by the network.

[0112] Figure 16 shows an evaluation of the requirements for the RIS off state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 16 shown in step 1610, it is determined whether the configuration has been updated. If Figure 16 step 1610 is "yes", then as Figure 16 shown in step 1620, the requirements for the mode are evaluated. If Figure 16 step 1610 is "no", then as Figure 16 shown in step 1630, it is determined whether the interference level is too high. If it is determined in step 1630 that the interference level is too high, then as Figure 16 shown in step 1640, the off-mode selection request is closed. If it is determined in step 1630 that the interference level is not too high, then as Figure 16 shown in step 1650, the users in the coverage area are determined. If it is "yes" in step 1650, the operation returns to step 1610. If it is "no" in step 1650, then as Figure 16 shown in step 1660, the off-mode selection request is stopped.

[0113] Cascaded mode

[0114] Figure 17 shows a cascaded RIS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which creates a virtual LOS and a connection between the UE and the gNB. As Figure 17 shown, there is communication between the gNB and the UE via two RISs.

[0115] Definition: In the cascaded mode, several RISs are linked together, as Figure 17 shown. Several linked RISs help the UE form a connection with the BS, regardless of the blockage in the environment. The cascaded mode utilizes a distributed multi-RIS network. RISs densely deployed across the propagation environment can enhance communication by serving virtual LOS connections under NLOS conditions with high penetration loss.

[0116] Use case: Due to the high penetration loss, such a link is not feasible without the assistance of multiple RISs. Additionally, in order to avoid blockage in complex environments, multiple RISs can be configured in a cascaded manner for coverage extension. When the network knows the availability of distributed multiple RISs, the network can initiate the cascaded mode.

[0117] Signaling diagram for the cascaded mode

[0118] The proposed signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is inFigure 18 is shown and described as follows: 1. As shown in Figure 18 step 1 of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS communicates its capabilities for various modes with the gNB. Before initializing the RIS cascade mode selection, a C-link connection establishment between the gNB and the RIS (via the RIS-MT) is required: a. Based on this capability information, the gNB evaluates the need for the cascade mode. As shown in Figure 18 step 1a of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB evaluates whether all RISs and the gNB support the mode before sending a mode selection request: i. The gNB's evaluation can be based on an assessment of the weak link to the UE using a single RIS. ii. All distributed RISs (from RIS1 to RISx) are in the on state; 2. As shown in Figure 18 step 2 of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB sends a cascade mode selection request to more than one RIS-MT: a. In one example case, the gNB provides the relevant configuration parameters to the RIS to apply the mode. The parameters include reflection angle, frequency, phase adjustment, etc.; 3. As shown in Figure 18 step 3a of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT checks the availability of the RIS-Fwd for the cascade mode. As shown in Figure 18 step 3b of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the RIS-MT then allocates passive RIS array elements and reconfigures their parameters (i.e., based on step 2a) for the forwarding operation. If the requested configuration is possible, the RIS state will be set to the on state; 4. As shown in Figure 18 step 4 of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, all RISs send a cascade mode selection response to the gNB (in the case where the RIS is available for the mode, it can be "yes", or if the RIS is busy with some other task, i.e., due to a connection with another gNB (e.g., high priority for another mode), it can be "no"); 5. If the RIS is available for the requested mode, based on the received parameters, the RIS applies the cascade mode configuration; 6. As shown in Figure 18 step 5 of, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, access via multiple RISs is enabled for the UE or the gNB.

[0119] Figure 19A and Figure 19B each show a method that can be performed by a device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 19A shows operations that can be performed by a device such as but not limited to a network node (e.g., gNB 170 as in Figure 5 ). As shown in block 1910 of FIG. 19, there is a capability to communicate with a network node of a communication network to exchange a device that includes a plurality of passive elements, and the plurality of passive elements are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network. As shown in block 1915, wherein the active device configures the device to: as shown in block 1920 of FIG. 19, receive a mode selection request for a specific mode from the network node. As shown in block 1930 of FIG. 19, based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, send a mode selection response to the network node. As shown in block 1940 of FIG. 19, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode. Then, as shown in block 1945 of FIG. 19, operate in the specific mode to enable communication between the user equipment and the network node.

[0121] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the mode selection response indicates whether the device is available for a specific mode.

[0122] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the device includes at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface, or a reconfigurable reflective antenna element array.

[0123] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the device includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface, and the reconfigurable intelligent surface includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface control unit and a reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit.

[0124] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the availability of the reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit for a specific mode of operation is checked; and passive array elements are allocated and reconfigured using parameters for forwarding operations.

[0125] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the device is identified as available based on the mode selection response.

[0126] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the at least one specific mode includes a reflection mode, a transparent mode, a half-duplex or full-duplex mode, a mirror mode, a shutdown mode, and a cascade mode.

[0127] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in the reflection mode, the device reflects signaling in a desired direction based on the configuration.

[0128] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein the beam for the reflection mode of signaling is symmetric in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, and wherein the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal.

[0129] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein the reflection mode is an option for the forwarding operation available based on a specific mode.

[0130] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein in the transparent mode, the device applies transparent mode operation to refract the beam for transmitting signaling in a specified direction.

[0131] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein the refraction mode is an option for forwarding available based on a specific mode.

[0132] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein in the half-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted in time-division duplex or frequency-division duplex, and wherein the half-duplex mode is the default mode.

[0133] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein the device enables spatial multiplexing for the full-duplex mode, wherein spatial multiplexing is used for forwarding the signaling, the full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink transmission and downlink transmission, and wherein the elements of the device are functionally divided into a part for forwarding the uplink transmission and another part for forwarding the downlink transmission.

[0134] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein in the full-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted simultaneously in the uplink direction and the downlink direction on the same frequency range.

[0135] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein in the mirror mode, the beam is scattered back in the return direction of the incident beam.

[0136] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein the mirror mode is used for channel state assessment and estimating the position of the device or the mobile terminal.

[0137] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, wherein in the off mode, there is no forwarding operation, wherein the off mode is achieved by using at least one of an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode or by using scattering, and wherein the scattering functionality scatters the beam into multiple beams at a wide angle, wherein absorption transforms the radiation power into another type of energy, and wherein the surface wave converts the incoming waveform into a surface wave propagating on the antenna surface.

[0138] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, in the cascading mode, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface of the device is linked to help form a connection that overcomes blockage.

[0139] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, the configured parameters include reflection angle, frequency, and phase adjustment.

[0140] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, the determined requirements for a specific mode are based on the presence of other network devices in the coverage area of the device.

[0141] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, enabling forwarding using a specific mode is based on implementing configuration and applying an on state using parameters.

[0142] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as Figure 5 the memory 155 therein) stores program code (such as Figure 5 the computer program code 153 and / or the output module 150-2 therein), and the program code is executed by at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the processor 152 and / or the output module 150-1 therein) to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0143] According to the example embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, a device is provided, the device including: components for communicating with a network node of a communication network (one or more transceivers 160, a memory 155, computer program code 153 and / or an output module 150-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the processor 152 and / or the output module 150-1 therein) to exchange the capabilities of the device (one or more transceivers 160, a memory 155, computer program code 153 and / or an output module 150-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the processor 152 and / or the output module 150-1 therein), the device including a plurality of passive elements, and the plurality of passive elements are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network, wherein the active device configures (one or more transceivers 160, a memory 155, computer program code 153 and / or an output module 150-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the processor 152 and / or the output module 150-1 therein) the device to perform: for receiving from the network node (one or more transceivers 130, a memory 125, computer program code 123 and / or an output module 140-2 and at least one processor (such as Figure 5The processor 120 and / or the output module 150 - 1) in response to a mode selection request for a specific mode; a component for sending a mode selection response to a network node based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, where the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of the activation of the specific mode; and a component for operating in the specific mode (one or more transceivers 160, memory 155, computer program code 153, and / or output module 150 - 2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the processor 152 and / or the output module 150 - 1) in the to enable communication between the user equipment and the network node.

[0144] In an example aspect of the present disclosure according to the above paragraph, where the components for at least communication, exchange, configuration, reception, transmission, and operation include (multiple) memories 155 embodied in the computer program code 153 and / or the output module 150 - 2 and executed by at least one processor and / or module ((multiple) processors 152 and / or the output module 150 - 1) such as Figure 5 in the.

[0145] Figure 19B illustrates operations that can be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a network device (e.g., such as Figure 5 the UE 110) in the. As Figure 19B shown in block 1950 of, there is communication with a network device of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of a device, the device including a plurality of passive elements, the plurality of passive elements being controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network. As Figure 19B shown in block 1955 of, a mode selection request for a specific mode is sent to the network device based on the determined need for a specific mode in at least one specific mode. As Figure 19B shown in block 1960 of, a mode selection response is received, where the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of the activation of the specific mode. As Figure 19B shown in block 1970 of, communicate with the user equipment via the network device using the specific mode.

[0146] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, where the mode selection response indicates whether the device is available for a specific mode.

[0147] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, where the device includes at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface, or an array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements.

[0148] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the device includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface, and the reconfigurable intelligent surface includes a reconfigurable intelligent surface control unit and a reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit.

[0149] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the mode selection response is based on a check for the availability of a specific operating mode; and allocating passive array elements and reconfiguring using parameters for forwarding operations.

[0150] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the identification of the device is based on the mode selection response.

[0151] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein based on the mode selection response from one or more reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, it is identified that at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface is available for a specific mode.

[0152] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein at least one specific mode includes a reflection mode, a transparent mode, a half-duplex or full-duplex mode, a mirror mode, a shutdown mode, and a cascade mode.

[0153] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in the reflection mode, the device reflects the signaling in a desired direction based on the configuration.

[0154] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the beam of the reflection mode for signaling is symmetric in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, and the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal.

[0155] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the reflection mode is an option for forwarding operations based on the availability of a specific mode.

[0156] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in the transparent mode, the device applies transparent mode operation to refract the beam for signaling in a specified direction.

[0157] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the refraction mode is an option for forwarding based on a specific mode.

[0158] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in the half-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted in time-division duplex or frequency-division duplex, and the half-duplex mode is the default mode.

[0159] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the device enables spatial multiplexing for full-duplex mode, wherein based on spatial multiplexing being used for forwarding signaling, the full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink transmission and downlink transmission, and wherein the elements of the device are functionally divided into a part for forwarding the uplink transmission and another part for forwarding the downlink transmission.

[0160] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in full-duplex mode, signaling is transmitted simultaneously in the uplink direction and the downlink direction on the same frequency range.

[0161] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in mirror mode, the beam is scattered back in the return direction of the incident beam.

[0162] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein mirror mode is used for channel state assessment and for estimating the position of at least one of a reconfigurable intelligent surface or a mobile terminal.

[0163] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in the off mode, there is no forwarding operation, wherein the off mode is achieved by using at least one of an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode or by using scattering, and wherein the beam is scattered into multiple beams at a wide angle.

[0164] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein in cascade mode, at least one user equipment is linked to help form a connection that overcomes blockage.

[0165] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the parameters include reflection angle, frequency, and phase adjustment.

[0166] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein the determined requirements for a specific mode are based on the presence or absence of other network devices in the coverage area of the reconfigurable intelligent surface.

[0167] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraph, wherein based on using the parameters to implement configuration and apply an on state to the reconfigurable intelligent surface, forwarding is enabled in a specific mode.

[0168] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as Figure 5 the memory 125 therein) stores program code (such as Figure 5 the computer program code 123 and / or the output module 140-2 therein), and the program code is executed by at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the (multiple) processors 120 and / or the output module 140-1 therein) to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: components for communicating with a network device of a communication network (one or more transceivers 130, (a plurality of) memories 125, computer program code 123, and / or output module 140-2 and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the (a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1 in Figure 5 to exchange the capabilities of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of passive elements, the plurality of passive elements being controlled by an active device (one or more transceivers 130, (a plurality of) memories 125, computer program code 123, and / or output module 140-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the (a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1 in Figure 5 to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network; components for sending (one or more transceivers 130, (a plurality of) memories 125, computer program code 123, and / or output module 140-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the (a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1 in

[0170] to a network device a mode selection request for a specific mode based on the determined need for the specific mode in at least one specific mode; components for receiving (one or more transceivers 130, (a plurality of) memories 125, computer program code 123, and / or output module 140-2, and at least one processor (such as Figure 5 the (a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1 in

[0171] a mode selection response, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and components for communicating with the network device via the network device using the specific mode (one or more transceivers 130, (a plurality of) memories 125, computer program code 123, and / or output module 140-2, and at least one processor (such as the (a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1 in In an example aspect of the present disclosure according to the above paragraphs, wherein at least the components for communicating, controlling, sending, receiving, and communicating comprise (a plurality of) memories 125 embodied on computer program code 123 and / or output module 140-2 and executed by at least one processor and / or module ((a plurality of) processors 120 and / or output module 140-1) such as

[0171] It should be noted that the advantages of the proposed solution according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure include at least: · Enabling various RIS mode (re)selection; · Operating the RIS in different modes; · Allow the RIS to enter the off state; · Allow the RIS to operate in a cascaded manner; and · Low-cost / low-energy solution

[0172] In addition, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a circuit system for performing operations according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein. The circuit system can include any type of circuit system, including content encoding circuit systems, content decoding circuit states, processing circuit systems, image generation circuit systems, data analysis circuits, etc. In addition, the circuit system can include discrete circuit systems, application-specific integrated circuit systems (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate array circuit systems (FPGAs), etc., as well as processors specifically configured by software to perform corresponding functions, or dual-core processors having software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, necessary inputs and outputs to the circuit, functions performed by the circuit, and interconnections of the circuit system with other components that may include other circuit systems (possibly via inputs and outputs) are provided to perform the example embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein.

[0173] According to the example embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the present application, the "circuit" provided can include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) Only hardware circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuits); (b) A combination of hardware circuits and software, for example (if applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware; and (ii) A hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software, any part of the software and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or a server to perform various functions; (such as functions or operations according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein); and (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, but the software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0174] According to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a suitable circuit system for performing at least the novel operations according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the present application. The circuit system that can be used herein at least refers to the following: (a) Only hardware circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) Combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware) such as, where applicable: (i) combinations of processors or (ii) processors / software (including digital signal processors), software, and portions of memory that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) Circuits, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware does not physically exist.

[0175] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuit also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuits or processors (or a plurality of processors) or portions of hardware circuits or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also encompasses, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0176] In general, various embodiments may be implemented with hardware or specific circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, a microprocessor, or other computing device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the present disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in non-limiting examples as hardware, software, firmware, specific circuits or logic, general hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0177] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is a highly automated process. Sophisticated and powerful software tools can be used to convert a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0178] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in this detailed description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0179] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of the best methods and devices contemplated by the applicant for implementing the present disclosure by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples. However, in light of the foregoing description, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the example embodiments of the present disclosure will still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0180] It should be noted that the terms "connected", "coupled" or any variant thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between the two elements "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements can be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections and by using electromagnetic energy (such as electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) regions of the wavelength, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples).

[0181] In addition, some features of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable without the corresponding use of other features. Therefore, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative only of the principles of the present disclosure and not as limiting the principles of the present disclosure.

[0182] Example 1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: communicate with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of the device, the device including a plurality of passive elements, the plurality of passive elements being controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network, wherein the active device configures the device to: receive a mode selection request for the specific mode from the network node; based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, send a mode selection response to the network node, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of the activation of the specific mode; and operate in the specific mode to enable communication between the user equipment and the network node.

[0183] Example 2. The device according to Example 1, wherein the mode selection response indicates whether the device is available for the specific mode.

[0184] Example 3. The device according to Example 1, wherein the device includes at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), a large intelligent surface, or an array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements.

[0185] Example 4. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a reconfigurable intelligent surface, the reconfigurable intelligent surface comprising a reconfigurable intelligent surface control unit and a reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit.

[0186] Example 5. The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by at least one processor to further cause the apparatus to at least:

[0187] Check the availability of the reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit for a specific mode of operation; and allocate passive array elements; and reconfigure using parameters for forwarding operations.

[0188] Example 6. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein at least one specific mode comprises: a reflection mode, a transparent mode, a half-duplex or full-duplex mode, a mirror mode, a shutdown mode, and a cascade mode.

[0189] Example 7. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the reflection mode, the apparatus reflects signaling in a desired direction based on the configuration.

[0190] Example 8. The apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the beam for the reflection mode of signaling is symmetric in the uplink direction and the downlink direction, and wherein the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal.

[0191] Example 9. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the transparent mode, the apparatus applies transparent mode operation to refract the beam for transmitting signaling in a specified direction.

[0192] Example 10. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the half-duplex mode, signaling is transmitted in time-division duplex or frequency-division duplex, wherein the half-duplex mode is the default mode.

[0193] Example 11. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the apparatus enables spatial multiplexing for the full-duplex mode, wherein spatial multiplexing is used for forwarding signaling, the full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink transmission and downlink transmission, and wherein the elements of the apparatus are functionally divided into a part for forwarding uplink transmission and another part for forwarding downlink transmission.

[0194] Example 12. The apparatus according to Example 11, wherein in the full-duplex mode, signaling is transmitted simultaneously in the uplink direction and the downlink direction in the same frequency range.

[0195] Example 13. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the mirror mode, the beam is scattered back in the return direction of the incident beam.

[0196] Example 14. The apparatus according to Example 13, wherein the mirror mode is used for channel state assessment and to estimate the position of at least one of the reconfigurable intelligent surface or the mobile terminal.

[0197] Example 15. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the off mode, there is no forwarding operation, wherein the off mode is implemented by using at least one of an absorption mode, a uniform scattering mode, and a surface wave mode or by using scattering, and wherein the scattering functionality of the beam is scattered into multiple beams at a wide angle, wherein the absorption of at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface converts the radiation power into another type of energy, and wherein the surface wave converts the incoming waveform into a surface wave propagating on the antenna surface.

[0198] Example 16. The apparatus according to Example 6, wherein in the cascade mode, at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface is linked to help form a connection that overcomes blockage.

[0199] Example 17. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein at least one memory stores instructions that are executed by at least one processor to further cause the apparatus to at least: implement a configuration based on usage parameters and apply an on state to the apparatus to enable forwarding in a specific mode.

[0200] Example 18. A method for communication, comprising: communicating with a network node of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of a device, the device including a plurality of passive elements that are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network, wherein the active device configures a reconfigurable intelligent surface to perform: receiving a mode selection request for a specific mode from the network node; sending a mode selection response to the network node based on the mode selection request and the availability of the specific mode, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and operating in the specific mode to enable communication between the user equipment and the network node.

[0201] Example 19. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to at least: communicate with a network device of a communication network to exchange the capabilities of a device, the device including a plurality of passive elements that are controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network; send a request for a specific mode to the network device based on the determined need for the specific mode in at least one of the at least one specific modes; receive a mode selection response, wherein the mode selection response includes an acknowledgement of activation for the specific mode; and communicate with a user equipment via the network device using the specific mode.

[0202] Example 20. The apparatus according to Example 19, wherein at least one memory stores instructions that are executed by at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: identify that at least one reconfigurable intelligent surface is available for a particular mode based on a mode selection response from one or more reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: communicating with a network node of a communication network to exchange capabilities of the device, the device comprising a plurality of passive elements controlled by an active device to use at least one specific mode for signaling in the communication network, wherein the active device configures the apparatus to: receiving a mode selection request for a particular mode from the network node; Based on the mode selection request and the availability of the particular mode, sending a mode selection response to the network node, wherein the mode selection response includes a confirmation of activation of the particular mode; and The specific mode is operated to enable communication between the user equipment and the network node.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mode selection response indicates whether the device can be used in the particular mode.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one of the following: a reconfigurable smart surface RIS, an intelligent reflecting surface IRS, a large smart surface, or an array of reconfigurable reflecting antenna elements.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a reconfigurable smart surface, the reconfigurable smart surface comprising a reconfigurable smart surface control unit and a reconfigurable smart surface forwarding unit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that are executed by the at least one processor to further cause the apparatus to at least: checking availability of the reconfigurable intelligent surface forwarding unit for the particular mode of operation; allocating passive array elements; and Reconfiguration is performed using the parameters for forwarding operation.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one specific mode comprises: Reflective mode, transparent mode, half-duplex or full-duplex mode, mirror mode, off mode, and cascade mode. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein in the reflection mode, the apparatus reflects the signaling toward a desired direction based on a configuration.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the beam of the reflection pattern used for the signaling is symmetric in uplink and downlink directions, and wherein the ratio between the incident angle and the reflection angle is equal.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein in the transparent mode, the apparatus applies a transparent mode operation to refract a beam for transmitting the signaling to a specified direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein in the half-duplex mode, the signaling is transmitted in time division duplex or frequency division duplex, wherein the half-duplex mode is a default mode.

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