Network device, RIS device and communication method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a network device, an RIS device and a communication method, and the communication method is applied to the network device, and comprises the steps: transmitting first indication information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS device through a first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, and the mode control information is used for indicating that the operating working mode of the RIS equipment is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a network device, a RIS device and a communication method. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a new wireless environment regulation technology, a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) device improves the communication conditions in a specific area by deploying a large number of low-cost passive reflection units to dynamically adjust the reflection amplitude and phase of signals. Among many types of RIS devices, the working principle of a Time Switching (TS) RIS device is that all units of the RIS device are either reflecting signals (the working mode of the RIS device is a reflection mode) or transmitting signals (the working mode of the RIS device is a transmission mode) at a specific time point. However, the related art does not involve how to control the working mode of the RIS device. SUMMARY

[0003] The embodiments of the present application at least provide a network device, a RIS device and a communication method.

[0004] The technical scheme of the embodiments of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a network device, which comprises a first transceiver, and

[0006] a first processor coupled to the first transceiver; the first processor is configured to:

[0007] sending, via the first transceiver, first indication information to a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) device through a first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information being used to indicate that the working mode of the RIS device is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first indication information further comprises a validity duration of the target working mode.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0010] evaluating the target working mode of the RIS device according to the service demand of a terminal device within a coverage range of the network device and the interference degree of the terminal device under the current working mode of the RIS device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0012] The second indication information is sent to the RIS device through first radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the second indication information is used to configure an initial working mode of the RIS device after the RIS device is powered on.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0014] The third indication information is sent to the RIS device through second RRC signaling, and the third indication information is used to indicate configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third indication information includes at least one of:

[0016] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0017] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third indication information includes a target configuration identifier used to identify target configuration information.

[0019] The target configuration information is one of the at least one configuration information, and the configuration information includes one of:

[0020] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0021] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0023] determine at least one configuration information of the RIS device;

[0024] assign a configuration identifier to each of the at least one configuration information, respectively;

[0025] send the at least one configuration information and the configuration identifier of each of the at least one configuration information to the RIS device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0027] The fourth indication information is sent to the RIS device through second physical layer signaling, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the RIS device to start running based on the third indication information.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0029] The fifth indication information is sent to the RIS device through third RRC signaling, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate a closing time point and a closing duration of the RIS device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0031] receive a first acknowledgement message sent by the RIS device, the first acknowledgement message being used to confirm that the RIS device has successfully switched the working mode based on the first indication information.

[0032] Embodiments of the present application provide a RIS device, which comprises a second transceiver, and

[0033] a second processor coupled to the second transceiver; the second processor is configured to:

[0034] receive, via the second transceiver, first indication information sent by the network device through first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information being used to indicate that the working mode of the RIS device is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first indication information further comprises a validity duration of the target working mode, and the second processor is configured to:

[0036] run the target working mode based on the validity duration of the target working mode.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0038] set the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on as the reflection mode or the transmission mode.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0040] receive, through first radio resource control (RRC) signaling, second indication information sent by the network device, the second indication information being used to configure the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0042] receive, through second RRC signaling, third indication information sent by the network device, the third indication information being used to indicate configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the third indication information comprises at least one of:

[0044] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0045] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0046] In some embodiments, the third indication information comprises: a target configuration identifier, the target configuration identifier being used to identify target configuration information; the target configuration information being one of the at least one configuration information, and the configuration information comprising one of the following:

[0047] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0048] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0050] receive at least one configuration information and a configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information sent by the network device;

[0051] determine the target configuration information from the at least one configuration information based on the target configuration identifier;

[0052] control the working mode of the RIS device based on the target configuration information.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0054] after receiving the third indication information, the RIS device does not start;

[0055] receive fourth indication information sent by the network device through the second physical layer signaling; the fourth indication information is used to instruct the RIS device to start running based on the third indication information.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0057] receive fifth indication information sent by the network device through the third RRC signaling; the fifth indication information is used to instruct a shutdown time point and a shutdown duration of the RIS device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0059] send a first confirmation message to the network device, the first confirmation message being used to confirm that the RIS device has successfully switched the working mode based on the first indication information.

[0060] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, applied to a network device, the method comprising:

[0061] send first indication information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) device through first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information being used to instruct the RIS device to switch the working mode from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; and the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends first indication information to the RIS device through first physical layer signaling, and the first indication information includes mode control information to indicate the RIS device to switch the working mode from the current working mode to the target working mode different from the current mode, and the current working mode is the reflection mode or the transmission mode. In this way, the network device can quickly instruct the RIS device to flexibly switch the working mode between the reflection mode and the transmission mode through the physical layer signaling, thereby realizing the effective utilization of the RIS device and meeting the actual business requirements.

[0063] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, but not limiting the technical solutions of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

[0065] Figure 1 An optional flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0066] Figure 2 An optional flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0067] Figure 3 An optional flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0068] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the working principle of a TS-RIS device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 4;

[0069] Figure 5 An optional flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0070] Figure 6 An optional structural schematic diagram of a device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application are further described in detail below in combination with the drawings and embodiments, and the described embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0072] In the following description, reference is made to "some embodiments" which describe only a subset of all possible embodiments, and which can be understood as referring to a single embodiment, to a plurality of different embodiments, or to various modifications of a single embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

[0073] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like in the description and in the claims, merely denote similar objects, and do not represent a specific ordering, and it can be understood that the "first", "second", "third" can be exchanged in a specific order or sequence, as long as it is allowed, so that the application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0074] Those skilled in the art can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present application belong. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be understood to have meanings consistent with meanings in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined as such herein.

[0075] The embodiments of the present application provide a network device, a RIS device and a communication method.

[0076] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, applied to a network device, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, it comprises:

[0077] S101, sending first indication information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) device through a first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information is used to indicate that the working mode of the RIS device is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0078] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, applied to a RIS device, such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, it comprises:

[0079] S201, receiving first indication information sent by a network device through a first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information is used to indicate that the working mode of the RIS device is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0080] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided in the embodiments of the present application, which is applied to a communication system including a network device and a RIS device, as shown in Figure 3 as shown in

[0081] S301, the network device sends first indication information to the reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) device through first physical layer signaling; the first indication information includes mode control information, and the mode control information is used to instruct the RIS device to switch the working mode from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; and the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0082] S302, the RIS device receives the first indication information sent by the network device through the first physical layer signaling.

[0083] In the following, the communication method shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 is described.

[0084] Here, the network device refers to a hardware device used for constructing, connecting, managing and maintaining a network, and realizing functions such as data transmission, exchange, routing and security protection. In an example, the network device can be a base station.

[0085] A plurality of RIS devices can be deployed within the coverage range of the network device. The RIS device integrates a large number of low-cost passive reflection elements in a plane, and intelligently changes the reflection amplitude and / or phase of the signal through real-time parameter configuration, so as to reconfigure the wireless propagation environment and enhance the signal coverage and transmission performance. The RIS device can be turned on or off under the control of the network.

[0086] The RIS device can effectively improve the signal strength or improve the communication quality of the terminal device within the service range of the RIS device.

[0087] Among the many types of RIS devices, the working principle of the TS-RIS device is that all units of the RIS device are reflection signals at a specific time point (the working mode of the RIS device is the reflection mode) or all units are transmission signals (the working mode of the RIS device is the transmission mode).

[0088] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device can be deployed between the network device and the terminal device, so that data can be normally transmitted in areas or blind areas with weak coverage caused by buildings.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device can be deployed on the surface of the building wall to transmit outdoor signals into the indoor room to make up for the deep coverage. Alternatively, the RIS device can be deployed in the indoor scene to improve the stability of the communication system by reflecting signals.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can control the working mode of the RIS device. The RIS device is controlled by the network device to run in a reflection mode or a transmission mode. The working mode of the RIS device running can be determined according to actual service requirements.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, due to the characteristics of low latency, high reliability, efficient resource utilization, strong anti-interference ability and flexible adaptability of physical layer signaling, the network device can send first indication information to the RIS device through the first physical layer signaling, and quickly and accurately switch the working mode of the RIS device running.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends first indication information to the RIS device through the first physical layer signaling. The first indication information can include mode control information, and the mode control information is used to indicate that the working mode of the RIS device running is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode. The first physical layer signaling can be referred to as switching signaling or other signaling. The name of the first physical layer signaling in the embodiments of the present application is not limited.

[0093] After the RIS device receives the mode control information, the working mode of the RIS device running is switched from the current working mode to the target working mode different from the current working mode. The current working mode can be a reflection mode or a transmission mode. The RIS device runs in the switched target working mode before receiving the next mode control information. In an example, in the case that the current working mode of the RIS device is a reflection mode, the target working mode is a transmission mode. In the case that the current working mode of the RIS device is a transmission mode, the target working mode is a reflection mode.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, the mode control information can only indicate the RIS device to switch the mode, can only indicate the target working mode, and can indicate the target working mode in addition to indicating the RIS to switch the mode.

[0095] If the mode control information only indicates the RIS device to switch the mode, the target working mode can be another mode different from the current working mode. In an example, the RIS device works in a reflection mode. In the case that the mode control information received by the RIS device indicates the RIS device to switch the mode, the target working mode is a transmission mode. Then, the RIS device is switched from the reflection mode to the transmission mode.

[0096] If the mode control information only indicates the target operation mode, the mode control information explicitly indicates the operation mode to which the RIS device needs to switch, and the RIS device determines that the network device instructs the RIS device to switch to the target operation mode based on the target operation mode indicated by the mode control information. In an example, in the case that the RIS device receives the mode control information indicating that the target operation mode is the transmission mode, the RIS device switches from the reflection mode to the transmission mode.

[0097] If the mode control information indicates the target operation mode in addition to the case of instructing the RIS device to switch the operation mode, the mode control information explicitly indicates that the RIS device needs to switch the operation mode and the operation mode to which the RIS device needs to switch, and the RIS device switches the operation mode to the target operation mode indicated by the mode control information based on the mode control information. In an example, in the case that the RIS device receives the mode control information indicating that the operation mode is switched and the target operation mode is the transmission mode, the RIS device switches from the reflection mode to the transmission mode.

[0098] In the case that the RIS device operates in the reflection mode, the transmission data sent by the network device to the terminal device is transmitted to the terminal device by reflection when passing through the RIS device; in the case that the RIS device operates in the transmission mode, the transmission data sent by the network device to the terminal device is transmitted to the terminal device by transmission from the surface of the RIS device.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present application, after the RIS device receives the mode control information, the RIS device switches the operation mode to be run to the target operation mode at the boundary of the next time slot or the next frame.

[0100] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends first indication information to the RIS device through the first physical layer signaling, and the first indication information includes the mode control information to indicate that the operation mode of the RIS device is switched from the current operation mode to the target operation mode different from the current mode, and the current operation mode is the reflection mode or the transmission mode. In this way, the network device can quickly instruct the RIS device to flexibly switch the operation mode between the reflection mode and the transmission mode through the physical layer signaling, so as to realize the effective utilization of the RIS device and meet the actual business requirements.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first indication information further includes the validity duration of the target operation mode.

[0102] Correspondingly, based on the communication method shown in the figure, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application further includes: running the target operation mode based on the validity duration of the target operation mode. Figure 2

[0103] ​In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends first indication information to the RIS device, and the first indication information can include the validity period of the target working mode; after receiving the first indication information, the RIS device can run the target working mode according to the validity period of the target working mode included in the first indication information, and the RIS device automatically switches back to the previous working mode after running the target working mode for the corresponding validity period.

[0104] In an example, the first indication information includes a validity period of 10 seconds, and after the RIS device receives the first indication information, it is parsed that the validity period is 10 seconds, and the current working mode is R mode and the target working mode is T mode. The RIS device switches the working mode from R mode to T mode at the boundary of the next time slot or the next frame, and after running in T mode for 10 seconds, it automatically switches back to R mode.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device can also determine the validity period of the target working mode in other ways. In an example, the validity period of the target working mode can be pre-set or default, which is not limited in the present application.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present application, the first indication information includes the validity period of the target working mode, so that the RIS device runs the target working mode according to the validity period of the target working mode. In this way, the network device can accurately control the validity period of the target working mode of the RIS device, so that the RIS device can better achieve the balance between reflection mode and transmission mode, thereby better meeting the business requirements.

[0107] In some embodiments, based on Figure 1 As shown in the communication method, for the network device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0108] According to the service requirement of the terminal device in the coverage range of the network device and the interference degree of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device, the target working mode of the RIS device is evaluated.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device evaluates the required working mode of the RIS device according to the service demand of the terminal device in the coverage range and the interference degree of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device. In the case that the required working mode of the RIS device is the same as the current working mode, the current working mode is kept unchanged. In the case that the required working mode of the RIS device is different from the current working mode, the target working mode of the RIS device is determined as the required working mode of the RIS device. In an example, in the case that the required working mode of the RIS device is T mode and the current working mode of the RIS device is T mode, the RIS device keeps the T mode unchanged. In the case that the required working mode of the RIS device is T mode and the current working mode of the RIS device is R mode, the target working mode of the RIS device is determined as T mode.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device collects the service data of the terminal device in the coverage range, determines the service demand of the terminal device, and evaluates the target working mode of the RIS device according to the service demand of the terminal device.

[0111] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device determines the required working mode of the RIS device according to the distribution of the terminal device in the coverage range and the demand of the service running on the terminal device for signal transmission quality.

[0112] In an example, the terminal device located at the edge of the coverage range of the network device cannot meet the quality demand of signal transmission due to the long distance from the network device, and the working mode of the RIS device can be switched to the reflection mode to reflect the signal between the network device and the terminal device, so as to enhance the signal transmission quality and achieve the purpose of expanding the coverage range of the network device. At this time, the network device evaluates that the required working mode of the RIS device is the reflection mode.

[0113] In an example, the service running on the terminal device located in the coverage range of the network device can have a large amount of data transmission or a high demand for signal transmission quality, and the working mode of the RIS device needs to be switched to the reflection mode to improve the signal transmission quality. At this time, the network device evaluates that the required working mode of the RIS device is the reflection mode.

[0114] In an embodiment of the present application, when the working mode of the RIS device is the reflection mode, the signal transmission quality of the first terminal device closest to the RIS device can be enhanced, but the signal transmission of other terminal devices (such as the second terminal device) can be interfered. If the interference degree of the other terminal devices exceeds the interference threshold, the network device can determine that the target working mode of the RIS device is the transmission mode.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can also evaluate the target working mode of the RIS device according to the priority of the service running on each terminal device within the coverage range of the network device and the interference degree of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device. It can be understood that if the interference degree of the second terminal device when the RIS device is in the reflection mode exceeds the interference threshold, and the priority of the service running on the second terminal device is higher than the priority of the service running on the first terminal device, the network device can determine that the target working mode of the RIS device is the transmission mode. If the signal transmission quality of the first terminal device is enhanced when the RIS device is in the reflection mode, and the priority of the service running on the first terminal device is higher than the priority of the service running on the second terminal device, the RIS device remains unchanged in the reflection mode.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device evaluates the target working mode of the RIS device according to the service demand of the terminal device within the coverage range and the interference degree of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device. The RIS device operates in the target working mode to meet the service demand of the terminal device, thereby improving the signal transmission quality.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can evaluate the target working mode in other ways according to actual application scenarios, which are not limited in the present application.

[0118] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 1 In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in

[0119] Correspondingly, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends the second indication information to the RIS device through the first RRC signaling, and the RIS device receives the second indication information and sets the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on according to the second indication information. In an example, the second indication information can indicate that the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on is the reflection mode, or the second indication information can indicate that the working mode of the RIS device after power-on is the transmission mode.

[0121] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can broadcast the second indication information in a broadcast manner, and the RIS device listens to the second indication information after power-on and sets the initial working mode according to the second indication information.​

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, the first RRC signaling is used to send second indication information to the RIS device, so that the RIS device sets an initial working mode of the RIS device according to the second indication information, so that the RIS device can run in the initial working mode after being powered on, a reasonable initial working mode is set for the RIS device, and the stability of the RIS device is improved.

[0123] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in the figure, for the network device, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application further comprises: sending third indication information to the RIS device through second RRC signaling, the third indication information being used to indicate configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device. Figure 1

[0124] Correspondingly, based on the communication method shown in the figure, for the RIS device, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application further comprises: receiving the third indication information sent by the network device through the second RRC signaling. Figure 2

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends the third indication information to the RIS device through the second RRC signaling, the RIS device receives the third indication information, and sets the working mode of the RIS device according to the configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information. The first RRC signaling and the second RRC signaling are the same or different RRC signaling.

[0126] In the embodiments of the present application, in the case where the network device sends the third indication information to the RIS device, the RIS device sets the working mode according to the configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information, and in the case where the network device does not send the third indication information to the RIS device, the RIS device is in a closed state or runs based on other indication information sent by the network device. The closed state means that the reflection mode and the transmission mode of the RIS device are closed, at this time, the RIS device does not have any function in the network.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, after the RIS device receives the third indication information and sets the working mode according to the configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information, the RIS device runs in the working mode set this time when no next indication is received.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device sends the third indication information to the RIS device through the second RRC signaling, so that the RIS device sets the working mode of the RIS device according to the configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information, and the working mode of the RIS device running better meets the business requirements. ​​

[0129] In some embodiments, the third indication information comprises at least one of:

[0130] a starting time point and a running time length of the reflection mode;

[0131] a starting time point and a running time length of the transmission mode.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the third indication information can comprise the starting time point and the running time length of the reflection mode, and the starting time point and the running time length of the transmission mode.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the third indication information can comprise only the starting time point and the running time length of the reflection mode, or the starting time point and the running time length of the transmission mode.

[0134] In the case where the third indication information comprises the starting time point and the running time length of the reflection mode, the RIS device runs in the transmission mode before the starting time point of the reflection mode, runs in the reflection mode from the starting time point of the reflection mode, and runs in the transmission mode after running in the reflection mode for the running time length of the corresponding reflection mode.

[0135] In the case where the third indication information comprises the starting time point and the running time length of the transmission mode, the RIS device runs in the reflection mode before the starting time point of the transmission mode, runs in the transmission mode from the starting time point of the transmission mode, and runs in the reflection mode after running in the transmission mode for the running time length of the corresponding transmission mode.

[0136] In some embodiments, the third indication information can further comprise at least one of:

[0137] a starting time interval and a running time length after each start of the reflection mode;

[0138] a starting time interval and a running time length after each start of the transmission mode.

[0139] In the case where the third indication information comprises the starting time interval and the running time length after each start of the reflection mode, the RIS device starts the RIS device to run in the reflection mode at the starting time interval of the reflection mode, and runs in the reflection mode for the running time length after each start. In an example, the third indication information can be to start the reflection mode every 2 seconds, and the running time length after each start is 500 milliseconds.

[0140] In a case where the third indication information includes a start time interval of the transmission mode and a running time length after each start, the RIS device starts the RIS device to run in the transmission mode at the start time interval of the transmission mode, and runs in the transmission mode for the corresponding running time length after each start. In an example, the third indication information can be to start the transmission mode once every 10 seconds, and the running time length after each start is 1 second.

[0141] In some embodiments, the third indication information can further include at least one of the following:

[0142] always running in the reflection mode;

[0143] always running in the transmission mode.

[0144] In the embodiments of the present application, the third indication information includes at least one of the following: a start time point and a running time length of the reflection mode; and a start time point and a running time length of the transmission mode. In this way, the RIS device can set the working mode of the RIS device according to the start time point and the running time length of the specific reflection mode, or the start time point and the running time length of the transmission mode, so as to more accurately control the working mode of the RIS device to better meet the service requirements.

[0145] In some embodiments, the third indication information includes a target configuration identifier, the target configuration identifier being used to identify target configuration information.

[0146] The target configuration information is one of at least one configuration information, and the configuration information includes one of the following:

[0147] the start time point and the running time length of the reflection mode;

[0148] the start time point and the running time length of the transmission mode.

[0149] In the embodiments of the present application, the third indication information can include a target configuration identifier, and the target configuration identifier is unique and used to identify target configuration information in at least one configuration information. That is, the corresponding target configuration information can be determined from the at least one configuration information according to the target configuration identifier.

[0150] In some embodiments, each configuration information can further include at least one of the following:

[0151] a start time interval of the reflection mode and a running time length after each start;

[0152] a start time interval of the transmission mode and a running time length after each start.

[0153] In a case where the configuration information includes a start time interval of the reflection mode and a running time length after each start, the RIS device starts the RIS device to run in the reflection mode at the start time interval of the reflection mode, and runs in the reflection mode for the corresponding running time length after each start. In an example, the configuration information can be to start the reflection mode once every 2 seconds, and the running time length after each start is 500 milliseconds.

[0154] In a case where the configuration information includes a start time interval of the transmission mode and a running time length after each start, the RIS device starts the RIS device to run in the transmission mode at the start time interval of the transmission mode, and runs in the transmission mode for the corresponding running time length after each start. In an example, the configuration information can be to start the transmission mode once every 10 seconds, and the running time length after each start is 1 second.

[0155] In some embodiments, each configuration information can further include at least one of the following:

[0156] always running in the reflection mode;

[0157] always running in the transmission mode.

[0158] In the embodiments of the application, the third indication information includes: a target configuration identifier, the target configuration identifier being used to identify target configuration information; the target configuration information being one of the at least one configuration information, and the configuration information including one of the following: a start time point and a running time length of the reflection mode; a start time point and a running time length of the transmission mode. In this way, the network device only sends the target configuration identifier to the RIS device, so that the RIS device identifies the target configuration information through the target configuration identifier, thereby realizing the configuration of the working mode of the RIS device and simplifying the configuration of the working mode of the RIS device by the network device.

[0159] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 1 In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in

[0160] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2 In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in

[0161] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device pre-configures at least one configuration information of the RIS device, assigns a corresponding configuration identifier to each configuration information, and the configuration identifier of each configuration information is unique; the network device sends the at least one configuration information and the configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information to the RIS device; the RIS device receives the at least one configuration information and the configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information, and finds the target configuration information matching the target configuration identifier from the at least one configuration information. The RIS device sets the working mode based on the target configuration information.

[0162] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device compares the target configuration identifier with the configuration identifier of each configuration information, determines the configuration identifier identical to the target configuration identifier, and determines the configuration information identified by the identical configuration identifier as the target configuration information.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device determines at least one configuration information of the RIS device, and assigns a configuration identifier to each configuration information in the at least one configuration information respectively; and sends the at least one configuration information and the configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information to the RIS device, so that the RIS device can determine the target configuration information from the at least one configuration information according to the target configuration identifier. In this way, by pre-configuring the at least one configuration information, the target configuration information can be determined only according to the target configuration identifier in the actual configuration process, so that the working mode of the RIS device can be quickly switched according to the target configuration identifier, and the efficiency of configuring the working mode of the RIS device is improved.

[0164] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 1 For the network device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: sending fourth indication information to the RIS device through the second physical layer signaling; and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the RIS device to start running based on the third indication information.

[0165] Correspondingly, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2 For the RIS device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: after receiving the third indication information, the RIS device does not start; receiving the fourth indication information sent by the network device through the second physical layer signaling; and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the RIS device to start running based on the third indication information.

[0166] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device does not start first after receiving the third indication information, the network device sends fourth indication information to the RIS device through the second physical layer signaling, and the RIS device starts to set the working mode of the RIS device based on the third indication information and operates in the set working mode after receiving the fourth indication information. The second physical layer signaling can be called starting signaling or other signaling, and the name of the second physical layer signaling in the embodiments of the present application is not limited.

[0167] It can be understood that the third indication information is sent through the second RRC signaling, and since the delay of the RRC signaling is large, when the RIS device receives the third indication information, the starting time point of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information may have passed, therefore, the network device can pre-issue the third indication information, and the RIS device does not start first after receiving the third indication information. Since the delay of the physical layer signaling is small, therefore, the RIS device can quickly set the working mode of the RIS device based on the configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device indicated by the third indication information in the case of receiving the fourth indication information through the second physical layer signaling.

[0168] In the embodiments of the present application, the RIS device is in the closed state in the case of not receiving the fourth indication information.

[0169] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth indication information is sent to the RIS device through the second physical layer signaling, so that the RIS device starts to operate based on the third indication information. In this way, the RIS device does not start first after receiving the third indication information, and quickly switches the working mode of the RIS device according to the third indication information after receiving the fourth indication information sent through the second physical layer signaling, so that the working mode of the RIS device can be set more accurately.

[0170] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 1 For the network device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: sending fifth indication information to the RIS device through the third RRC signaling; and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the closing time point and the closing time length of the RIS device.

[0171] Correspondingly, for the RIS device, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2 For the RIS device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: receiving the fifth indication information sent by the network device through the third RRC signaling.

[0172] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device sends fifth indication information to the RIS device through the third RRC signaling, and the RIS device closes the RIS device according to the closing time point and the closing duration of the RIS device indicated by the fifth indication information. After the closing duration corresponding to the closing of the RIS device, the RIS device is opened again.

[0173] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device sends fifth indication information to the RIS device through the third RRC signaling, so that the RIS device closes the RIS device at the closing time point of the RIS device based on the fifth indication information and for the corresponding closing duration. In this way, the closing time point and the closing duration of the RIS device can be flexibly controlled according to needs, thereby meeting more business scenarios.

[0174] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 1 For the network device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: receiving the first confirmation message sent by the RIS device, and the first confirmation message is used to confirm that the RIS device has successfully switched the working mode based on the first indication information.

[0175] Correspondingly, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2 For the RIS device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: sending the first confirmation message to the network device.

[0176] In the embodiment of the present application, the RIS device sends the first confirmation message to the network device after switching the current working mode to the target working mode according to the first indication information; and the network device receives the first confirmation message and confirms that the working mode of the RIS device has been successfully switched to the target working mode.

[0177] In some embodiments, based on the communication method shown in Figure 2 For the RIS device, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes: setting the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on as the reflection mode or the transmission mode.

[0178] In the embodiment of the present application, the RIS device can set the reflection mode or the transmission mode as the initial working mode after power-on, and at this time, there is no need to receive the indication of the network device.

[0179] In the embodiment of the present application, the RIS device can set the initial working mode as the reflection mode or the transmission mode after power-on, without receiving the indication of the network device, thereby simplifying the setting process of the initial working mode.

[0180] The application of the embodiments of the present application in actual scenarios is described below.

[0181] Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) integrates a large number of low-cost passive reflection elements in a plane, intelligently changes the reflection amplitude and / or phase of the signal through real-time parameter configuration to reconfigure the wireless propagation environment, and cooperatively realizes directional signal enhancement, which can significantly improve the performance of the wireless communication network. The RIS device can be turned on or off under the control of the network device.

[0182] Among many RIS types, the TS-RIS device has recently been widely concerned because of its simple implementation, as shown in Figure 4 The working principle of the TS-RIS device is that all units of the RIS device are reflection signals (R mode) or all units are transmission signals (T mode) at a certain time point when the incident signal passes through the RIS device. By adjusting the running time of the R mode and the running time of the T mode, the balance of the reflection and transmission signals can be well achieved.

[0183] In the related art, the network device can control the opening or closing of the RIS device, but there is currently no relevant design for how the network device controls the operation of the TS-RIS device.

[0184] In the embodiments of the present application, the TS-RIS device can only reflect or only transmit at a certain time point, and the reflection mode and the transmission mode of the TS-RIS device are determined according to actual needs and can be controlled by the network device. Based on this, a plurality of methods for controlling the TS-RIS device are proposed, including the following method 1 and method 5:

[0185] Method 1: Use static RRC signaling to configure the operation mode of the TS-RIS, wherein the operation mode can also be referred to as the working mode.

[0186] (1) The RRC signaling indicates the start time point and the running time of the reflection mode and the transmission mode.

[0187] (2) The RRC signaling only indicates the start time point and the running time of the reflection mode or the transmission mode, and the remaining time period is used for the transmission mode or the reflection mode. If the TS-RIS device can be turned off, the RRC signaling can indicate the time point and the time length of the TS-RIS device being turned off, as well as the start time point and the running time of the reflection mode or the transmission mode.

[0188] (3) The configured mode is always used until the next RRC configuration signaling is received.

[0189] Method 2: On the basis of method 1, a physical layer "start" signaling is added: after receiving the RRC configuration signaling, the TS-RIS device does not start the operation of the TS-RIS device based on the received RRC signaling, and only after receiving the physical layer "start" signaling, the operation of the TS-RIS device is started according to the configuration of the RRC.

[0190] Method 3: Physical layer signaling mode 1: design a physical layer "CHANGGING" signaling, after receiving the "CHANGGING" signaling (corresponding to the switching signaling in the foregoing embodiment), the TS-RIS device switches from the current operation mode to another mode; the TS-RIS device uses the working mode after the last switching until the next "CHANGGING" signaling is received.

[0191] In an example, the current working mode of the TS-RIS device is R mode, after receiving the "CHANGGING" signaling, the TS-RIS device switches the working mode to T mode from the boundary of the next time slot or the next frame, and keeps the T mode until the next "CHANGGING" signaling is received.

[0192] Method 4: Physical layer signaling mode 2: design a physical layer "CHANGGING" signaling, the "CHANGGING" signaling contains the effective period of the working mode, after receiving the "CHANGGING" signaling, the TS-RIS device uses the working mode included in the "CHANGGING" signaling to run and maintain the period, and automatically switches back to the original working mode after the effective period of the period expires.

[0193] In an example, the current working mode of the TS-RIS device is R mode, after receiving the "CHANGGING" signaling, the period is parsed to be 10 seconds, the TS-RIS device switches to T mode from the boundary of the next time slot or the next frame and runs for 10 seconds, and automatically switches back to R mode after 10 seconds.

[0194] After the TS-RIS device is powered on, it can start with R mode by default, or can listen to network configuration signaling after the TS-RIS device is powered on, and decide which working mode to start according to the network configuration signaling.

[0195] Method 5: The network device sets configuration information of multiple TS-RIS devices, and allocates corresponding configuration identifiers to each configuration information, sends the set multiple configuration information of the TS-RIS device and the corresponding configuration identifier of each configuration information to the TS-RIS device through RRC signaling, and subsequently the network device only needs to send the target configuration identifier to indicate the execution of the corresponding configuration information.

[0196] In an example, configuration 1 has a configuration identification (ID) of 0001, and configuration information of starting R mode once every 2 seconds, each time for 500 milliseconds; configuration 2 has a configuration identification of 0002, and configuration information of starting T mode once every 10 seconds, each time for 1 second; configuration 3 has a configuration identification of 0003, and configuration information of always using R mode; and configuration 4 has a configuration identification of 0004, and configuration information of always using T mode.

[0197] The network sends the configuration identification 0003 to the TS-RIS device through RRC signaling, so that the TS-RIS device always uses R mode to run until the TS-RIS device receives the next configuration signaling.

[0198] In the embodiments of the present application, any one of the methods 1 to 5 can be independently implemented, or multiple methods can be combined for implementation.

[0199] In the embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned methods 1 to 5 are used to control the switching of the R mode and the T mode of the TS-RIS device, so that the TS-RIS device can be effectively utilized and the actual business requirements can be met.

[0200] In the embodiments of the present application, based on the above-mentioned method 3, the communication method between the network device and the TS-RIS device can be as shown in Figure 5 The communication method includes the following steps S501 to S510.

[0201] Step S501: The network device sets the initial working mode of the TS-RIS device as T mode through RRC signaling.

[0202] Step S502: The TS-RIS device runs in T mode.

[0203] Step S503: The network device evaluates that the working mode of the TS-RIS device currently required is R mode.

[0204] Step S504: The network device sends a “CHANGGING” signaling to the TS-RIS device through physical layer signaling, to instruct the TS-RIS device to run in R mode.

[0205] Step S505: The TS-RIS device runs in R mode according to the “CHANGGING” signaling.

[0206] Step S506: The TS-RIS device sends a mode start confirmation message to the network device, to make the network device confirm that the TS-RIS device has successfully switched to R mode running.

[0207] Step S507: The network device evaluates that the working mode of the TS-RIS device currently required is T mode.

[0208] Step S508: The network device sends a "CHANGGING" signaling message to the TS-RIS device via physical layer signaling to instruct the TS-RIS device to operate in T mode;

[0209] Step S509: The TS-RIS device operates in T mode according to the "CHANGGING" signaling;

[0210] Step S510: The TS-RIS device sends a mode start confirmation message to the network device so that the network device can confirm that the TS-RIS device has successfully switched to T mode.

[0211] Fourthly, to implement the above-mentioned communication method, an embodiment of this application provides a device 600 (network device or RIS device), such as... Figure 6 As shown, it may include at least one processor 601 and at least one transceiver 602 coupled to at least one processor 601. The transceiver 602 may include at least one separate receiving circuitry and a transmitting circuitry, or at least one integrated receiving circuitry and a transmitting circuitry. The at least one processor 601 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0212] According to some embodiments of this application, when device 600 is a network device, the network device includes a first transceiver; and

[0213] A first processor, coupled to a first transceiver; the first processor is configured to:

[0214] The first transceiver sends a first indication message to the reconfigurable smart surface RIS device via a first physical layer signaling; the first indication message includes mode control information, which is used to indicate that the operating mode of the RIS device is switched from the current operating mode to a target operating mode; the current operating mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target operating mode is different from the current operating mode.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first indication information may further include the duration of the target working mode.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0217] According to the service requirement of the terminal device in the network device coverage range and the interference degree of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device, a target working mode of the RIS device is evaluated.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0219] The second indication information is sent to the RIS device through first radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and the second indication information is used to configure an initial working mode of the RIS device after the RIS device is powered on.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0221] The third indication information is sent to the RIS device through second RRC signaling, and the third indication information is used to indicate configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device.

[0222] In some embodiments, the third indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0223] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0224] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0225] In some embodiments, the third indication information includes a target configuration identifier used to identify target configuration information.

[0226] The target configuration information is one of at least one configuration information, and the configuration information includes one of the following:

[0227] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0228] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0230] determine at least one configuration information of the RIS device;

[0231] assign a configuration identifier to each configuration information in the at least one configuration information, respectively;

[0232] send the at least one configuration information and the configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information to the RIS device.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0234] transmit fourth indication information to the RIS device through second physical layer signaling; the fourth indication information is used to instruct the RIS device to start running based on the third indication information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0236] transmit fifth indication information to the RIS device through third RRC signaling; the fifth indication information is used to indicate a closing time point and a closing time length of the RIS device.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first processor is configured to:

[0238] receive a first confirmation message sent by the RIS device, the first confirmation message being used to confirm that the RIS device has successfully switched the working mode based on the first indication information.

[0239] According to some embodiments of the present application, when the device 600 is a RIS device, the RIS device comprises a second transceiver; and

[0240] a second processor coupled to the second transceiver; the second processor is configured to:

[0241] receive first indication information sent by a network device through first physical layer signaling via the second transceiver; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information being used to instruct the RIS device to switch the working mode running from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first indication information further comprises a validity time length of the target working mode, and the second processor is configured to:

[0243] run the target working mode based on the validity time length of the target working mode.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0245] set the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on as the reflection mode or the transmission mode.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0247] receive second indication information sent by the network device through first radio resource control (RRC) signaling, the second indication information being used to configure the initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0249] receive, through second RRC signaling, third indication information sent by the network device, the third indication information being used to indicate configuration information of an operation mode of the RIS device.

[0250] In some embodiments, the third indication information comprises at least one of the following:

[0251] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0252] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0253] In some embodiments, the third indication information comprises: a target configuration identifier used to identify target configuration information; the target configuration information being one of at least one configuration information, and the configuration information comprising one of the following:

[0254] a starting time point and a running duration of the reflection mode;

[0255] a starting time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0257] receive the at least one configuration information and a configuration identifier of each configuration information in the at least one configuration information sent by the network device;

[0258] determine the target configuration information from the at least one configuration information based on the target configuration identifier;

[0259] control the operation mode of the RIS device based on the target configuration information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0261] after receiving the third indication information, the RIS device does not start;

[0262] receive, through second physical layer signaling, fourth indication information sent by the network device; the fourth indication information being used to indicate that the RIS device starts running based on the third indication information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0264] receive, through third RRC signaling, fifth indication information sent by the network device; the fifth indication information being used to indicate a closing time point and a closing duration of the RIS device.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second processor is configured to:

[0266] sending a first acknowledgement message to the network device, the first acknowledgement message being used to confirm that the RIS device has successfully switched the working mode based on the first indication information.

[0267] The above device embodiments are similar to the descriptions of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects to the method embodiments. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0268] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, if the wireless communication method described above is realized in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods of the embodiments of the present application. The storage medium mentioned above includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes. Thus, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0269] In a fifth aspect, to implement the above communication method, the embodiments of the present application provide an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program capable of running on the processor, and the processor implements the steps of the wireless communication method provided in the above embodiments when executing the program.

[0270] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a storage medium, that is, a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the wireless communication method provided in the above embodiments.

[0271] It should be noted that: the descriptions of the above storage medium and device embodiments are similar to the descriptions of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects to the method embodiments. For technical details not disclosed in the storage medium and device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0272] It should be understood that every feature, structure, or characteristic described herein is within a preferred embodiment of the present application. Thus, it is meant that the features, structures, or characteristics can be combined with each other in any manner within a preferred embodiment of the present application. In addition, it is contemplated that each feature, structure, or characteristic can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0273] It should be noted that, as used herein, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "at least one" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The articles "a" (or "an"), as well as the first article "the" and "at least one" do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are used with their plain, ordinary meaning. Thus, these articles should be interpreted in the manner it is employed by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure relates.

[0274] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, for example, the division of units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the displayed or discussed components can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0275] The units described above as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units can or can not be physical units; they can be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units; and some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0276] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can be a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit; the integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or hardware plus software functional unit.

[0277] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by program instruction related hardware, the foregoing program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and the program executes the steps of the method embodiments when executed.

[0278] Alternatively, the integrated units of the present application can be stored in a computer readable storage medium if they are realized in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in the form of software products, and the computer software products are stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the embodiments of the method of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes a mobile storage device, a ROM, a magnetic disc or an optical disc, and various media that can store program codes.

[0279] The above is only an implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network device, comprising a first transceiver, and a first processor coupled to the first transceiver; the first processor is configured to: send, via the first transceiver, first indication information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) device by first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information used to instruct the RIS device to switch a working mode from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

2. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first indication information further comprises a validity duration of the target working mode.

3. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first processor is configured to: evaluate the target working mode of the RIS device according to a service requirement of a terminal device within a coverage range of the network device and an interference level of the terminal device in the current working mode of the RIS device.

4. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first processor is configured to: send, to the RIS device, second indication information by first radio resource control (RRC) signaling, the second indication information being used to configure an initial working mode of the RIS device after power-on.

5. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first processor is configured to: send, to the RIS device, third indication information by second RRC signaling, the third indication information being used to instruct configuration information of the working mode of the RIS device.

6. The network device of claim 5, wherein the third indication information comprises at least one of: a start time point and a running duration of the reflection mode; a start time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

7. The network device of claim 5, wherein the third indication information comprises: a target configuration identifier used to identify target configuration information; the target configuration information is one of at least one configuration information, the configuration information comprising one of: a start time point and a running duration of the reflection mode; a start time point and a running duration of the transmission mode.

8. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first processor is configured to: send, to the RIS device, fifth indication information by third RRC signaling; the fifth indication information being used to instruct a shutdown time point and a shutdown duration of the RIS device.

9. A RIS device, comprising a second transceiver, and a second processor coupled to the second transceiver; the second processor is configured to: receive, via the second transceiver, first indication information sent by a network device by first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information used to instruct the RIS device to switch a working mode from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

10. A communication method applied to a network device, the method comprising: transmit first indication information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, device through first physical layer signaling; the first indication information comprises mode control information, the mode control information being used to indicate that a working mode in which the RIS device operates is switched from a current working mode to a target working mode; the current working mode is a reflection mode or a transmission mode; and the target working mode is different from the current working mode.

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