Reconfigurable intelligent surface configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to reconfigurable intelligent surface configurations. A method and apparatus for configuring and operating a reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, to communicate with a network node of a communication network are provided. The method and apparatus perform: receiving, from a network node of a communication network, information including an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network in which the RIS is to forward signals supported by the communication network; receiving, from the first network node, a forwarding configuration, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth part, BWP; and based on the forwarding configuration, controlling the RIS to forward signals from and to the communication network using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various examples described herein generally relate to providing reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) configurations, and more specifically, to means of providing forwarding configurations to the RIS based on one or more frequency bands of a communication network. Background Technology

[0002] Significant progress has been made in the field of wireless communication networks with the development of technologies such as Reconfigurable Smart Surfaces (RIS). RIS has been proposed as a means of controlling random / uncontrollable wireless propagation environments through software-controlled reflections. As a low-cost auxiliary device, RIS can be easily and transparently integrated into existing communication networks, thus providing great flexibility and compatibility in deploying and supporting the frequency bands used by the communication network. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is provided to illustrate, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed embodiments. This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not intended to be limiting.

[0004] A first aspect provides an apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: receiving information from a first network node of a communication network, the information including an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network, in which a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) forwarding is supported by the communication network; receiving a forwarding configuration from the first network node, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP); and, based on the forwarding configuration, controlling the RIS to forward signals from and to the communication network using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP.

[0005] In some examples, the device is not configured to operate on at least one of the corresponding frequency band and BWP.

[0006] In some examples, the information is received from a first cell of a first network node on a first frequency band, and at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP does not include the first frequency band.

[0007] In some examples, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the device to perform the following operations: obtain out-of-band reference information for a second cell of the first network node, the out-of-band reference information corresponding to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; and wherein controlling the RIS to use the corresponding frequency band or the at least one of the BWP to forward signals from and to the first network node includes: applying the forwarding configuration to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, in the corresponding frequency band or the at least one of the BWP.

[0008] In some examples, when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the device to perform the following operations: receive out-of-band reference information from a first network node, the out-of-band reference information indicating band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequencies to be used for RIS forwarding; wherein for each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: a reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0009] In some examples, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the device to perform the following operations: send an indication to a first network node of a frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding include at least one of a corresponding frequency band or a BWP.

[0010] In some examples, when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the device to perform one or more of the following operations: for each corresponding frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding, send to a first network node an indication of one or more of the following: the number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band, whether time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or the forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and send to the first network node an indication of whether the RIS is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by the RIS forwarding, or an indication of whether forwarding on each frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding is processed via time division multiplexing.

[0011] In some examples, the forwarding configuration includes: a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, which have overlapping forwarding times, wherein the RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequencies.

[0012] In some examples, when executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the device to perform one or more of the following operations: sending an indication to the first network node of a frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS include at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; and wherein the information received from the first network node also instructs a second network node to support RIS forwarding via the corresponding frequency band or the at least one of the BWP.

[0013] In some examples, when executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the device to perform one or more of the following operations: obtaining out-of-band reference information for a second cell of the second network node, the out-of-band reference information corresponding to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; wherein the forwarding configuration is received from the first network node representing the second network node; and wherein controlling the RIS to use the corresponding frequency band or the at least one of the BWP to forward signals from and to the second network node includes: applying the forwarding configuration to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, on the corresponding frequency band or the at least one of the BWP.

[0014] In some examples, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: the reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communications in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0015] A second aspect provides a first network node of a communication network, comprising: a processor; and a memory including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first network node to perform the following operations: sending information on a first frequency band to a control device configured to control a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS), the information including an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network; sending a forwarding configuration on the first frequency band to the control device, the forwarding configuration including at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP); and receiving a signal from the RIS on the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs based on the forwarding configuration.

[0016] In some examples, when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: send out-of-band reference information to a control device, the out-of-band reference information indicating band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequencies to be used for RIS forwarding; wherein for each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: a reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0017] In some examples, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: acquire frequency band information for the RIS, which indicates multiple frequency bands on which the RIS can forward signals.

[0018] In some examples, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, also cause the first network node to perform one or more of the following operations: for each corresponding frequency band supported by the RIS, receiving from the control device an indication of one or more of the following: the number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band, whether time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, and the forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and receiving from the control device an indication that the RIS is configured to forward signals simultaneously on the frequency bands supported by the RIS, or an indication that forwarding on each frequency band supported by the RIS is processed via time division multiplexing.

[0019] In some examples, the forwarding configuration includes: a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, which have overlapping forwarding times, wherein the RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequencies.

[0020] In some examples, the communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by one or more frequency bands does not include the first frequency band.

[0021] In some examples, when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: receive out-of-band reference information for a second cell of the second network node, the out-of-band reference information corresponding to at least one of a corresponding frequency band or BWP; wherein a forwarding configuration represents the second network node being sent to a control device; and wherein receiving a signal from the RIS on at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP based on the forwarding configuration includes receiving a signal from the second network node, wherein the signal is forwarded from the RIS to the second network node via at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0022] In some examples, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: the reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communications in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0023] A third aspect provides a method comprising: receiving information from a first network node of a communication network on a first frequency band by a control device of a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS), the information including an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network; receiving a forwarding configuration from the first network node on the first frequency band by the control device, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP) for applying the forwarding configuration; and, based on the forwarding configuration, controlling the RIS to forward signals from the communication network and signals destined for the communication network using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0024] In some examples, RIS-MT is not configured to operate on at least one of the corresponding frequency band and BWP.

[0025] In some examples, the information is received from a first cell of a first network node on a first frequency band, and at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP does not include the first frequency band.

[0026] In some examples, the method further includes: obtaining out-of-band reference information for a second cell of a first network node, the out-of-band reference information corresponding to at least one of a corresponding frequency band or BWP; and wherein controlling RIS-Fwd to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from and to the communication network includes: applying a forwarding configuration to RIS-Fwd to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0027] In some examples, the method further includes: receiving out-of-band reference information from a first network node, the out-of-band reference information indicating band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequencies to be used for RIS forwarding; wherein for each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: a reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0028] In some examples, the method further includes sending an indication to a first network node of the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS-Fwd, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS-Fwd include at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0029] In some examples, the method further includes, for each corresponding frequency band supported by RIS-Fwd, sending to a first network node one or more of the following indications: the number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band, whether time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or the forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and sending to the first network node an indication of whether RIS-Fwd is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by RIS forwarding, or an indication of whether forwarding on each frequency band supported by RIS forwarding is processed via time division multiplexing.

[0030] In some examples, the forwarding configuration includes: a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, which have overlapping forwarding times, wherein the RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequencies.

[0031] In some examples, the method further includes sending an indication to a first network node of a frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS include at least one of a corresponding frequency band or a BWP; and wherein information received from the first network node further indicates that a second network node supports RIS forwarding via at least one of a corresponding frequency band or a BWP.

[0032] In some examples, the method further includes: obtaining out-of-band reference information for a second cell of a second network node, the out-of-band reference information corresponding to at least one of a corresponding frequency band or BWP; wherein forwarding configuration is received from a first network node representing the second network node; and wherein controlling RIS-Fwd to forward signals from and to the second network node using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP includes: applying the forwarding configuration to RIS-Fwd to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0033] In some examples, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: the reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, or time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communications in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band. Attached Figure Description

[0034] This specification will be better understood from the following detailed description, which is read with consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A block diagram of a communication network based on an example is shown; Figure 2 A block diagram of a RIS architecture based on an example is shown; Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B A block diagram of a communication network based on an example is shown; Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is based on the flowchart in the example; and Figure 7 An example computing device is shown as a functional block diagram based on an example.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Figures 1 to 7 The system is illustrated as a schematic diagram. The figures may not be to scale. Any figures may be combined to form a single example or embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Various aspects of this disclosure provide methods, systems, and apparatus for novel operations related to out-of-band reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) configurations.

[0037] The following aspects of this disclosure are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to embodiments “a,” “an,” or “some” in various places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that every reference is made to the same embodiment, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, the application of such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0038] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” and “A and / or B” mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “A, B, and / or C” mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0039] The examples described herein can be implemented in communication systems such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT (such as 6G). Furthermore, communication within the communication system can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0040] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication system through which user equipment can access the network and / or control radio communications and manage radio resources within a cell. A network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology applied, a network device may be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio headend (RH), a remote radio headend (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), or an aircraft network device.

[0041] Furthermore, in a split radio access network (RAN) connection, network equipment can refer to a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. The interface between the CU and the DU can be referred to as the F1 interface in NR. In a split RAN architecture, node operations can be performed at least partially in a central / centralized unit (CU, e.g., a server, host, or node) that is operatively coupled to a DU (e.g., a radio head / node). A CU can control one or more DUs, at least acting as a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) node. In some embodiments, a DU may include, for example, a Radio Link Control (RLC), a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical (PHY) layer, while a CU may include layers above the RLC layer, such as a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splitting is also possible. In practice, any processing task can be performed in a CU or a DU, and the boundaries of responsibility transfer between the CU and the DU can depend on the implementation applied.

[0042] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, a terminal device can be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and recycle bins, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and so on.

[0043] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmit" and / or "receive" can refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving on radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0044] Note that the description in this document may indicate that a “cell” performs a function, but it should be clear that the equipment forming the cell can perform the function. As used herein, a cell refers to a geographical area or region covered by radio signals transmitted by the gNB. Therefore, a cell constitutes part of a gNB, and each gNB can have multiple cells. For example, for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, there can be three cells, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, such that the coverage area of ​​a single base station is approximately elliptical or circular. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and the gNB can use multiple carriers. Therefore, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers per carrier, the gNB has a total of six cells. Additionally, each cell can support one or more frequency bands (or sub-bands) supported by the gNB.

[0045] As used herein, a RIS is a surface that can be used with network devices (such as UEs) and network entities or network nodes (such as gNBs and base stations), for example, in cellular networks. RIS is also referred to as a “reconfigurable reflective surface,” “intelligent reflective surface (IRS),” “large intelligent surface,” “reconfigurable reflective antenna element array,” and the term “RIS” as used herein is intended to encompass all of these and other similar devices. Current specific implementations of RIS are based on liquid crystal element structures, reconfigurable reflective arrays, mechanical structures, and programmable metamaterials, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods relate to the configuration and operation of RIS within a communication network, with particular focus on addressing support for out-of-band RIS operation when the frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding (RIS-Fwd) component is not supported by a specific cell associated with a network node serving the RIS mobile terminal (RIS-MT) component. Unlike traditional network control repeaters (NCRs), the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein enable the RIS to provide signal forwarding across various frequency bands and nodes under the control of the network gNB, thereby providing greater versatility and better coverage.

[0047] The exemplary technical effect of the system, apparatus, and method is the ability to efficiently manage out-of-band scenarios through the dynamic coordination of the RIS-MT and RIS-Fwd and the exchange of relevant band-specific information between one or more network nodes and the RIS-MT. This brings several advantages, including signal reachability and network efficiency achieved by leveraging effective coordination between bands and nodes. The system facilitates switching between band and time-division multiplexing operations, thereby ensuring optimized resource utilization and adaptability to different network conditions.

[0048] The disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods for configuring and operating RIS within wireless communication networks exhibit various improvements over known technologies, particularly in addressing out-of-band scenarios within 5G and 6G network systems. In summary, the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods provide a comprehensive solution for signal propagation enhancement and network efficiency in wireless communication, overcoming the limitations of existing systems in managing different frequency bands and enhancing node coordination in out-of-band scenarios.

[0049] The non-limiting list of additional improvements / advantages of the disclosed system is as follows: Band versatility: Unlike traditional network control repeaters (NCRs), where NCR components, including NCR mobile terminals (NCR-MTs) and NCR forwarders (NCR-Fwds), share RF transceivers and operate on a set of shared frequency bands, RIS components, including RIS mobile terminals (RIS-MTs) and RIS forwarders (RIS-Fwds), do not require shared transceivers, thus enabling operation across multiple potentially different frequency bands. This band versatility allows RIS components to handle signals from different frequency bands or nodes, contributing to better coverage and efficient frequency utilization; Inter-node coordination: RIS-MTs facilitate explicit capability exchange with network gNodeBs (gNBs), including details of the supported parameter sets and beam configurations for RIS-Fwds. This capability, especially when RIS components are managed by different gNBs, goes beyond the basic coordination mechanisms provided by existing NCR systems, thus facilitating better inter-node coordination and optimized signal forwarding; Dynamic configuration and operation: The system includes mechanisms for RIS-MT to obtain specific frequency band information for bands supported by RIS-Fwd operation but not by RIS-MT operation, such as digital schemes and TDD DL / UL timing associated with asynchronous cells, functions not robustly supported in existing systems. This dynamic configuration ensures the adaptability required for process optimization and out-of-band operation, thereby reducing the possibility of invalid configurations; Operational flexibility: Compared to existing solutions, the RIS system supports handover capabilities for RIS-Fwd, including frequency bands and different operating modes (such as simultaneous and TDM operation). This flexibility enables the ability to optimize network resource allocation and dynamically respond to changing network conditions; and prevention of invalid configurations: The system includes a "RIS-Support" indication mechanism to notify RIS-MTs of frequency bands supported by gNBs. This feature mitigates the risk of non-functional configurations, such as RIS-MTs associating themselves with a network node in an area where there are no frequency bands supported by RIS-Fwd.

[0050] Before describing the example embodiments, refer to Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating various electronic devices within a communication network suitable for practicing the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0051] Now go to Figure 1 A communication network 100 is provided. Although the communication network 100 includes many UEs, gNBs, and RISs, for simplicity, as shown... Figure 1 The communication network 100 shown includes a RIS 102, a gNB 104, and a UE 106.

[0052] exist Figure 1In the examples, UE 106 includes one or more processors 128 and one or more memories 124 including computer-executable instructions (e.g., instruction 126) that, when executed by one or more processors 128, cause one or more processors 128 to perform the operations described herein. gNB 104 includes one or more processors 122 and one or more memories 118 including computer-executable instructions (e.g., instruction 120) that, when executed by one or more processors 122, cause one or more processors 122 to perform the operations described herein. RIS 102, and specifically, RIS-MT 108 includes one or more processors 116 and one or more memories 112 including computer-executable instructions (e.g., instruction 114) that, when executed by one or more processors 116, cause one or more processors 116 to perform the operations described herein.

[0053] Memory 112, Memory 118, and Memory 124 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 memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Memory 112, Memory 118, and Memory 124 can be components for performing storage functions. As a non-limiting example, Processor 116, Processor 122, and Processor 128 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Processor 116, Processor 122, and Processor 128 can be components for performing functions such as controlling UE 106, gNB 104, RIS 102, and other functions described herein.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 2 The architecture of RIS 102 is provided. RIS 102 includes RIS-Fwd 110 and RIS-MT 108. RIS-Fwd 110 is shown as a panel that primarily reflects, guides, or refracts incident electromagnetic waves from a source (e.g., a base station) toward a specific target or receiver. RIS-Fwd 110 includes multiple antenna elements 204 (e.g., a reflector array), which in some examples are multiple passive (reflective) elements that manipulate the phase, amplitude, or polarization of the incoming signal. In some examples, RIS-Fwd 110 also includes multiple active elements (not shown) that enable RIS-Fwd 110 to operate as a passive or semi-passive surface.

[0055] In some examples, the multiple antenna elements 204 of the RIS-Fwd 110 provide a planar array of reflective elements (e.g., active and / or passive) that reflect incident rays with adjustable phase shift and gain. The passive nature of the reflective elements results in low hardware cost, low power consumption, and the ability to operate naturally in full-duplex (FD) mode. In some examples, the phase of the passive elements is configured to reflect incoming signals in the desired direction without any decoding, i.e., simply reflecting signals between the gNB and the UE (e.g., gNB 104 and UE 106). In some examples, the active elements of the RIS-Fwd 110 serve a similar purpose by providing further amplification to signals and / or communication control messages between the RIS 102 and network nodes.

[0056] In some examples, RIS-MT 108 is a control unit, control device, or controller configured to receive control signals from a network node and configure multiple antenna elements 204 based on the received control signals. Thus, RIS-Fwd 110 amplifies signals and forwards them to devices (e.g., user equipment or network nodes) according to the configuration (control information) provided by RIS-MT 108. In some examples, the control unit or controller configuring RIS-Fwd (e.g., antenna element 204) is separate from RIS 102 (e.g., not part of RIS 102). Therefore, the control unit or controller is external to RIS 102 (e.g., not RIS-MT 108). In some examples, the control unit or controller separate from RIS 102 can work in conjunction with RIS-MT 108.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 Provided Figure 1 An illustrative example of the communication network 100 shown includes Figure 2 The architecture of RIS 102 is shown. The communication network 100 includes gNB 104, UE 106, and RIS 102. RIS 102 includes RIS-MT 108 and RIS-Fwd 110 (similar to the reference above). Figure 1 The descriptions refer to gNB 104, UE 106, and RIS 102. (e.g., ...) Figure 3As shown, RIS 102 can be used for coverage enhancement, mitigating line-of-sight (LOS) congestion (e.g., building 302) between gNB 104 and UE 106, and creating virtual LOS. Furthermore, RIS 102 can be used for spatial multiplexing enhancement (capacity improvement) when additional physical paths are needed to enhance the dominant LOS MIMO channel for capacity improvement, for example, between gNB 104 and UE 106. Additionally, RIS 102 can be used as a positioning anchor to enhance positioning accuracy by combining beamforming and time-division multiplexing (TDM) over target area 306, using beamformed time-division multiplexed positioning reference signals (TDMed PRS) 304. These signals are used by user equipment (UE) to estimate their location with high accuracy, thereby leveraging advanced capabilities of 5G networks such as massive MIMO and beamforming. As mentioned above, RIS 102 is generally a cheaper alternative to deploying additional network nodes (e.g., for positioning purpose transmit / receive points (TRP)). In addition, the RIS 102 can be used for passive sensing applications.

[0058] Now for reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B It shows a block diagram of communication network 100 to illustrate communication between gNB 104, RIS 102, and UE 106. For example... Figure 4A As shown, gNB 104 exchanges control information with RIS-MT 108 (e.g., a control unit). gNB 104 sends a DL signal reflected via RIS-Fwd 110 to UE 106, and UE 106 sends a UL signal reflected via RIS-Fwd 110 to gNB 104. RIS-MT 108 maintains a control link (C link) between gNB 104 and RIS 102 to facilitate information exchange (e.g., side control information). In some examples, the C link is based on the NR Uu interface and operates in a different frequency band than the forwarding link (e.g., between gNB 104 and RIS-Fwd 110), decoupling the forwarding link from the C link.

[0059] In some examples, the RIS-Fwd 110 is implemented as a reflective array consisting of multiple antenna elements 204, and when the RIS-MT 108 implements the RF transceiver, the RIS-Fwd 110 may not require an RF transceiver implementation, nor does it share an RF transceiver with the RIS-MT 108. This differs from a network-controlled repeater (NCR), where it is assumed that the NCR MT and NCR-Fwd use the same transceiver implementation for the control link and backhaul link, respectively. Therefore, given that the RIS-Fwd 110 does not share an RF transceiver implementation with the RIS-MT 108, as... Figure 4BAs shown, RIS-MT 108 and RIS-Fwd 110 have the ability to be implemented in separate modules without being co-located. Therefore, RIS-MT 108 and RIS-Fwd 110 have the ability to operate in different frequency bands. For example, RIS-Fwd 110 can be used to enhance coverage in frequency range 2 (FR2) (e.g., mmWave), while RIS-MT 108 can operate in frequency range 1 (FR1) to provide a robust connection between RIS 102 and gNB (e.g., gNB 402). Furthermore, as... Figure 4B As shown, because RIS-MT 108 is not co-located (e.g., separate from RIS-Fwd 110), RIS-MT 108 maintains a control link (C link) with gNB 402, but not with gNB 104. Furthermore, although RIS-MT 108 and RIS-Fwd 110 are not co-located, they are still considered part of RIS 102.

[0060] To configure the RIS-MT 108 to operate the RIS-Fwd 110 in a specific frequency band, the RIS-MT obtains the following information: the location of the frequency band / subband to be forwarded, e.g., based on the New Radio Downlink Absolute Radio Channel Number (NR DLARFCN); the associated carrier operating bandwidth; the digital scheme, including the subcarrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix duration of the frequency band; and UL / DL timing information (for some TDD cases). During in-band operation, the RIS-MT 108 may implicitly obtain this information for the cell to which it resides, as it will acquire it during cell search and initial access (e.g., via information elements transmitted as part of broadcast system information or via dedicated radio resource control (RRC) configuration). However, in some examples, the RIS-MT 108 does not obtain this information for cells to which it is not connected (unless explicitly configured to do so by the gNB associated with the corresponding cell). Furthermore, if the RIS-MT 108 does not support a specific frequency band, it typically cannot obtain such information for cells operating in that specific frequency band, where the RIS-MT 108 does not support itself (e.g., if the RIS-MT 108 is FR1 only, it cannot obtain band-specific information for FR2 cells). This latter situation is particularly relevant to out-of-band RIS operation.

[0061] To address these and other issues, the ability to configure RIS to support out-of-band operation will now be described. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The following flowchart is provided.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for configuring a RIS-Fwd (e.g., RIS-Fwd 110) using out-of-band forwarding configuration. More specifically, the exemplary method 500 relates to an example where a cell (e.g., a first cell 501) supports a specific frequency band (or bandwidth portion) for communication between the RIS-MT 108 and gNB 104. And in this example, another cell (a second cell 503) also supports out-of-band frequencies (e.g., frequencies not supported by the RIS-MT 108 or the first cell 501 but supported by the RIS-Fwd 110) also associated with gNB 104.

[0063] At 502, RIS-MT 108 receives information from a network node (e.g., gNB 104 of communication network 100) including indications of one or more frequency bands of communication network 100, in which RIS forwarding is supported by communication network 100. In some examples, gNB 104 (e.g., via system information SIB1) provides information on its support for RIS 102, including the frequency bands on which RIS forwarding is permitted.

[0064] At 504, using the frequency band supported by RIS-MT 108 and the first cell 501, RIS-MT 108 sends an indication to gNB 104 of the frequency band and / or operating bandwidth (i.e., the lower and upper frequency limits), on which RIS-Fwd 110 may forward. In some examples, this information is provided by RIS-MT 108 via UE capability exchange. In some examples, for each frequency band supported by RIS-Fwd 110, RIS-MT 108 sends an indication to gNB 104 of one or more of the following: the number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band, whether time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or the forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band. In some examples, the RIS-MT 108 also sends an indication to the gNB 104 whether the RIS-Fwd 110 is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by the RIS forwarding, or whether forwarding on each frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding is processed via time-division multiplexing. In some examples, the gNB 104 is notified of the aforementioned forwarding-related capabilities of the RIS-Fwd 110's supported frequency bands and / or operating bandwidths via Operation, Admission, and Maintenance (OAM) configuration.

[0065] At 506, in response to an indication of a frequency band and / or operating bandwidth, RIS-Fwd 110 may forward on that frequency band or operating bandwidth, and RIS-MT 108 receives out-of-band reference information for a cell (e.g., a second cell 503) via a first cell 501 from gNB 104, the cell supporting at least one of the corresponding frequency band and bandwidth portion (BWP) supported by RIS-Fwd 110. In some examples, the out-of-band reference information includes one or more of the following: the reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, and time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0066] At 508, RIS-MT 108 receives from gNB 104 via first cell 501 a forwarding configuration for at least one of a corresponding frequency band and BWP (corresponding to second cell 503), which is supported by RIS-Fwd 110 but not by first cell 501. That is, after gNB 104 receives from RIS-MT 108 information regarding the frequency band and / or operating bandwidth (i.e., lower and upper frequency limits) on which RIS-Fwd 110 can forward, since first cell 501 does not support at least one of the frequency bands and / or operating bandwidths, and RIS-Fwd 110 can forward on that frequency band and / or operating bandwidth, gNB 104 subsequently identifies (e.g., at 506) which of its cells (e.g., second cell 503) supports at least one of the frequency bands and / or operating bandwidths on which RIS-Fwd 110 can forward. Then, gNB 104 transmits (e.g., at 508) to RIS-MT 108 via first cell 501 a forwarding configuration for at least one of the corresponding frequency bands and BWPs supported by RIS-Fwd 110. In some examples, gNB 104 provides forwarding configurations for all frequency bands and BWPs supported by gNB 104 and RIS-Fwd 110. In some examples, gNB 104 provides only one forwarding configuration for the frequency band and / or BWP that should be applied. In some examples, the forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following: for example, a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequency bands with overlapping forwarding times, when RIS-Fwd 110 does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequency bands and / or BWPs. In some examples, the forwarding configuration is based on NCR periodic activation, semi-persistent activation, and / or aperiodic activation forwarding configurations, including time periodic / offset / duration or some other type of forwarding configuration.

[0067] At 510, based on the forwarding configuration, RIS-MT 108 controls RIS-Fwd 110 to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from and to the communication network 100. In some examples, controlling RIS-Fwd 110 to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from and to gNB 104 includes applying the forwarding configuration to RIS-Fwd 110 to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell 503 based on the forwarding configuration, in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP. Therefore, at 512, RIS-Fwd 110 forwards signals from and to the second cell 503 based on the forwarding configuration in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for configuring a RIS-Fwd (e.g., RIS-Fwd 110) using out-of-band forwarding configuration. More specifically, exemplary method 600 relates to an example where a cell (e.g., first cell 601) supporting a specific frequency band (or bandwidth portion) for communication between RIS-MT 108 and gNB 104, and another cell (second cell 603) supporting out-of-band frequencies (e.g., frequencies not supported by RIS-MT 108) are associated with different network nodes (e.g., gNB 605). Therefore, method 600 considers cases where the corresponding frequency bands supported by gNB 104 and gNB 605 are different (e.g., if gNB 104 is FR1 only, while gNB 605 is FR2 only) and / or cases where RIS-MT 108 and RIS-Fwd 110 are not co-located. In either case, the cell of RIS-MT 108 (e.g., the first cell 601) and the cell forwarded by RIS-Fwd 110 (e.g., the second cell 603) are associated with different gNBs (gNB 104 and gNB 605, respectively).

[0069] At 602, gNB 104 and gNB 605 notify each other that they support inter-node RIS coordination (for exchanging RIS forwarding configurations). In some examples, the information exchange also indicates certain restrictions on a specific frequency band and / or cell for which inter-node forwarding is supported. In some examples, the information exchanged between gNB 104 and gNB 605 occurs during Xn establishment. In some examples, the restrictions on the frequency band / cell for which inter-node forwarding is supported are configured via OAM.

[0070] At 604, gNB 104 transmits information to RIS-MT 108 on the first frequency band. This information includes indications of one or more frequency bands of the communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network. In some examples, in addition to providing RIS-MT 108 with information about its support for RIS 102, which includes frequency bands that allow RIS forwarding (e.g., via system information SIB1), gNB 104 also provides RIS-MT 108 with information about the second cell 603 or gNB 605 (and any other cell or gNB) obtained in step 602.

[0071] At 606, using the frequency band supported by RIS-MT 108 and the first cell 601 (e.g., the first frequency band), gNB 104 receives from RIS-MT 108 an indication of the frequency band and / or operating bandwidth (i.e., the lower and upper frequency limits) that RIS-Fwd 110 can forward on the frequency band and / or operating bandwidth. In some examples, this information is provided by RIS-MT 108 via UE capability exchange. In some examples, for each frequency band supported by RIS-Fwd 110, gNB 104 receives from RIS-MT 108 an indication of one or more of the following: the number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band, whether time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or the forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band. In some examples, gNB 104 also receives from RIS-MT 108 an indication of whether RIS-Fwd 110 is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by the RIS forwarding, or an indication of whether forwarding on each frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding is processed via time-division multiplexing. In some examples, gNB 104 is notified via OAM of the aforementioned forwarding-related capabilities of the RIS-Fwd 110's supported frequency bands and / or operating bandwidth.

[0072] At position 608, gNB 104 sends a request to gNB 605 for gNB 605 to provide forwarding configuration to RIS-Fwd 110. That is, since gNB 104 does not support or is not associated with cells that support at least one of the frequency bands or BWPs supported by RIS-Fwd 110, gNB 104 identifies gNB 605 as a network node that supports at least one of the frequency bands or BWPs supported by RIS-Fwd 110. Therefore, gNB 104 requests forwarding configuration from gNB 605 so that gNB 104 can provide forwarding configuration to RIS-MT 108 on behalf of gNB 605. In some examples, the request includes one or more of the following: an indication of the forwarding-related capabilities of the RIS to gNB 605 (known from step 606); a list of frequency bands and / or cells that are allowed to be forwarded at gNB 605 (as requested from gNB 605); when / whether to send configurations for multiple frequency bands with overlapping forwarding times, and the priority associated with the frequency bands that RIS-Fwd 110 does not support simultaneous forwarding on those frequency bands; and the current (in-band or out-of-band) forwarding configuration at RIS-Fwd 110 (if available).

[0073] At 610, based on an indication of the frequency band and / or operating bandwidth that the RIS-Fwd 110 can forward over, gNB 104 receives from gNB 605 out-of-band reference information for a cell (e.g., a second cell 603) that supports at least one of the corresponding frequency band and bandwidth portions (BWP) supported by the RIS-Fwd 110. In some examples, the out-of-band reference information includes one or more of the following: the reference location of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the subcarrier spacing of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, and time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communications in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0074] At 612, gNB 104 receives from gNB 605 a forwarding configuration for at least one of the corresponding frequency bands and BWPs supported by RIS-Fwd 110 (corresponding to second cell 603). In some examples, gNB 605 provides forwarding configurations for all frequency bands and BWPs supported by gNB 605 and RIS-Fwd 110. In some examples, gNB 605 provides only one forwarding configuration for the frequency band and / or BWP that should be applied. In some examples, the forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following: for example, a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequency bands with overlapping forwarding times, when RIS-Fwd 110 does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequency bands and / or BWPs. In some examples, the forwarding configuration is based on NCR periodic activation, semi-persistent activation, and / or aperiodic activation forwarding configurations, including time periodic / offset / duration or some other type of forwarding configuration.

[0075] At 614, gNB 104 sends the out-of-band reference information and forwarding configuration (associated with the second cell 603) received from gNB 605 to RIS-MT 108.

[0076] At 616, based on the forwarding configuration, RIS-MT 108 controls RIS-Fwd 110 to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from and to the communication network 100. In some examples, controlling RIS-Fwd 110 to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from and to gNB 605 includes applying the forwarding configuration to RIS-Fwd 110 to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell 603 on at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP based on the forwarding configuration. Therefore, at 618, RIS-Fwd 110 forwards signals from and to the second cell 603 on at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP based on the forwarding configuration.

[0077] Exemplary operating environment This disclosure can be operated with a computing device according to an embodiment as Figure 7 Functional block diagram 700. The computing device 728 shown in functional block diagram 700 corresponds to, for example, Figure 1The computing device 728 is any of the RIS 102, gNB 104, and UE 106 shown and described in the corresponding paragraphs. In the examples, according to one or more embodiments described in this specification, components of the computing device 728 are implemented as part of an electronic device (e.g., RIS 102, gNB 104, and UE 106). The computing device 728 includes one or more processors 719, which may be a microprocessor, a controller, or any other suitable type of processor for processing computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 719 is any technology capable of executing logic or instructions, such as a hard-coded machine. In some examples, platform software, including an operating system 720 or any other suitable platform software, is provided on the device 728 to enable application software 721 to execute on the device.

[0078] In some examples, any computer-readable medium accessible by computing device 728 is used to provide computer-executable instructions. Computer-readable media include, for example, computer storage media, such as memory 722, and communication media. Computer storage media, such as memory 722, include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented using any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), persistent memory, phase-change memory, flash memory or other memory technologies, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices, shingled disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. Conversely, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc., in modulated data signals, such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media. Therefore, computer storage media is not a propagating signal. Propagating signals are not an example of computer storage media. Although computer storage media (memory 722) is shown within computing device 728, those skilled in the art will understand that in some examples, the storage device is remotely distributed or located and accessed via a network or other communication link (e.g., using communication interface 723).

[0079] Furthermore, in some examples, the computing device 728 includes an input / output controller 724 configured to output information to one or more output devices 725, either separate from or integrated into the electronic device, such as a display or a speaker. Additionally or alternatively, the input / output controller 724 is configured to receive and process input from one or more input devices 726 (e.g., a keyboard, microphone, or touchpad). In one example, the output device 725 also functions as an input device. An example of such a device is a touch-sensitive display. The input / output controller 724 is capable of outputting data to devices other than the output devices, such as locally connected printing devices. In some examples, a user provides input to the input device(s) 726 and / or receives output from the output device(s) 725.

[0080] The functions described herein can be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. According to an embodiment, when executed by processor 719, computing device 728 is configured by program code to perform embodiments of the described operations and functions. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein can be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0081] At least a portion of the functions of the various elements in the accompanying drawings may be performed by other elements in the drawings or entities not shown in the drawings (e.g., processors, web services, servers, applications, computing devices, etc.).

[0082] Although described in conjunction with exemplary computing system environments, the examples of this disclosure can be implemented with many other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0083] Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with any aspect of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, mobile or portable computing devices (e.g., smartphones), personal computers, server computers, handheld (e.g., tablets) or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, game consoles or controllers, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile phones, mobile computing and / or communication devices in wearable or accessory form factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headphones, or earphones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframes, distributed computing environments including any of the aforementioned systems or devices, etc. In general, this disclosure can operate with any device having processing capabilities, enabling it to execute instructions such as those described herein. Such systems or devices accept input from users in any manner, including input devices such as keyboards or pointing devices, input via gestures, proximity input (such as by hover), and / or input via voice.

[0084] Examples of this disclosure can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (such as program modules) that are executed by one or more computers or other devices, including software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instructions can be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Typically, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. Aspects of this disclosure can be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to specific computer-executable instructions, or specific components or modules shown in the figures and described herein. Some examples of this disclosure include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or fewer functions than those shown and described herein.

[0085] In examples involving general-purpose computers, aspects of this disclosure transform a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

[0086] In some examples, the operations shown in the figures are implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium, programmed or designed to perform the operations in hardware, or both. For example, aspects of this disclosure are implemented as a system on a chip or other circuitry comprising multiple interconnected conductive elements.

[0087] Unless otherwise stated, the execution or order of operations in the examples of this disclosure shown and described herein is not essential. That is, operations may be performed in any order unless otherwise stated, and the examples of this disclosure may include more or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, specific operations are expected to be performed before, simultaneously with, or after another operation, or to be performed within the scope of various aspects of this disclosure.

[0088] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to the listed elements. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of…”. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one A and / or at least one B and / or at least one C”.

[0089] Having described in detail various aspects of this disclosure, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Since various changes can be made to the above-described constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure, all that is contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0090] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example implementations.

[0091] Example 1. An apparatus for communication, comprising: Processor; and The memory includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the device to perform the following operations: Information is received from the first network node of the communication network, including indications of one or more frequency bands of the communication network, in which reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) forwarding is supported by the communication network; Receive forwarding configuration from the first network node, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP); and Based on the forwarding configuration, the RIS is controlled to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from the communication network and signals destined for the communication network.

[0092] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the apparatus is not configured to operate on at least one of the corresponding frequency band and BWP.

[0093] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the information is received from a first cell of a first network node on a first frequency band, and wherein at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP does not include the first frequency band.

[0094] Example 4. The apparatus according to Example 3, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Obtain out-of-band reference information for the second cell of the first network node, wherein the out-of-band reference information corresponds to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP; and Controlling the RIS to forward signals from and to the first network node using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP includes: applying a forwarding configuration to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0095] Example 5. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Receive out-of-band reference information from the first network node. The out-of-band reference information indicates band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequency bands to be used for RIS forwarding. For each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: The corresponding reference position for the out-of-band frequency band, The corresponding out-of-band bandwidth, The corresponding out-of-band subcarrier spacing, The frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the corresponding out-of-band synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), or Time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0096] Example 6. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Send an indication to the first network node of the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding include at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0097] Example 7. An apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, also cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: For each corresponding frequency band supported by RIS forwarding, send an indication to the first network node for one or more of the following: The number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band. Whether Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band. The subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or The forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and Send to the first network node an indication of whether the RIS is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by the RIS forwarding, or an indication of whether forwarding on each frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding is processed via time division multiplexing.

[0098] Example 8. The apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the forwarding configuration includes: a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, the other out-of-band frequencies having overlapping forwarding times, wherein the RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequencies.

[0099] Example 9. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, also cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: Send an indication to the first network node of the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS include at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP; and The information received from the first network node also instructs the second network node to support RIS forwarding via at least one of the corresponding frequency bands or BWPs.

[0100] Example 10. An apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, also cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: Obtain out-of-band reference information for the second cell of the second network node, wherein the out-of-band reference information corresponds to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP; The forwarding configuration is received from the first network node representing the second network node; and Controlling the RIS to forward signals from and to the second network node using at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP includes: applying a forwarding configuration to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from and to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, in at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP.

[0101] Example 11. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: The corresponding reference position for the out-of-band frequency band, The corresponding out-of-band bandwidth, The corresponding out-of-band subcarrier spacing, The frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the corresponding out-of-band synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), or Time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0102] Example 12. A first network node of a communication network, comprising: Processor; and The memory includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the first network node to perform the following operations: Information is sent on a first frequency band to a control device configured to control a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS). The information includes indications of one or more frequency bands of a communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network. Transmit a forwarding configuration to the control device on the first frequency band, the forwarding configuration including at least one of the corresponding frequency band and bandwidth portion (BWP); and Based on the forwarding configuration, signals are received from the RIS on at least one of the corresponding frequency bands or BWPs.

[0103] Example 13. Based on the first network node of Example 12, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: Send out-of-band reference information to the control device. The out-of-band reference information indicates band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequency bands to be used for RIS forwarding. For each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: The corresponding reference position for the out-of-band frequency band, The corresponding out-of-band bandwidth, The corresponding out-of-band subcarrier spacing, The frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the corresponding out-of-band synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), or Time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0104] Example 14. Based on the first network node of Example 13, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: Obtain the frequency band information for the RIS. The frequency band information indicates multiple frequency bands, and the RIS can forward signals on multiple frequency bands.

[0105] Example 15. According to the first network node of Example 14, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first network node to perform one or more of the following operations: For each corresponding frequency band supported by the RIS, receive an instruction from the control device for one or more of the following: The number of downlink / uplink (DL / UL) beams supported by the corresponding frequency band. Whether Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band. The subcarrier spacing (SCS) or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, and The forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and The control unit receives an indication of whether the RIS is configured to simultaneously forward signals in the frequency bands supported by the RIS, or an indication of whether forwarding in each frequency band supported by the RIS is processed via time-division multiplexing.

[0106] Example 16. According to the first network node of Example 15, wherein the forwarding configuration includes: a priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, the other out-of-band frequencies having overlapping forwarding times, wherein RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on other out-of-band frequencies.

[0107] Example 17. According to the first network node of Example 12, the communication network in which RIS forwarding is supported by one or more frequency bands, excluding the first frequency band.

[0108] Example 18. Based on the first network node of Example 13, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first network node to perform the following operations: Receive out-of-band reference information for the second cell of the second network node, wherein the out-of-band reference information corresponds to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP; The forwarding configuration indicates that the second network node is sent to the control device; and Receiving a signal from the RIS on at least one of the corresponding frequency bands or BWPs, based on the forwarding configuration, includes receiving a signal from a second network node, wherein the signal is forwarded from the RIS to the second network node on at least one of the corresponding frequency bands or BWPs.

[0109] Example 19. Based on the first network node of Example 18, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: The corresponding reference position for the out-of-band frequency band, The corresponding out-of-band bandwidth, The corresponding out-of-band subcarrier spacing, The frequency domain location, periodicity, or duration of the corresponding out-of-band synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), or Time division duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

[0110] Example 20. A method for communication, comprising: The control device of the reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) receives information from a first network node of the communication network in a first frequency band. The information includes an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network, in which RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network. The control device receives a forwarding configuration from a first network node on a first frequency band, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP) for applying the forwarding configuration; and Based on the forwarding configuration, the control device controls the RIS to use at least one of the corresponding frequency band or BWP to forward signals from the communication network and signals destined for the communication network.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: processor; as well as The memory includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the following operations: Information is received from a first network node of the communication network, the information including an indication of one or more frequency bands of the communication network, in which reconfigurable smart surface RIS forwarding is supported by the communication network; Receive forwarding configuration from the first network node, wherein the forwarding configuration includes at least one of a corresponding frequency band and a bandwidth portion (BWP); as well as Based on the forwarding configuration, the RIS is controlled to use the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs to forward signals from the communication network and signals destined for the communication network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is not configured to operate on at least one of the corresponding frequency band and the BWP.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the information is received from a first cell of the first network node on a first frequency band, and wherein the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs does not include the first frequency band.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Obtain out-of-band reference information for the second cell of the first network node, wherein the out-of-band reference information corresponds to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; and Controlling the RIS to use the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs to forward signals from the first network node and signals destined for the first network node includes: The forwarding configuration is applied to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from the second cell and RIS forwarding to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, on at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Receive out-of-band reference information from the first network node, the out-of-band reference information indicating band-specific information for each of one or more out-of-band frequency bands to be used for RIS forwarding; For each corresponding out-of-band frequency band, the out-of-band reference information includes at least one of the following: The reference position of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band, The bandwidth of the corresponding out-of-band frequency band. The corresponding out-of-band subcarrier spacing The frequency domain position, periodicity, or duration of the corresponding out-of-band synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), or Time Division Duplex (TDD) timing information corresponding to at least one of the downlink or uplink communication in the corresponding out-of-band frequency band.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: Send an indication to the first network node of the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding, wherein, The frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by RIS forwarding include the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: For each corresponding frequency band supported by the RIS forwarding, an indication for one or more of the following is sent to the first network node: The number of downlink / uplink DL / UL beams supported by the corresponding frequency bands. Whether Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) is supported by the corresponding frequency band. The subcarrier spacing SCS or cyclic prefix duration supported by the corresponding frequency band, or The forwarding gain supported by the corresponding frequency band; and Send to the first network node an indication of whether the RIS is configured to forward signals on multiple frequency bands simultaneously supported by the RIS forwarding, or an indication of whether forwarding on each of the frequency bands supported by the RIS forwarding is processed via time division multiplexing.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forwarding configuration includes: The priority associated with the forwarding configuration relative to other forwarding configurations corresponding to other out-of-band frequencies, which have overlapping forwarding times, wherein the RIS does not support simultaneous forwarding on the other out-of-band frequencies.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: Send an indication to the first network node of the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS forwarding, wherein the frequency band and operating bandwidth supported by the RIS include at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; and The information received from the first network node also instructs the second network node to support RIS forwarding via the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to perform one or more of the following operations: Obtain out-of-band reference information for the second cell of the second network node, wherein the out-of-band reference information corresponds to at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP; The forwarding configuration is received from the first network node representing the second network node; and Controlling the RIS to use the corresponding frequency band or at least one of the BWPs to forward signals from the second network node and signals destined for the second network node includes: The forwarding configuration is applied to the RIS to enable RIS forwarding from the second cell and RIS forwarding to the second cell based on the forwarding configuration, on at least one of the corresponding frequency band or the BWP.

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