Network node control method, control device, network node, and base station

Abstract

The present invention discloses a network node control method, a control device, a network node, and a base station applicable to a network node. The control method of the present invention includes a step of receiving signaling transmitted by a base station, and a step of adjusting an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node according to the signaling, or a step of predefining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node. The network node control method applicable to the base station of the present application includes a step of determining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node, and a step of transmitting signaling to the network node for indicating the operation state and / or the phase state of the network node, or a step of predefining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202110970661.7 and filing date August 23, 2021, and claims priority to that Chinese patent application, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and in particular to a method for controlling a network node, a control device, a network node, and a base station. [Background technology]

[0003] During communication, the presence of obstacles in the signal path can reduce communication stability. In particular, when millimeter-wave 5G communication is adopted in 5G technology, millimeter waves have characteristics of high propagation loss and poor signal penetration, so the 5G signal is easily blocked by obstacles, resulting in poor communication stability. To solve the problem of poor communication stability due to obstacles during communication, related technologies provide a solution by increasing the signal transmission power of the signal transmitting end during communication so that information can effectively penetrate obstacles and be transmitted to the base station. However, this method of increasing power has several drawbacks. For example, increasing the power increases the power consumption of the signal transmitting end. For example, if a mobile phone is the signal transmitting end, increasing the power consumption will result in the mobile phone consuming more electricity. Furthermore, increasing the power accelerates the wear rate of electronic components at the signal transmitting end, shortening the lifespan of the electronic devices.

[0004] Intelligent radio wave reflective surfaces are two-dimensional artificial materials composed of numerous specially designed scattering elements, which can transform incident signals in different ways. Furthermore, software can control each scattering element on the intelligent radio wave reflective surface, changing the reflective electromagnetic characteristics of the incident signal on the scattering element, thereby improving signal penetration and stability. However, related technology and academic research have found that the intelligent radio wave reflective surfaces installed on network nodes are composed of passive units, making it difficult for the network to identify the network node. Furthermore, the network's control of the network node after the network node accesses the network is also problematic. Therefore, when applying intelligent radio wave reflective surfaces to communications, issues remain, such as how the network controls the network node and what feedback the network node provides to the network.

[0005] The above technical problems that exist in the related art should be solved as soon as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein, which does not limit the scope of protection of the claims.

[0007] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. Embodiments of the present application provide a network node control method, a control device, a network node, and a base station that improve communication stability, reduce power consumption, or enhance applicability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment of the present application provides a network node control method applied to a network node, the control method comprising: receiving signaling transmitted by a base station, said signaling being indicative of an operational state and / or a phase state of said network node; adjusting the operational and / or phase states of said network nodes in accordance with said signaling; or and predefining an operational state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0009] In one embodiment, the operational state of the network node comprises that the network node is blocked, and the network node receives the signaling transmitted by a base station to indicate the number of blocks of the network node and / or the operational mode or phase state of each sub-block of the network node; The step of receiving, by the network node, the signaling transmitted by a base station for indicating a number of blocks of the network node and / or an operation mode or phase state of each sub-block of the network node, comprises: receiving high-level RRC signaling from a base station and determining a starting position in downlink control information (DCI) of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode or phase state of a sub-block; receiving downlink control information from the base station and determining an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block.

[0010] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and receives signaling sent by a base station via high-level RRC to determine whether the network node is in a power saving mode or determines the on / off state of an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: It is predefined that if the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmitting unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise it is determined that the network node is in a power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmitting unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0012] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: If the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state; or It is predefined that if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: It is predefined that if a user is accessing or there is an active user transmitting data, it determines that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise it determines that the network node is in a power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0014] In one embodiment, when a user accesses the network node, or when there is an active user and data transmission, the base station and network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the base station and the network node are predefined such that on time slot group 1, the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set A of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, and on time slot group 2, the base station and the network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set B of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0016] An embodiment of the present application provides a network node control method applied to a base station, the control method comprising: determining the operational state and / or topological state of the network node; transmitting signaling to said network node to indicate the operational state and / or phase state of said network node; or and predefining an operational state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0017] In one embodiment, the operational state of the network node comprises that the network node is blocked, and the network node receives the signaling transmitted by a base station to indicate the number of blocks of the network node and / or the operational mode or phase state of each sub-block of the network node; The step of receiving, by the network node, the signaling transmitted by a base station for indicating a number of blocks of the network node and / or an operation mode or phase state of each sub-block of the network node, comprises: receiving high-level RRC signaling from a base station and determining a starting position in downlink control information (DCI) of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode or phase state of a sub-block; receiving downlink control information from the base station and determining an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and receives signaling, such as bitmap signaling, sent by a base station via high-level RRC to determine whether the network node is in a power saving mode or to determine the on / off state of an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: It is predefined that if the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmitting unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise it is determined that the network node is in a power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmitting unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0020] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, determining that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, determining that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state; or It is predefined that if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: It is predefined that if a user is accessing or there is an active user transmitting data, it determines that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise it determines that the network node is in a power saving state or that the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0022] In one embodiment, when a user accesses the network node, or when there is an active user and data transmission, the base station and network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the base station and the network node are predefined such that on time slot group 1, the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set A of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, and on time slot group 2, the base station and the network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set B of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0024] An embodiment of the present application provides a control device applied to a network node, the control device comprising: a first module for receiving signaling transmitted by a base station, the signaling representing an operational state and / or a phase state of the network node; and a second module for adjusting an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node according to the signaling, or for predefining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0025] An embodiment of the present application provides a control device applied to a base station, the control device comprising: a third module for determining an operational state and / or a topological state of the network node; and a fourth module for transmitting signaling to the network node to indicate an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node, or for predefining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node between a base station and the network node.

[0026] An embodiment of the present application provides a network node including the control device according to the above embodiment.

[0027] An embodiment of the present application provides a base station including the above control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present application include: when the present application is applied to a network node, receiving signaling sent by a base station and adjusting the operation state and / or phase state between the network node or the base station and the network node according to the signaling, thereby making it possible to adjust the operation state and / or phase state between the network node or the base station and the network node as needed; effectively solving problems such as how a network node is identified by a communication network, how a communication network controls a network node, and what content a network node feeds back to a communication network.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present application will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present application. The objectives and other advantages of the present application may be attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings.

[0030] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solution of the present application, constitute a part of the specification, and are used to explain the technical solution of the present application together with the examples of the present application, but are not intended to limit the technical solution of the present application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a network node according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of another network node control method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control device of a network node according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control device of another network node according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of a control device of a network node according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control device of another network node according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In order to more clearly understand the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application, the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples, in which the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0033] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it imply separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive from other embodiments. The embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, plural (or plural items) means two or more, and terms such as "greater than," "smaller than," and "more than" are understood to be exclusive of this number, while terms such as "greater than," "less than," and "within" are understood to be inclusive. When terms such as "first," "second," and "second" are used, they are merely intended to distinguish technical features, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implying the number of indicated technical features, or implying the context of the indicated technical features.

[0035] During communication, the presence of obstacles in the signal path can reduce communication stability. In particular, when millimeter-wave 5G communication (frequency range: 24.25 to 52.6 GHz) is adopted in 5G technology, millimeter waves have high propagation loss and poor signal penetration, making it easy for obstacles to block 5G signals and reduce communication stability. To address the problem of reduced communication stability due to obstacles during communication, related technologies offer a solution by increasing the signal transmission power of the signal transmitting end during communication so that information can effectively penetrate obstacles and be transmitted to the base station. However, this method of increasing power has several drawbacks. For example, increasing the power increases the power consumption of the signal transmitting end. For example, if a mobile phone is the signal transmitting end, increasing the power consumption will result in the mobile phone consuming more electricity. Furthermore, increasing the power accelerates the wear rate of electronic components at the signal transmitting end, shortening the lifespan of the electronic devices.

[0036] An intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is a two-dimensional artificial material composed of numerous specially designed scattering elements, which can transform incident signals in different ways. Furthermore, software can control each scattering element of the IRS, changing the reflective electromagnetic characteristics of the incident signal on the scattering element, resulting in stronger signal penetration and stability. However, related technology and academic research have found that the IRS installed on network nodes is composed of passive units, making it difficult for the network to identify the network node. Furthermore, the network's control of the network node after the network node accesses the network is also an issue. Therefore, when applying IRS to communications, issues remain, such as how the network controls the network node and what feedback the network node provides to the network.

[0037] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a network node.

[0038] 1 is a flowchart of a control method for a network node according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a network node, and the control method includes the following steps S101 and S102.

[0039] S101: Receive signaling sent by a base station, the signaling being for indicating an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node.

[0040] S102: Adjust the operation state and / or phase state of the network node according to the signaling, or predefine the operation state and / or phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0041] The network node control method according to this embodiment is applied to a network node equipped with an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS). The intelligent reflecting surface comprises a plurality of passive units, and the reflection phase and operation mode of each passive unit are controlled by a control unit to change the reflected electromagnetic characteristics of the signal incident on the passive unit. In this way, the network node equipped with the intelligent reflecting surface can efficiently convert the incident signal in different operation modes.

[0042] Here, different phase states correspond to different beamforming, precoding, beam direction, different transmission configuration indication, spatial domain transmission filter, spatial domain relation information, or SRS resource indicator.

[0043] Here, different operation modes correspond to different phases, different beamforming, precoding, beam directions, different transmission configuration indications, spatial domain transmission filters, spatial domain relation information, or SRS resource indicators.

[0044] The operation state and / or phase state of the network node are adjusted according to the signaling. Alternatively, predefining the operation state and / or phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node means adjusting the operation state and / or phase state of the network node by software definition. Alternatively, predefining the operation state and / or phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node. Therefore, when the operation state and / or phase state of the network node needs to be adjusted, signaling needs to be transmitted by the base station, and the signaling includes information representing the operation state and / or phase state of the network node. Here, adjusting the operation state and / or phase state of the network node or predefining the operation state and / or phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node serves to arbitrarily adjust the signal angle to generate an ideal multipath effect by representing the number of blocks of the network node and / or the operation mode of each sub-block of the network node. The multipath effect refers to the phenomenon in which, after electromagnetic waves propagate through different paths, each component field arrives at the receiving end at different times and overlaps with each other in phase, causing interference and distorting or generating errors in the original signal. According to the reflective panel of this embodiment, the multipath effect can be adjusted by changing the reflective characteristics of the reflective panel as needed, and defective factors such as signal distortion and reduction in signal strength due to the multipath effect can be minimized.

[0045] Optionally, the operational state of the network node comprises the network node being blocked, and the network node receives the signaling sent by a base station to indicate a number of blocks of the network node and / or an operational mode of each sub-block of the network node; The step of receiving, by the network node, the signaling transmitted by a base station for indicating the number of blocks of the network node and / or the operation mode of each sub-block of the network node, comprises: The method includes receiving high-level RRC signaling from a base station and determining a starting position in downlink control information DCI of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block, and receiving downlink control information from the base station and determining an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block.

[0046] In this embodiment, radio resource control (RRC), also known as radio resource management (RRM) or radio resource allocation (RRA), refers to managing, controlling, and scheduling radio resources according to certain policies and methods, ensuring that limited radio network resources are fully utilized to the extent possible while satisfying service quality requirements, enabling radio network signals to reach the planned coverage area, and maximizing traffic capacity and resource utilization. Radio resource control signaling refers to signaling including radio resource control information. Note that in this embodiment, the signaling for controlling the on / off of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit is not limited to radio control signaling, and other types of signaling including radio resource control information can also be used as the signaling for controlling the on / off of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit in this embodiment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the network node may adjust the operation state and / or phase state of the network node through software definition, or the operation state and / or phase state of the network node may be predefined between the base station and the network node. However, if the number of units in the reflective panel of the network node is too large, controlling each unit one by one increases the burden on the control unit. Therefore, it is necessary to block the network nodes on the reflective panel of the network node and manage the network nodes by region, which reduces the control burden and helps to utilize the multi-beam coverage while widening the main lobe width of the beam. A specific division method is to receive high-level RRC signaling from the base station, determine the starting position in the downlink control information (DCI) of a block for representing the operation state and / or phase state of the sub-block, receive downlink control information from the base station, and determine the operation state and / or phase state of the sub-block.

[0048] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes the network node being in power saving mode, receiving bitmap signaling sent by the base station via high-level RRC, and determining the on / off state of the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit.

[0049] In addition, an intelligent radio wave reflective surface without an active unit in the related art can achieve full-duplex communication, but cannot achieve signal amplification due to the lack of an active unit. The intelligent radio wave reflective surface of the network node of this embodiment also includes an active unit, thereby achieving both full-duplex communication and signal amplification. However, the active unit may reduce energy efficiency and increase the power consumption of the reflective panel, which is detrimental to the normal operation of the reflective panel. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an on / off standardization scheme for the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit, such that the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit remain on only in specific cases and are turned off as passive units in other cases. The on / off standardization scheme for the active unit in the network node control method of this embodiment receives bitmap signaling sent by the base station via high-level RRC and determines the on / off status of the active unit, the transmission unit, and / or the power amplifier unit. Controlling the on / off of the active unit by receiving signaling from the base station makes it possible to effectively adjust the operation state and / or phase state of the network node at any time as needed in various situations, or to predefine the operation state and / or phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0050] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node are predefined to determine that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state if the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, and to determine that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state otherwise.

[0051] This embodiment also provides another standardized scheme for turning on / off an active unit, which is predefined for base stations and network nodes. The predefined content is that if the beam, phase, or operation mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases, or operation modes, the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are determined to be in an on state, and otherwise the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are determined to be in an off state. In this embodiment, the active unit can be controlled by determining whether the beam, phase, or operation mode is in a predefined beam, phase, or operation mode, thereby enabling fully automatic control of on / off of the active unit without requiring manual operation.

[0052] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode and that the network node is in blocking mode, and the base station indicates the power saving mode of each sub-block of the network node by signaling, and determines whether each sub-block is in power saving mode, or whether an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of each sub-block is in an on state.

[0053] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes the network node being in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: If the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, determining that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, determining that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state; or It is predefined that if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, it is determined that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, it is determined that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0054] This embodiment also provides another standardized scheme for turning on / off an active unit, which is predefined for a base station and a network node. The predefined scheme is: if the network node is transmitting downlink, determine that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node are in an off state; if the network node is transmitting uplink, determine that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node are in an on state; or if the network node is transmitting downlink, determine that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node are in an on state; and if the network node is transmitting uplink, determine that the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit of the network node are in an off state. In this embodiment, the network node determines whether the transmission is uplink or downlink and performs on / off control of the active unit, thereby enabling fully automatic on / off control of the active unit without manual operation.

[0055] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node are predefined to determine that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state when there is an active user accessing or transmitting data, and otherwise determine that the active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0056] This embodiment also provides another standardized scheme for turning on / off an active unit, which is predefined for base stations and network nodes. The predefined scheme is that when a user accesses or there is an active user transmitting data, the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are determined to be in an on state; otherwise, the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are determined to be in an off state. That is, when a user accesses or there is an active user transmitting data, the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are turned on; when there is no user access or there is no active user transmitting data, the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit of the network node are turned on. In this embodiment, the on / off control of the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit is performed depending on whether a user accesses or whether there is an active user transmitting data. This is because when a user accesses, the data transmission request volume is large and the required data transmission speed is fast, so the active unit and / or transmission unit and / or power amplifier unit need to be turned on. The on / off control of the active unit can be performed fully automatically using pre-set control logic, without the need for manual operation.

[0057] Optionally, when a user accesses the network node, or when there is an active user and data transmission, the base station and network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0058] Optionally, the base stations and network nodes are predefined such that, on time slot group 1, a beam, phase or operation mode of said network nodes is one or a subset of predefined beams, phases or operation modes set A. The base stations and network nodes are predefined such that, on time slot group 2, a beam, phase or operation mode of said network nodes is one or a subset of predefined beams, phases or operation modes set B.

[0059] Here, different operation modes correspond to different phases, different beamforming, precoding, beam directions, different transmission configuration indications, spatial domain transmission filters, spatial domain relation information, or SRS resource indicators.

[0060] This embodiment provides another method for controlling the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel, in which different time slot ranges are preset and the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel is controlled by determining which time slot range the current time falls into. Note that since the control unit controls the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel by determining which slot range the current time falls into, the first preset slot range and the second preset slot range should not overlap, otherwise it may cause the control unit to make an incorrect judgment.

[0061] The reflective panels proposed in the embodiments of the present application can be installed in various locations and areas, achieving various technical effects. For example, by placing the reflective panels proposed in the embodiments of the present application on the walls of buildings or in environments carried by airborne platforms, the wireless environment can be transformed into an intelligent space that can support information sensing, simulation calculations, and wireless communications. The reflective panels proposed in the embodiments of the present application can be placed in different locations and devices. For example, the reflective panels can be placed on macrocell base stations, small cell base stations or transmission nodes, transmission nodes of high-frequency communication systems, transmission nodes or satellite nodes of Internet of Things systems, or nodes of communication systems such as terminals (UEs), mobile phones, mobile devices, automobiles, and satellite nodes. This can support various user needs, including increasing data transmission speeds, expanding signal coverage, reducing power consumption in data transmission and signal transmission, and improving the security and stability of data transmission.

[0062] It should be noted that the network node described herein, also referred to as a communication node, may be a RIS / IRS, a relay, a repeater, a smart repeater, or a UE.

[0063] 2 is a flowchart of another network node control method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment of the present application also proposes a network node control method applied to a base station, and the control method includes the following steps S201 and S202:

[0064] S201: Determine the operational state and / or topological state of a network node.

[0065] S202, sending signaling to the network node to indicate an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node, or predefining an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0066] Optionally, the operational state of the network node comprises the network node being blocked, and the network node receives the signaling sent by a base station to indicate a number of blocks of the network node and / or an operational mode of each sub-block of the network node; The step of receiving, by the network node, the signaling transmitted by a base station for indicating the number of blocks of the network node and / or the operation mode of each sub-block of the network node, comprises: The method includes receiving high-level RRC signaling from a base station and determining a starting position in downlink control information DCI of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block, and receiving downlink control information from the base station and determining an operation mode or phase state of the sub-block.

[0067] The present application provides a method for controlling subblock division of a reflective panel by receiving an amplified signal, extracting target number of division information from the amplified signal, and dividing the reflective panel into subblocks according to the target number information. For example, if panel 1 needs to be divided into two subblocks and panel 2 needs to be divided into one subblock, the base station simultaneously notifies both panel 1 and panel 2 via signaling. Here, the number of subblock divisions for each of panel 1 and panel 2 is determined by a location parameter. The signal including the location parameter can notify that panel 1 has been divided into two subblocks and that panel 2 has been divided into one subblock.

[0068] After the sub-block division is completed, the control unit may merge the sub-blocks. Merging the sub-blocks increases the number of passive units in the merged sub-block, thereby increasing the coverage distance of the signal after reflection from the panel. Therefore, if the enhancement signal needs to be narrowed, the control unit may merge the sub-blocks.

[0069] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes the network node being in power saving mode, receiving bitmap signaling sent by the base station via high-level RRC, and determining the on / off state of the active unit and / or the transmitting unit and / or the power amplifier unit.

[0070] Optionally, the operational state of the network node includes the network node being in power saving. The base station and the network node are predefined to determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state if a beam, phase or operational mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operational modes, and to determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state otherwise.

[0071] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving. The base station and the network node determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, and determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission; or It is predefined that if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, it is determined that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0072] Here, different operation modes correspond to different phases, different beamforming, precoding, beam directions, different transmission configuration indications, spatial domain transmission filters, spatial domain relation information, or SRS resource indicators.

[0073] This embodiment provides another standardized scheme for controlling the on / off of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit. In this embodiment, the on / off of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit is controlled by determining whether the type of data transmission is uplink data transmission or downlink data transmission. Here, uplink data transmission is data transmission from a terminal node to a base station, and downlink data transmission is data transmission from a base station to a terminal node. Therefore, in the case of uplink data transmission, the signal transmission power of the terminal node is generally relatively low and is susceptible to interference from other signals and obstacles, so the signal power and transmission rate must be increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, by turning on the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit during uplink data transmission, it is possible to amplify the signal during uplink data transmission and reduce interference from other signals and obstacles.

[0074] Optionally, the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node are predefined to determine that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state when there is an active user accessing or transmitting data, and otherwise determine that the active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

[0075] Optionally, when a user accesses the network node, or when there is an active user and data transmission, the base station and network node are predefined such that the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0076] This embodiment provides another standardized scheme for controlling the on / off of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit. In this embodiment, the on / off states of the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit are controlled by determining whether the reflective panel is in a data transmission state. Here, if the reflective panel is in a data transmission state, it indicates that a device such as a terminal or a base station is using the reflective panel, so the signal transmission unit and the power amplifier unit need to be turned on to amplify the signal during data transmission and reduce interference from other signals and obstacles.

[0077] Optionally, the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 1, the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set A of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, and the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 2, the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set B of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

[0078] This embodiment provides another method for controlling the beam direction of a network node, in which different time slot ranges are preset and the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel is controlled by determining which time slot range the current time falls into. Note that since the control unit controls the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel by determining which slot range the current time falls into, the first preset slot range and the second preset slot range should not overlap, otherwise it may cause an erroneous judgment by the control unit.

[0079] In this embodiment, the time slot range may be set according to different needs. For example, when the amount of data transmission is large and the load on the device is high, the slot range needs to be set according to the traffic volume. Specifically, the amount of data to be transmitted is detected, and if the amount of data is greater than a predetermined threshold, the first predetermined slot range is set to be larger. This allows transmission tasks with large amounts of data to be completed as quickly as possible. If the amount of data is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the second predetermined time slot range is set to be larger. This allows data transmission tasks with small amounts of data and short time requirements to be completed within an appropriate time range. This can improve both the quality and stability of data transmission.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time slot range may be set according to the priority of data transmission. Specifically, the priority of the data to be transmitted is detected. If the priority of the data to be transmitted is high, the first preset slot range is set to be larger, thereby allowing the high-priority transmission task to be completed as quickly as possible. If the priority of the data to be transmitted is low, the second preset time slot range is set to be larger, thereby providing a convenient transmission path for the high-priority data transmission task and allowing the low-priority data transmission task to be performed after the high-priority data transmission task is completed. In this way, when the transmission bandwidth is limited, the high-priority data transmission task can be completed preferentially, which is advantageous for improving the transmission efficiency of important data.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 3, an embodiment of the present application also provides a control device applied to a network node, which includes: a first module for receiving signaling sent by a base station to indicate an operation state and / or a phase state of the network node, and a second module for adjusting the operation state and / or the phase state of the network node according to the signaling, or predefining the operation state and / or the phase state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 4, an embodiment of the present application also provides a control device applied to a base station, which includes: a third module for determining an operation state and / or a phase state of a network node; and a fourth module for transmitting signaling to the network node to indicate the operation state and / or the phase state of the network node, or for predefining the operation state and / or the phase state of the network node between a base station and the network node.

[0083] This specification also provides a specific example of a network node control method applied to an auxiliary terminal and a base station for data transmission.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of a reflective panel according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, an obstacle 503 exists between a terminal 501 and a base station 504, and a reflective panel 502 according to an embodiment of the present application is disposed on the obstacle. During data transmission between the terminal 501 and the base station 504, if the reflective panel 502 according to an embodiment of the present application does not exist, the data transmission signal transmitted by the terminal 501 would need to pass through the obstacle 503 to reach the base station 504, and the data transmission signal transmitted by the base station 504 would also need to pass through the obstacle 503 to reach the terminal 501. However, while the data transmission signal passes through the obstacle, some signals with low penetration capabilities (e.g., 5G millimeter wave signals) may experience problems such as a decrease in signal strength and signal distortion when passing through the obstacle 503, which may cause unstable data transmission between the terminal 501 and the base station 504. When the reflective panel 502 according to the embodiment of the present application is placed, a data transmission signal transmitted by the terminal 501 is reflected by the reflective panel 502 and transmitted toward the base station 504, and similarly, a data transmission signal transmitted by the base station 504 is reflected by the reflective panel 502 and transmitted toward the terminal 501. In this way, the adverse effect of the presence of the obstacle 503 on data transmission between the terminal 501 and the base station 504 can be effectively mitigated.

[0085] Furthermore, unlike ordinary panels with a reflective function, the reflective panels 502 can also convert incident signals in different ways. The passive elements of each reflective panel 502 can be controlled by software definition to change the reflective electromagnetic characteristics of the incident signal on the scattering elements, thereby providing the signal with stronger penetration and stability.

[0086] Furthermore, the reflective panels may be arranged at a plurality of different positions. For example, the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel 502 may be controlled by determining whether the reflective panel 502 is in a data transmission state. Here, if the reflective panel 502 is in a data transmission state, it indicates that the terminal 501 or the base station 504 is using the reflective panel 502, so the beam reflection direction of the current reflective panel 502 needs to be controlled to be directed toward the terminal 501. If the current reflective panel 502 is not in a data transmission state, it indicates that the terminal 501 or the base station 504 is not using the reflective panel 502, so the beam reflection direction of the current reflective panel 502 needs to be controlled to be directed toward another reflective panel. This increases the reflection distance while improving the stability of the reflected signal.

[0087] Furthermore, different slot ranges may be preset, and the beam reflection direction of the reflective panel 502 may be controlled by determining which slot range the current time falls within. Specifically, the current time is acquired, and if the current time is within a first preset slot range, the beam reflection direction of the current reflective panel 502 is controlled to be directed toward the terminal 501. If the current time is within a second preset slot range, the beam reflection direction of the current reflective panel 502 is controlled to be directed toward another reflective panel other than the current reflective panel. This increases the reflection distance and expands the signal coverage.

[0088] In one embodiment, the present application also provides a base station including the control device described above in the embodiment of the present application.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present application also provides a control device. Specifically, the control device includes one or more processors and memories, and one processor and memory are illustrated in Fig. 6. The processor and memory may be connected via a bus or other means, and Fig. 6 illustrates connection via a bus.

[0090] The memory may be used as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs such as the control methods in the above-described embodiments of the present application. The processor executes the non-transitory software programs and programs stored in the memory to realize the control methods in the above-described embodiments of the present application.

[0091] The memory may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store an operating system and an application program required for at least one function. The data storage area may store data necessary to execute the control method in the above-described embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, the memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state memory device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include memory located remotely from the processor, which may be connected to the terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0092] The non-transitory software programs and programs necessary to implement the control methods in the above-described embodiments of the present application are stored in memory and, when executed by one or more processors, perform the control methods in the above-described embodiments of the present application.

[0093] All or part of the steps in the methods and systems disclosed above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or any suitable combination thereof. Some or all of the physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processor, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on computer-readable media, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transitory media). The term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (e.g., computer-readable programs, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cartridge, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by a computer. Additionally, communication media typically includes computer-readable programs, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism and may include any information delivery media.

[0094] Although the above describes some embodiments of the present application in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art may make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without violating the shared conditions of the scope of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions shall be included in the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A network node control method applied to a network node, comprising: receiving signaling transmitted by a base station, said signaling being for indicating an operational state of said network node; adjusting the operational state of the network node in accordance with the signaling; or predefining an operational state of the network node between the base station and the network node; The operational state of the network node includes block management, which indicates that a plurality of passive units of an intelligent radio wave reflecting surface included in the network node are grouped and controlled; A network node control method, wherein the signaling indicates the number of blocks, which is the number of groups into which the network node groups multiple passive units of the intelligent radio wave reflecting surface, and / or the operating mode of each grouped sub-block.

2. The step of receiving the signaling transmitted by the base station comprises: receiving high-level RRC signaling from the base station and determining a starting position in downlink control information (DCI) of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode of a sub-block; receiving downlink control information of the base station and determining an operation mode of a sub-block.

3. 2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein the operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in a power saving state, and the method comprises receiving signaling transmitted by a base station via a high-level RRC to determine whether the network node is in a power saving state or to determine an on / off state of an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit.

4. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node:

2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein the method is predefined so that if the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, the network node is determined to be in a non-power saving state or an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise the network node is determined to be in a power saving state or an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

5. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: If the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state; or 2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein the method is predefined to determine, if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and to determine, if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

6. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node:

2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein the method is predefined to determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state if a user is accessing or there is an active user transmitting data, and otherwise determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

7. 2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein when a user accesses the network node, or when an active user exists and there is data transmission, the base station and the network node predefine a beam, phase or operating mode of the network node to be one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

8. 2. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 1, wherein the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 1, the beam, phase or operation mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set A of predefined beams, phases or operation modes, and the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 2, the beam, phase or operation mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set B of predefined beams, phases or operation modes.

9. A network node control method applied to a base station, comprising: determining an operational state of a network node; sending signaling to said network node to indicate an operational state of said network node; or predefining an operational state of the network node between the base station and the network node; The operational state of the network node includes block management, which indicates that a plurality of passive units of an intelligent radio wave reflecting surface included in the network node are grouped and controlled; A network node control method, wherein the signaling indicates the number of blocks, which is the number of groups into which the network node groups multiple passive units of the intelligent radio wave reflecting surface, and / or the operating mode of each grouped sub-block.

10. The step of transmitting the signaling to the network node comprises: the base station sending high-level RRC signaling to the network node to indicate a starting position in downlink control information (DCI) of a block (block) for indicating an operation mode of a sub-block; The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: the base station transmitting downlink control information to the network node to indicate an operation mode of a sub-block.

11. The operating state of the network node includes the network node being in power saving mode; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the base station transmits signaling to the network node to indicate whether the network node is in a power saving state or not, or to indicate an on / off state of an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit.

12. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node:

10. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 9, wherein the method is predefined so that if the beam, phase or operating mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes, the network node is determined to be in a non-power saving state or an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and otherwise the network node is determined to be in a power saving state or an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

13. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in power saving mode, and the base station and the network node: If the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state, and if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state; or 10. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 9, wherein the method is predefined to determine, if the transmission of the network node is a downlink transmission, that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state, and to determine, if the transmission of the network node is an uplink transmission, that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

14. The operating state of the network node includes that the network node is in a power saving state, and the base station and the network node:

10. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 9, wherein the method is predefined to determine that the network node is in a non-power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an on state if a user is accessing or there is an active user transmitting data, and otherwise determine that the network node is in a power saving state or that an active unit and / or a transmitting unit and / or a power amplifier unit of the network node is in an off state.

15. 10. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 9, wherein when a user accesses the network node, or when an active user exists and there is data transmission, the base station and the network node predefine a beam, phase or operating mode of the network node to be one or a subset of a set of predefined beams, phases or operating modes.

16. 10. The method for controlling a network node according to claim 9, wherein the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 1, the beam, phase or operation mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set A of predefined beams, phases or operation modes, and the base station and the network node are predefined such that, on time slot group 2, the beam, phase or operation mode of the network node is one or a subset of a set B of predefined beams, phases or operation modes.

17. A control device applied to a network node, comprising: a first module for receiving signaling sent by a base station to represent the operation state of the network node, the operation state of the network node including block management representing that the network node is controlling a plurality of passive units of an intelligent radio wave reflecting surface grouped together, the signaling representing the number of blocks, which is the number of groups into which the network node groups a plurality of passive units of the intelligent radio wave reflecting surface, and / or the operation mode of each grouped sub-block; a second module for adjusting an operation state of the network node according to the signaling or for predefining an operation state of the network node between the base station and the network node.

18. A control device applied to a base station, A third module for determining the operation state of a network node, wherein the operation state of the network node includes a block management representing that the network node controls a group of passive units of an intelligent radio wave reflecting surface; a fourth module for transmitting signaling to the network node or for predefining an operation state of the network node between a base station and the network node, the signaling representing a block number, which is the number of groups into which the network node groups multiple passive units of the intelligent radio wave reflecting surface, and / or an operation mode of each grouped sub-block.

19. A network node comprising the control device according to claim 17.

20. A base station including the control device of claim 18.

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