Signal forwarding method and apparatus, RIS node, and network device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and provides a signal forwarding method and apparatus, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node, and a network device. The method comprises: an RIS node forwards a non-target signal on a first time-frequency resource unit on the basis of a first forwarding configuration, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration used for the non-target signal, and the first forwarding configuration is related to a resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node.

Description

Signal forwarding method and device, RIS node and network equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310958647.4 filed in China on July 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a signal forwarding method and apparatus, a RIS node, and a network device. Background Art

[0004] Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) nodes forward signals between base stations and terminal devices. When a RIS node is required to forward a target signal, the base station provides it with forwarding beam parameter configurations, allowing the RIS node to send the target signal in the desired direction based on these forwarding beam parameters. When the RIS node is no longer required to forward the target signal, it passively forwards the signal using diffuse or random beams, resulting in uncontrollable interference to the system and high interference levels.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a signal forwarding method and apparatus, a RIS node, and a network device, which are conducive to controlling interference to the system and reducing the interference level.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for signal forwarding is provided, comprising: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node forwarding a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for the non-target signal, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node.

[0008] In a second aspect, a method for signal forwarding is provided, comprising: a network device sending first configuration information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node, the first configuration information including one or more forwarding configurations for non-target signal forwarding, the one or more forwarding configurations being applicable to at least one resource configuration, and / or the one or more forwarding configurations being applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

[0009] In a third aspect, a signal forwarding device is provided, comprising:

[0010] A communication unit, used to forward a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the status of the device.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, a signal forwarding device is provided, comprising:

[0012] A communication unit is configured to send first configuration information to a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) node, where the first configuration information includes one or more forwarding configurations for forwarding non-target signals, the one or more forwarding configurations being applicable to at least one resource configuration and / or the one or more forwarding configurations being applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or its various implementations.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a network device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to execute the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or its various implementation methods.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the method described in any one of the first and second aspects above, or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes a processor configured to load and execute a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the method described in any one of the first and second aspects above, or their respective implementations.

[0016] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the method of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0017] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising the RIS node according to the fifth aspect and the network device according to the sixth aspect. Optionally, the communication system further comprises a terminal device.

[0018] In a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, on the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node can forward non-target signals based on a first forwarding configuration. The first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node. In other words, in this embodiment of the present application, the forwarding configuration for non-target signals can be designed based on the resource configuration of the time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node, thereby achieving controllable interference to the system and reducing the interference level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a logical structure diagram of a RIS node provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a signal forwarding method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a periodic forwarding configuration provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] 5 is a schematic diagram of a correspondence between time-frequency resource units of different resource types and forwarding configurations provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] 6 is a schematic diagram of another correspondence between time-frequency resource units of different resource types and forwarding configurations provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of another signal forwarding method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a signal forwarding device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of another signal forwarding device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. With respect to the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. The terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" in the specification and claims of the present application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. In addition, the use of "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, such as A and / or B and / or C, which means including 7 situations including single A, single B, single C, and both A and B exist, both B and C exist, both A and C exist, and both A, B and C exist.

[0035] It should be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association. For example, "A indicates B" can mean that A directly indicates B, for example, B can be obtained through A, or for example, A includes B; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can be obtained through C; it can also mean that there is an association between A and B.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-defined" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., a terminal device, a RIS node, or a network device). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, pre-defined may refer to a definition in a protocol.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it may include an LTE protocol, a NR protocol, a Wi-Fi protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, NR system evolution system, LTE on unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR on unlicensed spectrum (NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum, NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Fifth Generation Communication (5G) system, Sixth Generation Communication (6G) system or other evolved communication systems.

[0040] Exemplarily, the communication system 100 used in the embodiment of the present application may be as shown in FIG1 , and the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110 , a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node 120 and a network device 130 .

[0041] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can be a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile Internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a flight vehicle, a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a shipborne device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an ATM or a self-service machine, and other terminal-side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, vehicle-mounted equipment can also be called vehicle-mounted terminals, vehicle-mounted controllers, vehicle-mounted modules, vehicle-mounted components, vehicle-mounted chips, or vehicle-mounted units.

[0042] In some embodiments, the network device 130 may include an access network device, also known as a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network node, a radio access network function, or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node. Among them, the base station can be called Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary.

[0043] In some embodiments, the network device 130 may also include a core network (CN) device, or a core network node, a core network function or a core network unit, etc. For example, core network functions may include but are not limited to at least one of the following: Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized Network Configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), Application Function (AF), Operation Administration and Maintenance (OASDF), and Network Security Function (NSF). and Maintenance, OAM), etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the RIS node 120 can be modeled as a RIS-terminal (MT) functional unit and a RIS forwarding unit (RIS-FWD). Figure 2 illustrates the logical structure of a RIS node. The RIS-MT functional unit is used to establish a wireless connection between the RIS node and an access network device (e.g., a serving base station). The RIS node sends measurement reports of the RIS node to the serving base station and forwarding control signaling from the serving base station to the RIS node. The RIS-FWD unit is used to forward and transmit signals between the serving base station and the UE. These signals include, but are not limited to, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), system messages, uplink and downlink dedicated signaling, uplink and downlink control channels, and uplink and downlink data signals.

[0045] The RIS-MT functional unit may use an independent antenna or share the antenna of the RIS-FWD unit. A RIS-FWD control unit (e.g., a panel controller) may be located between the RIS-MT functional unit and the RIS-FWD unit. The RIS-MT functional unit sends the received RIS-FWD control command to the RIS-FWD control unit, which then controls the RIS-FWD unit. The access network device may control the forwarding parameters of the RIS-FWD unit, including the input beam parameters and the forwarding beam parameters, by sending signaling for controlling the RIS-FWD unit to the RIS-MT functional unit (e.g., via a control link). The RIS-FWD unit of the RIS node 120 may be a passive radio signal input / forwarding panel, for example, the input / forwarding panel includes an input / forwarding array composed of several forwarding units. The access network device may control the forwarding beam of the RIS-FWD unit by configuring the phase / amplitude matrix of the input / forwarding array. Among them, the link between the access network device and the RIS-MT functional unit is called the control link, the link from the RIS-FWD unit to the access network device is called the backhaul (BH) link, and the link from the RIS-FWD unit to the terminal device is called the access link.

[0046] In some embodiments, the RIS node 120 may be a reflective RIS node, or a refractive RIS node. The reflective RIS node is used to transmit an incident target signal in a target direction, while the refractive RIS node is used to refract an incident signal in a target direction.

[0047] In related technologies, when a RIS node is required to forward a target signal, a network device can provide the RIS node with a forwarding beam parameter configuration, allowing the RIS node to send the target signal in the target direction based on the forwarding beam parameter configuration. When the RIS node is not required to forward the target signal, the RIS node will perform passive forwarding. Specifically, the RIS node will use diffuse reflection or random refraction to forward non-target signals, which will generate unpredictable random interference beams, meaning that the interference to the system is uncontrollable. If this random interference beam covers a base station or UE in a receiving state, it will significantly reduce the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) of the target signal received by the base station or UE. Therefore, how to forward non-target signals to reduce the interference caused by the RIS node forwarding signals is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0048] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined arbitrarily with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and all of them fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0049] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a signal forwarding method 30 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method 30 may include at least part of the following contents:

[0050] S301: A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node forwards a non-target signal on a first time-frequency resource unit based on a first forwarding configuration, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for the non-target signal and is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node.

[0051] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, non-target signals may refer to signals other than target signals, and the target signals may refer to signals that need to be forwarded by the RIS node. For example, the target signals may include but are not limited to SSB, system messages, uplink and downlink dedicated signaling, uplink and downlink control channels, and uplink and downlink data signals.

[0052] In some embodiments, non-target signals include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following signals:

[0053] The incident signal when the RIS node is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal;

[0054] The RIS node determines the incident signal when it does not forward the target signal based on preconfigured conditions;

[0055] The incident signal after the MT functional unit (or RIS-MT functional unit) of the RIS node enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state;

[0056] After the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state, there is no need for the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded;

[0057] The incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle (IDLE) state;

[0058] After the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state, it does not need to forward the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded.

[0059] In some embodiments, the preconfigured conditions may include, but are not limited to, an abnormality in the backhaul link between the RIS node and the network device, such as a radio link failure (RLF) or a beam failure, or the link quality of the backhaul link is less than a preset threshold, or the RIS node and the network device are out of sync.

[0060] Optionally, the link quality of the backhaul link may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0061] Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).

[0062] Optionally, the preset threshold may include at least one of an RSRP threshold, an RSRQ threshold, an SINR, and an RSSI threshold.

[0063] Optionally, the preset threshold may be predefined or configured by the network device.

[0064] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the time domain length and frequency domain length occupied by the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0065] For example, in the time domain, the first time-frequency resource unit may occupy one or more time units, which may be time units defined in the communication system, such as symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc. That is, the first time-frequency resource unit may occupy one or more symbols, or one or more time slots, or one or more subframes, etc.

[0066] For example, in the frequency domain, the first time-frequency resource unit may occupy one or more frequency domain units, which may be frequency domain units defined in a communication system, such as a physical resource block (PRB), a subcarrier, a carrier, a bandwidth part (BWP), etc. That is, the first time-frequency resource unit may occupy one or more PRBs, or one or more subcarriers, or one or more carriers, etc.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first time-frequency resource unit is a time-frequency resource unit for which the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal. Scenarios in which the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: the network device is not configured with the RIS node to forward the target signal; the RIS node independently determines that it does not need to forward the target signal, such as based on preconfigured conditions; or other scenarios in which the target signal does not need to be forwarded, such as when the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, which can be understood as the first forwarding configuration being a dedicated configuration for forwarding non-target signals. For example, when the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal, the RIS node can forward the non-target signal based on the forwarding configuration for the non-target signal.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration is associated with the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and includes:

[0070] The resource type to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable includes the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit; and / or,

[0071] The time-frequency resource units to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable include the first time-frequency resource units.

[0072] In some embodiments, the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit is one of the following:

[0073] Uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, flexible time-frequency resource unit.

[0074] It should be understood that a flexible time-frequency resource unit means that the time-frequency resource unit can be used as an uplink time-frequency resource unit or a downlink time-frequency resource unit, that is, the uplink and downlink states of the flexible time-frequency resource unit are uncertain.

[0075] For time-frequency resource units of different resource types, the potential interference targets are different. For example, for uplink time-frequency resource units, the potential interference target is the receiver of the network device, that is, the non-target signal forwarded on the uplink time-frequency resource unit may interfere with the receiver of the network device; for downlink time-frequency resource units, the potential interference target is the terminal device under the interference signal coverage of the RIS node, that is, the non-target signal forwarded on the downlink time-frequency resource unit may interfere with the receiver of the terminal device; for flexible time-frequency resource units, the potential interference targets may include network devices and terminal devices, that is, the non-target signal forwarded on the flexible time-frequency resource unit may interfere with the receivers of both network devices and terminal devices.

[0076] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, designing a corresponding forwarding configuration based on the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit is conducive to achieving effective interference control.

[0077] For example, the forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit is designed to control the forwarding beam generated by the RIS node during passive forwarding to avoid the network device that is receiving the communication signal.

[0078] For another example, the forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit is designed to control the forwarding beam generated by the RIS node during passive forwarding to avoid the terminal device that is receiving the communication signal.

[0079] For another example, the forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit is designed to control the forwarding beam generated by the RIS node during passive forwarding to avoid potential interference with the network device receiver and the terminal device receiver.

[0080] That is to say, when the first time-frequency resource unit is an uplink time-frequency resource unit, and the first forwarding configuration is designed for the RIS node to perform passive forwarding based on the first forwarding configuration, the generated forwarding beam needs to avoid the network device that is receiving the communication signal; when the first time-frequency resource unit is a downlink time-frequency resource unit, and the first forwarding configuration is designed for the RIS node to perform passive forwarding based on the first forwarding configuration, the generated forwarding beam needs to avoid the terminal device that is receiving the communication signal; when the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit, and the first forwarding configuration is designed for the RIS node to perform passive forwarding based on the first forwarding configuration, the generated forwarding beam needs to avoid the terminal device and network device that may be receiving the communication signal.

[0081] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, when forwarding non-target signals on the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node adopts a forwarding configuration suitable for the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit, which is beneficial to reducing interference to a receiver that is receiving communication signals on the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0082] In other embodiments, a forwarding configuration applicable to a section of time-frequency resource units can be designed. Since the time-frequency resource units are usually scheduled by network devices, the network devices can obtain the interference objects on this section of time-frequency resource units. Based on this, the network devices can configure a forwarding configuration applicable to this section of time-domain resource units. Furthermore, on a section of time-frequency resource units, the RIS node can forward non-target signals based on the forwarding configuration, which is beneficial to reducing the interference caused by the RIS node forwarding non-target signals.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration related to the state of the RIS node may refer to:

[0084] The first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to the current state of the RIS node.

[0085] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the RIS node can select a corresponding forwarding configuration according to its own state to forward non-target signals, which is conducive to reducing interference caused by the RIS node performing signal forwarding.

[0086] In some scenarios, the forwarding behavior of RIS nodes may increase the interference level of the system.

[0087] For example, when the RIS node forwards the target signal based on the forwarding configuration indicated by the network device, an abnormality occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node. In this case, since the power of the target signal is relatively low and the interference signal is relatively strong in the incident signal of the RIS node, if the forwarding configuration is still used to forward the target signal, the interference to the communication system will be increased, and the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the target signal will not be significantly improved.

[0088] For another example, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, the network device no longer needs the RIS node to forward, but the forwarding unit of the RIS will still passively forward the incident signal, usually using diffuse forwarding. This forwarding behavior also increases the interference level of the system.

[0089] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the forwarding configuration can be designed according to the state of the RIS node, which is conducive to reducing the interference caused by the forwarding behavior of the RIS node in different states.

[0090] In some embodiments, a forwarding configuration may be designed that is applicable to one or more of the following states:

[0091] RIS nodes do not need to forward target signals;

[0092] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0093] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state;

[0094] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0095] In some embodiments, the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal, for example, including but not limited to the RIS node not being configured by the network device to forward the target signal, and / or the RIS node determines not to forward the target signal based on pre-configured conditions. In this case, the forwarding unit of the RIS node is in a closed state.

[0096] Alternatively, a RIS node being in an abnormal state can be understood as a state in which the RIS node needs to forward the target signal, but forwarding the target signal based on the forwarding configuration for the target signal by the RIS node will increase the strength of the interference signal. For example, when the RIS node needs to forward the target signal, but an abnormality occurs in the backhaul link between the RIS node and the network device, the strength of the target signal is weak. If the target signal is continued to be forwarded based on the forwarding configuration for the target signal, not only will the SINR of the target signal not be improved, but the interference to the communication system will be increased. For another example, when the RIS node needs to forward the target signal, but the RIS node reselects to a new cell, the forwarding configuration for the target signal indicated by the original serving cell may not be applicable to the new cell to which it has been reselected. Therefore, continuing to forward the target signal based on the forwarding configuration for the target signal indicated by the original serving cell may increase the interference to the communication system.

[0097] In some embodiments, the RIS node needs to forward target signals, including but not limited to at least one of the following:

[0098] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state. For example, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node is in the RRC connected state, the RIS node is configured to forward the target signal;

[0099] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, and the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the RIS node is in an abnormal state, including but not limited to at least one of the following:

[0101] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure (RLF) occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0102] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0103] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and the Media Access Control (MAC) of the RIS node receives one or more out of sync indications (OOS) sent by the physical layer of the RIS node, that is, the RIS node and the network device are out of synchronization;

[0104] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than or equal to a preset threshold;

[0105] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects a cell different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0106] In some embodiments, the MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and an RLF or beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node, or the RIS node and the network device lose synchronization. It can be understood that the RIS node performing signal forwarding at this time cannot improve the SINR of the target signal, but will increase the interference to the communication system. Therefore, in this case, the RIS node can forward non-target signals based on the forwarding configuration for non-target signals, which is beneficial to reducing the interference caused by the RIS node performing signal forwarding.

[0107] In some embodiments, the MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward the target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than or equal to a preset threshold. It can be understood that the RIS node performing signal forwarding at this time cannot improve the SINR of the target signal, but will increase the interference to the communication system. Therefore, in this case, the RIS node can be configured to forward non-target signals to forward non-target signals, which is beneficial to reducing the interference caused by the RIS node performing signal forwarding.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following:

[0109] Forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate the forwarding parameters used by the RIS node to forward signals;

[0110] A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0111] a link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter applies;

[0112] A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0113] An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0114] A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the first forwarding configuration.

[0115] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource unit indication may indicate one time-frequency resource unit, or may indicate a group of time-frequency resource units, which is not limited in this application.

[0116] In some embodiments, the link direction indication may be used to indicate an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction.

[0117] In some embodiments, the resource type indication may be used to indicate one or more of an uplink time-frequency resource unit, a downlink time-frequency resource unit, and a flexible time-frequency resource unit.

[0118] In some embodiments, the forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, wherein the precoding matrix indication is used to indicate the precoding matrix used by the RIS node for signal forwarding, and the beam indication is used to indicate the beam used by the RIS node for signal forwarding.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present application, the S301 includes:

[0120] When the RIS node learns the first forwarding configuration and does not receive other forwarding configurations applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0121] For example, the network device pre-configures a first forwarding configuration for the RIS node, and the first forwarding configuration is applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit. If, before the first time-frequency resource unit, the network device provides another forwarding configuration applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node forwards non-target signals based on the other forwarding configuration; or, if, before the first time-frequency resource unit, the network device does not provide another forwarding configuration applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node forwards non-target signals based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0122] In some embodiments, the applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used in one or more of the following states:

[0123] The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal;

[0124] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0125] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state;

[0126] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0127] That is, the forwarding parameter may be a forwarding parameter applicable to one or more of the above states.

[0128] In some embodiments, the priority indicator is used to indicate the priority of the first forwarding configuration. The RIS node may select a forwarding configuration to be preferentially used on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the priority of the forwarding configuration. For example, when multiple forwarding configurations are applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node may select a forwarding configuration with a higher priority to forward non-target signals.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present application, the S301 includes:

[0130] When the RIS node learns the first forwarding configuration and has not received a forwarding configuration with a priority higher than the first priority before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration, and the first priority is the priority of the first forwarding configuration.

[0131] For example, the network device pre-configures a first forwarding configuration for the RIS node, and the first forwarding configuration is applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit. If before the first time-frequency resource unit, the network device provides a second forwarding configuration, and the second forwarding configuration is also applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit, if the priority of the second forwarding configuration is higher than the priority of the first forwarding configuration, then on the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node forwards non-target signals based on the second forwarding configuration; or, if the priority of the second forwarding configuration is lower than the priority of the first forwarding configuration, then on the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node forwards non-target signals based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration, or a dynamic forwarding configuration. Optionally, the periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration can be considered a low-priority forwarding configuration, and the dynamic forwarding configuration can be considered a high-priority forwarding configuration.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration, the first forwarding configuration further includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0134] Period, starting position offset within a period, and time-frequency resource unit indication within a period.

[0135] The period may refer to the period of the time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable.

[0136] The starting position offset within a period may refer to the starting position offset within a period of the time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable.

[0137] The time-frequency resource unit indication within a period is used to indicate the time-frequency resource units applicable to the first forwarding configuration within a period.

[0138] That is, in the time domain, the time-frequency resource units applicable to the first forwarding configuration are distributed according to a specific pattern.

[0139] FIG4 shows a diagram of a time-frequency resource unit applicable to a first forwarding device. For example, the period of the time-frequency resource unit applicable to the first forwarding configuration may be 5 time slots, and the first forwarding configuration is applicable to the first 3 time slots within a period.

[0140] In some embodiments, the method 30 further includes:

[0141] The RIS node selects a first forwarding configuration from a set of candidate forwarding configurations according to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit, where the candidate forwarding configurations include forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type.

[0142] For example, the first forwarding configuration may be a forwarding configuration of a resource type applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit among the candidate forwarding configurations.

[0143] In some specific implementations, when the first time-frequency resource unit is an uplink time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node determines a forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set as the first forwarding configuration; or

[0144] In a case where the first time-frequency resource unit is a downlink time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node determines a forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set as the first forwarding configuration; or

[0145] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in an uplink state, the RIS node determines that the forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is the first forwarding configuration; or

[0146] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in a downlink state, the RIS node determines a forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set as the first forwarding configuration; or

[0147] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device has not configured the uplink and downlink status of the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node determines the forwarding configuration applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set as the first forwarding configuration.

[0148] In some embodiments, the candidate forwarding configuration set is configured by the network device or is predefined. For example, the network device may configure the candidate forwarding configuration set to the RIS node via a system message, RRC signaling, or other downlink signaling.

[0149] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, a forwarding configuration for time-frequency resource units of different resource types can be designed. This forwarding configuration for time-frequency resource units of different resource types is used to control interference to different potential interference objects, and compared to using a diffuse reflection configuration for time-frequency resource units of all resource types, it can achieve optimal interference control.

[0150] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device, such as a base station to which a RIS node is connected, or it may be a core network device. The core network device may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: OAM, MME, AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, PCRF, EASDF, UDM, UDR, HSS, CNC, NRF, NEF, L-NEF, BSF, AF, or it may be other core network functions introduced as the standard evolves, which is not limited in this application.

[0151] In some embodiments, in the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations. For example, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes multiple forwarding configuration sets, each forwarding configuration set is applicable to time-frequency resource units of one resource type. Optionally, a time-frequency resource unit of one resource type may correspond to one forwarding configuration, or may correspond to multiple forwarding configurations, which is not limited in this application. Optionally, the number of forwarding configurations corresponding to time-frequency resource units of different resource types may be the same, or may be different.

[0152] For example, in the example of Figure 5, the candidate forwarding configuration set may include forwarding configuration 1, forwarding configuration 2, and forwarding configuration 3, wherein forwarding configuration 1 is applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units (e.g., uplink time slots or uplink symbols), forwarding configuration 2 is applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units (e.g., downlink time slots or downlink symbols), and forwarding configuration 3 is applicable to flexible time-frequency resource units (e.g., flexible time slots or flexible symbols). Optionally, forwarding configuration 1, forwarding configuration 2, and forwarding configuration 3 may be periodic or semi-static forwarding configurations. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the period of forwarding configuration 1, forwarding configuration 2, and forwarding configuration 3 may be 5 time slots. In each period, forwarding configuration 1, forwarding configuration 2, and forwarding configuration 3 are applicable to time-frequency resource units of different resource types within the period.

[0153] Optionally, forwarding configuration 1 can be considered as a default forwarding configuration applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units. When the RIS node does not learn other forwarding configurations applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units, it defaults to using forwarding configuration 1 on the uplink time-frequency resource units to forward non-target signals. For example, when the first time-frequency resource unit is an uplink time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node learns forwarding configuration 1, and has not obtained other forwarding configurations applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units before the first time-frequency resource unit or has not obtained other forwarding configurations of higher priority applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units, the RIS node uses forwarding configuration 1 on the first time-frequency resource unit to forward non-target signals, which helps reduce or avoid interference with a network device receiver.

[0154] Optionally, forwarding configuration 2 can be considered as a default forwarding configuration applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units. When the RIS node does not learn other forwarding configurations applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units, the RIS node uses forwarding configuration 2 on the downlink time-frequency resource units by default to forward non-target signals. For example, when the first time-frequency resource unit is a downlink time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node learns forwarding configuration 2, and has not obtained other forwarding configurations applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units before the first time-frequency resource unit or has not obtained other forwarding configurations of higher priority applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units, the RIS node uses forwarding configuration 2 on the first time-frequency resource unit to forward non-target signals, which helps reduce or avoid interference with the terminal device receiver.

[0155] Optionally, the forwarding configuration 3 can be considered as a default forwarding configuration applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit. When the RIS node does not know other forwarding configurations applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit, the forwarding configuration 3 is used by default on the flexible time-frequency resource unit to forward non-target signals. For example, when the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node knows forwarding configuration 3, and has not obtained other forwarding configurations applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit or other forwarding configurations with higher priority applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit before the first time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node uses forwarding configuration 3 on the first time-frequency resource unit to forward non-target signals, which helps to reduce or avoid interference with terminal device receivers and network device receivers.

[0156] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the default forwarding configuration may be predefined or configured by the network device. The default forwarding configuration may be the latest or highest priority forwarding configuration stored on the RIS node. For example, forwarding configuration 1 may be predefined or configured by the network device. The forwarding configuration 1 may be the latest or highest priority forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit stored on the RIS node. When the network device is not configured with a new forwarding configuration or a higher priority forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit, the RIS node continues to use the forwarding configuration 1 by default to forward non-target signals on the uplink time-frequency resource unit.

[0157] In some embodiments, the priority of the predefined forwarding configuration is lower than the priority of the forwarding configuration indicated by the network device, that is, the RIS node preferentially uses the forwarding configuration indicated by the network device to forward non-target signals.

[0158] In some embodiments, in a set of candidate forwarding configurations, time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, or a forwarding configuration may be applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type. For example, the forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters for time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

[0159] In some embodiments, in the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, and the time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types corresponding to the same forwarding configuration may include:

[0160] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0161] The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0162] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

[0163] For example, the uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration, which may refer to:

[0164] The forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units and forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to flexible time-frequency resource units.

[0165] For example, the downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration, which can refer to:

[0166] The forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units and forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to flexible time-frequency resource units.

[0167] For example, an uplink time-frequency resource unit and a downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration, which may refer to:

[0168] The forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units and forwarding parameters (such as precoding matrix or beam parameters) applicable to downlink time-frequency resource units.

[0169] With reference to FIG6 , for example, the default forwarding configuration for forwarding non-target signals includes forwarding parameter 1, forwarding parameter 2, and forwarding parameter 3, wherein forwarding parameter 1 applies to uplink time-frequency resource units, forwarding parameter 2 applies to downlink time-frequency resource units, and forwarding parameter 3 applies to flexible time-frequency resource units. Optionally, the default forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration. For example, as shown in FIG6 , the period of the default forwarding configuration may be 5 time slots. Within each period, forwarding parameter 1, forwarding parameter 2, and forwarding parameter 3 in the default forwarding configuration apply to time-frequency resource units of different resource types within the period. The above-mentioned forwarding parameters may include precoding matrices and / or beam parameters.

[0170] It should be noted that Figures 4 to 6 only use time slots as an example. The time length of the time-frequency resource unit applicable to the forwarding configuration can also be other time lengths, such as symbols, subframes, etc. This application is not limited to this.

[0171] In some embodiments, a RIS node includes multiple forwarding ports, and the set of candidate forwarding configurations includes forwarding configurations applicable to multiple forwarding ports. In other words, forwarding configurations can also be specified at a per-forwarding-port granularity. In this case, the first forwarding configuration is the forwarding configuration applicable to the first forwarding port, which is the forwarding port used by the RIS node to forward non-target signals. Because different forwarding ports of a RIS node have different characteristics, designing corresponding forwarding configurations for different forwarding ports can help reduce interference caused by the RIS node forwarding non-target signals based on different forwarding ports.

[0172] In some specific implementations, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types and / or multiple forwarding ports.

[0173] For example, the candidate forwarding configuration set may include a first forwarding configuration group, which includes one or more forwarding configurations, where the forwarding configurations in the first forwarding configuration group are applicable to uplink time-frequency resource units. Furthermore, the forwarding configurations in the first forwarding configuration group may be at a forwarding port granularity. For example, the first forwarding configuration group may include forwarding configurations applicable to different forwarding ports of a RIS node. The same applies to downlink time-frequency resource units and flexible time-frequency resource units, and for the sake of brevity, this is not further described here.

[0174] In some embodiments, the candidate forwarding configuration set may include forwarding configurations applicable to a specific state of the RIS node, or forwarding configurations applicable to specific conditions. For example, a network device may configure a forwarding configuration for a RIS node for a specific state or specific condition. When the RIS node enters the specific state or meets the specific condition, the forwarding configuration may be used to forward non-target signals.

[0175] Optionally, the specific state or specific condition may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0176] RIS nodes do not need to forward target signals;

[0177] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0178] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state;

[0179] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0180] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, different states or different conditions of the above-mentioned RIS nodes may correspond to the same forwarding configuration, or may correspond to different forwarding configurations, and the present application does not limit this.

[0181] Optionally, the candidate forwarding configuration set may include a forwarding configuration applicable to a first state, where the first state includes a forwarding configuration in which a serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured for non-target signals.

[0182] For example, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a new cell and the cell is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, the RIS node may forward the non-target signals using the forwarding configuration applicable to the first state.

[0183] In some embodiments, the candidate forwarding configuration set may include a forwarding configuration applicable to a second state, where the second state is that the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal.

[0184] Optionally, when the RIS node is in an abnormal state (denoted as the third state), it can also be considered that the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal. In this state, the RIS node can use the forwarding configuration applicable to the second state to forward non-target signals. Alternatively, the candidate forwarding configuration set can also include a forwarding configuration applicable to the third state, that is, a dedicated forwarding configuration can be designed for the third state. Then, when the RIS node is in an abnormal state, the forwarding configuration applicable to the third state or the forwarding configuration applicable to the second state can be used to forward non-target signals.

[0185] Optionally, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, it can also be considered that the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal. In this state, the RIS node can use the forwarding configuration applicable to the second state to forward non-target signals.

[0186] It should be noted that the above forwarding configuration applicable to a specific state or specific condition of a RIS node may also be at the resource type and / or forwarding port granularity.

[0187] For example, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes a forwarding configuration applicable to the second state, which may include a forwarding configuration applicable to time-frequency resource units of different resource types applicable to the second state, or a forwarding configuration applicable to time-frequency resource units of forwarding ports applicable to the second state.

[0188] For another example, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes a forwarding configuration applicable to the third state, and the forwarding configuration applicable to the third state may include a forwarding configuration for time-frequency resource units of different resource types applicable to the third state, or a forwarding configuration for time-frequency resource units of forwarding ports applicable to the second state.

[0189] For another example, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the first state, and the forwarding configurations applicable to the first state may include forwarding configurations for time-frequency resource units of different resource types applicable to the first state, or forwarding configurations for time-frequency resource units for forwarding ports applicable to the first state.

[0190] In some embodiments of the present application, the S301 includes:

[0191] In one or more of the following states, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the first forwarding configuration:

[0192] RIS nodes do not need to forward target signals;

[0193] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0194] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state;

[0195] The MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a first cell, and the first cell is different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0196] In some embodiments, the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal, for example, including but not limited to the RIS node not being configured by the network device to forward the target signal, and / or the RIS node determines not to forward the target signal based on pre-configured conditions. In this case, the forwarding unit of the RIS node is in a closed state.

[0197] The following describes the method for forwarding non-target signals in the above four scenarios in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0198] Example 1:

[0199] In this embodiment 1, S301 includes:

[0200] In a case where there is no need to forward the target signal, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal based on the first forwarding configuration on the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0201] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration may be determined based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. For example, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. The RIS node selects an appropriate forwarding configuration based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit and further uses the forwarding configuration to forward non-target signals on the first time-frequency resource unit, thereby reducing interference to potential receivers.

[0202] Optionally, the time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration applies includes the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0203] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0204] Example 2

[0205] In this embodiment 2, S301 includes:

[0206] When the RIS node is in an abnormal state, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal based on the first forwarding configuration on the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0207] In a specific implementation, when the RIS node is in an abnormal state, the RIS node can stop using the forwarding configuration indicated by the network device (the forwarding configuration for the target signal) to forward the target signal, and use the forwarding configuration for non-target signals to forward the non-target signal, which can reduce the interference caused by invalid forwarding.

[0208] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration may be determined based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. For example, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. The RIS node selects an appropriate forwarding configuration based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit and further uses the forwarding configuration to forward non-target signals on the first time-frequency resource unit, thereby reducing interference to potential receivers.

[0209] Optionally, the time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration applies includes the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0210] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration used when the RIS node is in an abnormal state, that is, the first forwarding configuration is a dedicated forwarding configuration for the abnormal state.

[0211] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0212] Example 3

[0213] In this embodiment 3, S301 may include:

[0214] When the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal based on the first forwarding configuration on the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0215] In one specific implementation, when the RIS node is no longer needed to forward target signals, the MT functional unit of the RIS node can be released to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state to reduce the power consumption of the RIS node. In this case, the RIS node forwards non-target signals using a first forwarding configuration, which is used for passive forwarding when no target forwarding signal is present. Forwarding non-target signals based on this first forwarding configuration can reduce interference to other receiving terminal devices or network devices in the communication system. Optionally, the network device can configure the forwarding configuration used by the forwarding unit of the RIS node when in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state through system information.

[0216] In some embodiments, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node is in the RRC connected state, the RIS node obtains a first forwarding configuration. Before the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, if the network device does not release the first forwarding configuration, then after the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, the RIS node can forward non-target signals based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0217] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration may be determined based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. For example, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit. The RIS node selects an appropriate forwarding configuration based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit and further uses the forwarding configuration to forward non-target signals on the first time-frequency resource unit, thereby reducing interference to potential receivers.

[0218] Optionally, the time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration applies includes the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0219] Optionally, the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0220] Example 4

[0221] In this embodiment 4, S301 may include:

[0222] When the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a new cell, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal based on the first forwarding configuration on the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0223] Optionally, in this embodiment 4, the first forwarding configuration may be the forwarding configuration of the original serving cell configuration of the MT functional unit of the RIS node. That is, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a new cell, it may continue to use the forwarding configuration for non-target signal forwarding configured in the original serving cell to forward non-target signals.

[0224] Optionally, in this embodiment 4, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration used in a first state, and the first state includes that the serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0225] For example, when the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a first cell, and the first cell does not provide a forwarding configuration for forwarding non-target signals, the RIS node may forward the non-target signals based on a forwarding configuration applicable to use in the first state. The forwarding configuration used in the first state is preconfigured by a network device, or predefined, for example, provided in advance by a network device, which may be a network device corresponding to a cell where the RIS node has resided.

[0226] In summary, in an embodiment of the present application, on a first time-frequency resource unit, a RIS node can forward non-target signals based on a first forwarding configuration. This first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node. In other words, in an embodiment of the present application, the forwarding configuration for non-target signals can be designed based on the resource configuration of the time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node. Furthermore, when forwarding non-target signals, the RIS node can select an appropriate forwarding configuration based on the resource configuration of the time-frequency resource and / or the state of the RIS node, which helps reduce interference caused by the RIS node forwarding the signal.

[0227] In some implementations, the RIS node may select an appropriate forwarding configuration according to the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit, which is beneficial for reducing interference to potential receivers on the time-frequency resource unit.

[0228] In other implementations, the RIS node can select an appropriate forwarding configuration based on its own state. For example, when it is in an abnormal state or the RIS-MT functional unit is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, the RIS node can stop forwarding the target signal and instead use the forwarding configuration for non-target signals to forward the non-target signal, thereby reducing the interference caused by invalid forwarding.

[0229] The above, in conjunction with Figures 3 to 6, describes in detail the RIS node side embodiment of the present application. The following, in conjunction with Figure 7, describes in detail the network device side embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the network device side embodiment and the RIS node side embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the RIS node side embodiment.

[0230] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a signal forwarding method 70 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7 , the method 70 may include at least part of the following contents:

[0231] S701: A network device sends first configuration information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node. The first configuration information includes one or more forwarding configurations for forwarding non-target signals. The one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration and / or are applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

[0232] In some embodiments, resource configuration may include resource types, such as uplink time-frequency resource units, downlink time-frequency resource units, and flexible time-frequency resource units.

[0233] In some embodiments, the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration, including:

[0234] The one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource type, wherein the at least one resource type includes one or more of the following: uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, and flexible time-frequency resource unit.

[0235] That is, the network device can configure the RIS node with forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of different resource types. The one or more forwarding configurations can be considered as default forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of different resource types.

[0236] In some embodiments, the specific status of the RIS node includes at least one of the following:

[0237] RIS nodes do not need to forward target signals;

[0238] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0239] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state;

[0240] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0241] The meanings of the above-mentioned states are described in the relevant description of method 30, and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0242] For example, the network device may provide one or more forwarding configurations that are applicable when the RIS node is in an abnormal state.

[0243] For another example, the network device may be adapted to the case where the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state through one or more forwarding configurations.

[0244] For another example, the network device may be configured with one or more forwarding configurations, which is suitable for when the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal.

[0245] In some embodiments, the forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following:

[0246] Forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate the forwarding parameters used by the RIS node to forward signals;

[0247] A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0248] a link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter applies;

[0249] A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0250] An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0251] A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the forwarding configuration;

[0252] In some embodiments, the forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, wherein the precoding matrix indication is used to indicate the precoding matrix used by the RIS node for signal forwarding, and the beam indication is used to indicate the beam used by the RIS node for signal forwarding.

[0253] In some embodiments, the applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used in one or more of the following states:

[0254] The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal;

[0255] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0256] The terminal MT functional unit of the RIS node is in a radio resource control RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state;

[0257] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0258] In some embodiments, the RIS node is in an abnormal state, including at least one of the following:

[0259] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0260] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0261] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and the media access control MAC of the RIS node receives one or more out-of-sync indications OOS sent by the physical layer of the RIS node;

[0262] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than or equal to a preset threshold;

[0263] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects a cell different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0264] It should be understood that the specific meaning of each parameter in the above forwarding configuration refers to the relevant description in method 30, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is used to configure a candidate forwarding configuration set, where the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type.

[0266] In some embodiments, in the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations; or

[0267] In the candidate forwarding configuration set, the time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, wherein the same forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters of the time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

[0268] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource unit of the at least one resource type includes time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types, and the time-frequency resource units of the multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, including:

[0269] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0270] The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0271] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

[0272] In some embodiments, the RIS node includes multiple forwarding ports, and the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the multiple forwarding ports.

[0273] In some embodiments, the forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0274] In some embodiments, the periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration further includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0275] Period, starting position offset within a period, and time-frequency resource unit indication within a period.

[0276] It should be understood that the specific implementation of the above-mentioned candidate forwarding configuration set refers to the relevant description in method 30, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the non-target signal includes one or more of the following signals:

[0278] An incident signal when the RIS node is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal;

[0279] The RIS node determines an incident signal when not forwarding the target signal according to a preconfigured condition;

[0280] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state;

[0281] An incident signal when the MT functional unit of the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal after entering the RRC inactive state;

[0282] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state;

[0283] After the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state, there is no need to forward the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded.

[0284] In summary, in embodiments of the present application, a network device can design a forwarding configuration for non-target signals based on the resource configuration of a time-frequency resource unit and / or the status of a RIS node, and indicate this forwarding configuration to the RIS node. Furthermore, when forwarding non-target signals, the RIS node can select an appropriate forwarding configuration based on the resource configuration of the time-frequency resource and / or the status of the RIS node, thereby reducing interference caused by the RIS node forwarding the signal.

[0285] The above text, in combination with Figures 3 to 7, describes in detail the method embodiment of the present application. The following text, in combination with Figures 8 to 12, describes in detail the device embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device embodiment and the method embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the method embodiment.

[0286] FIG8 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal forwarding device 80 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG8 , the device 80 includes:

[0287] Communication unit 801 is used to forward non-target signals based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, where the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the status of the device 80.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and includes:

[0289] The resource type to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable includes the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit; and / or,

[0290] The time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable includes the first time-frequency resource unit.

[0291] In some embodiments, the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit is one of the following:

[0292] Uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, flexible time-frequency resource unit.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following:

[0294] A forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate a forwarding parameter used by the apparatus 80 for signal forwarding;

[0295] A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0296] a link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter applies;

[0297] A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0298] An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0299] A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the first forwarding configuration;

[0300] The forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, the precoding matrix indication is used to indicate the precoding matrix used by the device 80 for signal forwarding, and the beam indication is used to indicate the beam used by the device 80 for signal forwarding.

[0301] In some embodiments, the applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used in one or more of the following states:

[0302] The device 80 does not need to forward the target signal;

[0303] The device 80 is in an abnormal state;

[0304] The terminal MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in a radio resource control RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state;

[0305] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is not configured for forwarding non-target signals.

[0306] In some embodiments, the apparatus 80 further comprises:

[0307] A processing unit is used to select the first forwarding configuration from a set of candidate forwarding configurations based on the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit, wherein the candidate forwarding configurations include forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type, and the set of candidate forwarding configurations is configured by a network device or is predefined.

[0308] In some embodiments, in the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations; or

[0309] In the candidate forwarding configuration set, the time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, wherein the same forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters of the time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

[0310] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource unit of the at least one resource type includes time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types, and the time-frequency resource units of the multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, including:

[0311] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0312] The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0313] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

[0314] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0315] In a case where the first time-frequency resource unit is an uplink time-frequency resource unit, determining a forwarding configuration in the candidate forwarding configuration set that is applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit as the first forwarding configuration; or

[0316] In a case where the first time-frequency resource unit is a downlink time-frequency resource unit, determining a forwarding configuration in the candidate forwarding configuration set that is applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit as the first forwarding configuration; or

[0317] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in an uplink state, determining that the forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is the first forwarding configuration; or

[0318] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in a downlink state, determining that the forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is the first forwarding configuration; or

[0319] When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device has not configured the uplink and downlink status of the first time-frequency resource unit, the forwarding configuration applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is determined as the first forwarding configuration.

[0320] In some embodiments, the device 80 includes multiple forwarding ports, and the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the multiple forwarding ports. The first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to the first forwarding port, and the first forwarding port is the forwarding port used by the device 80 to forward non-target signals.

[0321] In some embodiments, the communication unit 801 is further configured to:

[0322] When the device 80 learns the first forwarding configuration and has not received other forwarding configurations applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first forwarding configuration further includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0325] Period, starting position offset within a period, and time-frequency resource unit indication within a period.

[0326] In some embodiments, the communication unit 801 is further configured to:

[0327] When the device 80 learns the first forwarding configuration and has not received a forwarding configuration with a priority higher than the first priority before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration, and the first priority is the priority of the first forwarding configuration.

[0328] In some embodiments, the communication unit 801 is further configured to:

[0329] When one or more of the following conditions are met, the non-target signal is forwarded on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the first forwarding configuration:

[0330] The device 80 does not need to forward the target signal;

[0331] The device 80 is in an abnormal state;

[0332] The MT functional unit of the device 80 is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state;

[0333] The MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 reselects to a first cell, and the first cell is different from the original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0334] In some embodiments, the device 80 is in an abnormal state, including at least one of the following:

[0335] The MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the apparatus 80;

[0336] The MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the apparatus 80;

[0337] The MT functional unit of the device 80 is in an RRC connected state, and the media access control MAC of the device 80 receives one or more out-of-sync indications OOS sent by the physical layer of the device 80;

[0338] The MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the apparatus 80 is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the apparatus 80 is lower than or equal to a preset threshold;

[0339] The MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the apparatus 80 is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 reselects to a cell different from the original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0340] In some embodiments, when the device 80 is in an abnormal state, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration determined according to the first time-frequency resource unit, or the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration used for the abnormal state.

[0341] In some embodiments, when the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is released to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, the first forwarding configuration is obtained when the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is in an RRC connected state;

[0342] The communication unit 801 is further configured to:

[0343] When the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, if the network device does not release the first forwarding configuration, the non-target signal is forwarded on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the first forwarding configuration.

[0344] In some embodiments, when the MT functional unit of the device 80 is reselected to the first cell, the first forwarding configuration is the forwarding configuration of the original service cell configuration of the MT functional unit of the device 80, or the first forwarding configuration is the forwarding configuration used in the first state, and the first state includes that the service cell of the MT functional unit of the device 80 is not configured for the forwarding configuration of non-target signals.

[0345] In some embodiments, the non-target signal includes one or more of the following signals:

[0346] The incident signal when the apparatus 80 is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal;

[0347] The device 80 determines the incident signal when the target signal is not forwarded according to the preconfigured conditions;

[0348] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the device 80 enters the RRC inactive state;

[0349] The incident signal when the MT functional unit of the device 80 enters the RRC inactive state and does not need to forward the target signal;

[0350] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 enters the RRC idle state;

[0351] After the MT functional unit of the apparatus 80 enters the RRC idle state, there is no need to forward the incoming signal when the target signal is forwarded.

[0352] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip. The processing unit may be one or more processors.

[0353] It should be understood that the device 80 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the RIS node in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the device 800 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the RIS node in the method embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7. For the sake of brevity, they are not further described here.

[0354] FIG9 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal forwarding device 90 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the device 90 includes:

[0355] A communication unit 901 is configured to send first configuration information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node. The first configuration information includes one or more forwarding configurations for forwarding non-target signals, where the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration and / or are applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

[0356] In some embodiments, the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration, including the one or more forwarding configurations being applicable to at least one resource type, wherein the at least one resource type comprises one or more of the following:

[0357] Uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, flexible time-frequency resource unit.

[0358] In some embodiments, the forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following:

[0359] Forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate the forwarding parameters used by the RIS node to forward signals;

[0360] A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0361] a link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter applies;

[0362] A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0363] An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable;

[0364] A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the forwarding configuration;

[0365] The forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, wherein the precoding matrix indication is used to indicate the precoding matrix used by the RIS node for signal forwarding, and the beam indication is used to indicate the beam used by the RIS node for signal forwarding.

[0366] In some embodiments, the applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used in one or more of the following states:

[0367] The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal;

[0368] The RIS node is in an abnormal state;

[0369] The terminal MT functional unit of the RIS node is in a radio resource control RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state;

[0370] The serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

[0371] In some embodiments, the RIS node is in an abnormal state, including at least one of the following:

[0372] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0373] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node;

[0374] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and the media access control MAC of the RIS node receives one or more out-of-sync indications OOS sent by the physical layer of the RIS node;

[0375] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than or equal to a preset threshold;

[0376] The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects a cell different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

[0377] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is used to configure a candidate forwarding configuration set, where the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type.

[0378] In some embodiments, in the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations; or

[0379] In the candidate forwarding configuration set, the time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, wherein the same forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters of the time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

[0380] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource unit of the at least one resource type includes time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types, and the time-frequency resource units of the multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, including:

[0381] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0382] The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or

[0383] The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

[0384] In some embodiments, the RIS node includes multiple forwarding ports, and the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the multiple forwarding ports.

[0385] In some embodiments, the forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

[0386] In some embodiments, the periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration further includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0387] Period, starting position offset within a period, and time-frequency resource unit indication within a period.

[0388] In some embodiments, the non-target signal includes one or more of the following signals:

[0389] An incident signal when the RIS node is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal;

[0390] The RIS node determines an incident signal when not forwarding the target signal according to a preconfigured condition;

[0391] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state;

[0392] An incident signal when the MT functional unit of the RIS node does not need to forward the target signal after entering the RRC inactive state;

[0393] An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state;

[0394] After the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state, there is no need to forward the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded.

[0395] Optionally, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip.

[0396] It should be understood that the signal forwarding device 90 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the network device in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the device 90 are respectively for realizing the corresponding processes of the network device in the method embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0397] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1010, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0398] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10 , the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1020. The processor 1010 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 1020 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0399] The memory 1020 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1010 , or may be integrated into the processor 1010 .

[0400] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10 , the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1030 , and the processor 1010 may control the transceiver 1030 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, the transceiver 1030 may send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0401] The transceiver 1030 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1030 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0402] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1030 may implement the function of a communication unit in a RIS node, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0403] In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may implement the functions of a processing unit in a RIS node, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0404] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1030 may implement the function of a communication unit in a network device, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0405] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a RIS node in the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 1000 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the RIS node in the various methods in the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described here for the sake of brevity.

[0406] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a network device of an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0407] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 1100 shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 1110, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0408] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11 , the chip 1100 may further include a memory 1120. The processor 1310 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 1120 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0409] The memory 1120 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1110 , or may be integrated into the processor 1110 .

[0410] In some embodiments, the chip 1100 may further include an input interface 1130. The processor 1110 may control the input interface 1130 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips. Optionally, the processor 1110 may be located inside or outside the chip.

[0411] In some embodiments, the chip 1100 may further include an output interface 1140. The processor 1110 may control the output interface 1140 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips. Optionally, the processor 1110 may be located inside or outside the chip.

[0412] In some embodiments, input interface 1130 and output interface 1140 may implement the functionality of a communication unit in a RIS node.

[0413] In some embodiments, processor 1110 may implement the functionality of a processing unit in a RIS node.

[0414] In some embodiments, the input interface 1130 and the output interface 1140 may implement the functionality of a communication unit in a network device.

[0415] In some embodiments, the chip can be applied to the RIS node in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the RIS node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here.

[0416] In some embodiments, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0417] In some embodiments, the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may also be a chip, for example, a system-on-chip, a system-on-chip, a chip system, or a system-on-chip chip.

[0418] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the communication system 1200 includes a RIS node 1210 and a network device 1220 .

[0419] The RIS node 1210 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the RIS node in the above method, and the network device 1220 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the network device in the above method, which will not be described here for brevity.

[0420] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented as a hardware decoding processor, or can be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0421] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0422] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memories in the embodiments of the present application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0423] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0424] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0425] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0426] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0427] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0428] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. In view of this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the relevant technology or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0429] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal forwarding method, comprising: The reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS node forwards a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the RIS node.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and includes: The resource type to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable includes the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit; and / or, The time-frequency resource unit to which the first forwarding configuration is applicable includes the first time-frequency resource unit.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit is one of the following: Uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, flexible time-frequency resource unit.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following: A forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate a forwarding parameter used by the RIS node to forward a signal; A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the first forwarding configuration; The forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, wherein the precoding matrix indication is a precoding matrix used by the RIS node to forward non-target signals, and the beam indication is a beam used by the RIS node to forward non-target signals.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used in one or more of the following states: The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal; The RIS node is in an abnormal state; The terminal MT functional unit of the RIS node is in a radio resource control RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state; The service cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: According to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit, the first forwarding configuration is selected from a set of candidate forwarding configurations, the candidate forwarding configurations including forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type, and the set of candidate forwarding configurations is configured by a network device or is predefined.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: In the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations; or In the candidate forwarding configuration set, the time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, wherein the same forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters of the time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The time-frequency resource unit of the at least one resource type includes time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types, and the time-frequency resource units of the multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, including: The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The selecting the first forwarding configuration from a set of candidate forwarding configurations according to the resource type of the first time-frequency resource unit includes: In a case where the first time-frequency resource unit is an uplink time-frequency resource unit, determining a forwarding configuration in the candidate forwarding configuration set that is applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit as the first forwarding configuration; or In a case where the first time-frequency resource unit is a downlink time-frequency resource unit, determining a forwarding configuration in the candidate forwarding configuration set that is applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit as the first forwarding configuration; or When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in an uplink state, determining that the forwarding configuration applicable to the uplink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is the first forwarding configuration; or When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device configures the first time-frequency resource unit to be in a downlink state, determining the forwarding configuration applicable to the downlink time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set as the first forwarding configuration; or When the first time-frequency resource unit is a flexible time-frequency resource unit and the network device has not configured the uplink and downlink states of the first time-frequency resource unit, the forwarding configuration applicable to the flexible time-frequency resource unit in the candidate forwarding configuration set is determined as the first forwarding configuration.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The RIS node includes multiple forwarding ports, the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the multiple forwarding ports, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration applicable to a first forwarding port, and the first forwarding port is a forwarding port used by the RIS node to forward non-target signals.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS node forwards a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, including: When the RIS node learns the first forwarding configuration and has not received other forwarding configurations applicable to the first time-frequency resource unit before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first forwarding configuration also includes one or more of the following parameters: period, a starting position offset within a period, and an indication of a time-frequency resource unit within a period.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS node forwards a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, including: When the RIS node learns the first forwarding configuration and has not received a forwarding configuration with a priority higher than a first priority before the first time-frequency resource unit, the non-target signal is forwarded based on the first forwarding configuration, and the first priority is the priority of the first forwarding configuration.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS node forwards a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, including: In one or more of the following states, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the first forwarding configuration: The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal; The RIS node is in an abnormal state; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state; The MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects to a first cell, and the first cell is different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The RIS node is in an abnormal state, including at least one of the following: The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and the media access control MAC of the RIS node receives one or more out-of-sync indications OOS sent by the physical layer of the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than or equal to a preset threshold; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects a cell different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: In a case where the RIS node is in an abnormal state, the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration determined according to the first time-frequency resource unit, or the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration used for the abnormal state.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: In a case where the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, the first forwarding configuration is acquired when the MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state; The forwarding of the non-target signal based on the first forwarding configuration on the first time-frequency resource unit includes: When the MT functional unit of the RIS node is released to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, if the network device does not release the first forwarding configuration, the RIS node forwards the non-target signal on the first time-frequency resource unit based on the first forwarding configuration.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: In the case where the MT functional unit of the RIS node is reselected to the first cell, the first forwarding configuration is the forwarding configuration of the original serving cell configuration of the MT functional unit of the RIS node, or the first forwarding configuration is the forwarding configuration used in the first state, and the first state includes that the serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: The non-target signal includes one or more of the following signals: An incident signal when the RIS node is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal; The RIS node determines an incident signal when not forwarding a target signal according to a preconfigured condition; An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state; An incident signal when the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state and does not need to forward the target signal; An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state; The MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state and does not need to forward the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded.

21. A method for signal forwarding, comprising: The network device sends first configuration information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node, wherein the first configuration information includes one or more forwarding configurations for non-target signal forwarding, wherein the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration, and / or the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one resource configuration includes: at least one resource type, wherein the at least one resource type includes at least one of the following: Uplink time-frequency resource unit, downlink time-frequency resource unit, flexible time-frequency resource unit.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The forwarding configuration includes one or more of the following: A forwarding parameter indication, used to indicate a forwarding parameter used by the RIS node to forward a signal; A time-frequency resource unit indication, used to indicate the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A link direction indication, used to indicate the link direction to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A resource type indication, used to indicate the resource type of the time-frequency resource unit to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; An applicable status indication, used to indicate the status of the RIS node to which the forwarding parameter is applicable; A priority indication, used to indicate the priority of the forwarding configuration; The forwarding parameter indication includes a precoding matrix indication and / or a beam indication, wherein the precoding matrix indication is used to indicate the precoding matrix used by the RIS node for signal forwarding, and the beam indication is used to indicate the beam used by the RIS node for signal forwarding.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The applicable state indication is used to indicate that the forwarding parameter is used when one or more of the following states are met: The RIS node does not need to forward the target signal; The RIS node is in an abnormal state; The terminal MT functional unit of the RIS node is in a radio resource control RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state; The service cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS node is not configured with a forwarding configuration for non-target signals.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The RIS node is in an abnormal state, including at least one of the following: The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a radio link failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and a beam failure occurs in the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC connected state, and the media access control MAC of the RIS node receives one or more out-of-sync indications OOS sent by the physical layer of the RIS node; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the link quality of the backhaul link between the network device and the RIS node is lower than a preset threshold; The MT functional unit of the RIS node is in an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state, the RIS node is configured to forward a target signal, and the MT functional unit of the RIS node reselects a cell different from an original serving cell of the MT functional unit of the RIS.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein: The first configuration information is used to configure a candidate forwarding configuration set, and the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: In the candidate forwarding configuration set, time-frequency resource units of different resource types correspond to different forwarding configurations; or In the candidate forwarding configuration set, the time-frequency resource units of at least one resource type correspond to the same forwarding configuration, wherein the same forwarding configuration includes forwarding parameters of the time-frequency resource units of each resource type in the time-frequency resource units of the at least one resource type.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein: The time-frequency resource unit of the at least one resource type includes time-frequency resource units of multiple resource types, and the time-frequency resource units of the multiple resource types correspond to the same forwarding configuration, including: The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or The downlink time-frequency resource unit and the flexible time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration; and / or The uplink time-frequency resource unit and the downlink time-frequency resource unit correspond to the same forwarding configuration.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The RIS node includes a plurality of forwarding ports, and the candidate forwarding configuration set includes forwarding configurations applicable to the plurality of forwarding ports.

30. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein: The forwarding configuration is a periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein: The periodic or semi-static forwarding configuration may also include one or more of the following parameters: period, a starting position offset within a period, and an indication of a time-frequency resource unit within a period.

32. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein: The non-target signal includes one or more of the following signals: An incident signal when the RIS node is not configured by the network device to forward the target signal; The RIS node determines an incident signal when not forwarding a target signal according to a preconfigured condition; An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state; An incident signal when the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC inactive state and does not need to forward the target signal; An incident signal after the MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state; The MT functional unit of the RIS node enters the RRC idle state and does not need to forward the incident signal when the target signal is forwarded.

33. A signal forwarding device, comprising: A communication unit, used to forward a non-target signal based on a first forwarding configuration on a first time-frequency resource unit, wherein the first forwarding configuration is a forwarding configuration for non-target signals, and the first forwarding configuration is related to the resource configuration of the first time-frequency resource unit and / or the state of the device.

34. A signal forwarding device, comprising: A communication unit is used to send first configuration information to a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) node, wherein the first configuration information includes one or more forwarding configurations for forwarding non-target signals, wherein the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to at least one resource configuration, and / or the one or more forwarding configurations are applicable to a specific state of the RIS node.

35. A reconfigurable intelligent surface RIS node, comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 when executed by the processor.

36. A network device comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program implements the steps in the method according to any one of claims 21 to 32 when executed by the processor.

37. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or the method according to any one of claims 21 to 32.

38. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or the method according to any one of claims 21 to 32.

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