Network controlled reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)

Abstract

A link or interface for controlling the panels (22) of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300) from a cellular network is provided Accordingly, a control node (400, 500), such as a gNB (40) or a master User Equipment, UE, (132), for example, generates (222) control signaling for the RIS node. The control signaling configures the panels to perform a cellular function. So generated, the control node sends (224) the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link. Upon receipt (202), the RIS node configures one or more of its panels to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling (204).

Description

[0001] NETWORK CONTROLLED RECONFIGURABLE INTELLIGENT SURFACE (RIS)

[0002] The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101095759.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] This application relates generally to Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces ,RISs, and more particularly to interfacing a RIS node to entities operating in a cellular communications network to effect network control of the RIS node.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] The successor to 5G cellular technology is referred to as 6G, and is the name given to identify the so-called sixth generation of cellular networks. This technology is currently being developed, and it is expected to be available sometime in the early 2030s. In general, 6G technology is expected to be faster, have more bandwidth, and have lower latency than previous technologies.

[0007] The vision for 6G is built on a desire to create a seamless reality that merges the digital world with the physical world. Not only will this “merged reality" provide new ways of meeting and interacting with other people, but it also provides new possibilities for people to work from anywhere in the world and new ways for people to experience different places and cultures. By delivering ever-present intelligent communication, 6G will contribute to the creation of a more human-friendly, sustainable and efficient society.

[0008] Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MIMO) technologies also promise to positively affect the future of wireless communications. Particularly, MIMO technologies multiply the capacity of a radio link using an antenna array having multiple transmit and receive antennae (also known as “elements’’) to exploit multipath propagation. With a large antenna array, massive MIMO schemes can advantageously provide substantial power gains and improve spectral efficiency by orders of magnitude. Further, when an antenna array is conventionally configured as a phased array, it can be used for beamforming.

[0009] Recently, however, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, RISs, have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional phased arrays. A RIS is a two-dimensional surface of engineered material whose properties are reconfigurable.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure provides a control link or control interface that enables a device operating in a cellular network (e.g., 3GPP / New Radio, NR) to control a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node and / or one or more RIS panels or elements on the RIS node.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node, for controlling an operation of the RIS node. In this embodiment, the RIS node comprises a plurality of panels and is communicatively coupled to one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network. In this first aspect, the RIS node receives, over a control link from a control node operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function. Once received, the RIS node configures one or more panels on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a control node operating in a cellular network, for controlling an operation of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node. The RIS node in this aspect comprises a plurality of panels and is communicatively coupled to the control node and one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network. In accordance with the second aspect, the control node generates control signaling for the RIS node. The control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function. The control node then sends the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node comprising communications interface circuitry and processing circuitry. The communications interface circuitry is configured to communicatively couple the RIS node to one or more control nodes operating in a cellular communications network and one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular communications network. The processing circuitry, which is operatively connected to the communications interface circuitry, is configured to receive, over a control link from the control node operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function, and configure one or more panels on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node configured to receive, over a control link from a control node operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function, and configure one or more panels on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed on processing circuitry of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node, causes the processing circuitry to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program stored thereon In this aspect, the computer program comprises executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node, causes the processing circuitry to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a control node, operating in a cellular network, for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node comprising a plurality of panels. In this aspect, the control node comprises communications interface circuitry and processing circuitry. The communications interface circuitry is configured to communicatively couple the control node to the RIS node. The processing circuitry, which is operatively connected to the communications interface circuitry, is configured to generate control signaling for the RIS node, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function, and send the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a control node, operating in a cellular network, for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node comprising a plurality of panels. In this aspect, the control node is configured to generate control signaling for the RIS node, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function, and send the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

[0020] In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed on processing circuitry of a control node communicatively connected to a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node, causes the processing circuitry to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0021] In a tenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program stored thereon. The computer program comprises executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a control node communicatively connected to a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node, causes the processing circuitry to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, RIS, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a Network Controlled Repeater, NCR, communicates with network nodes and end user devices.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a NCR communicating with a network node and an end user device.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a topology for effecting communications between a network node and an Ambient Internet-of-Things, loT, device.

[0027] Figures 5A-5H are schematic diagrams illustrating respective possible topologies for a RIS node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 is a signaling diagram illustrating signaling between a Next Generation Node B, gNB, a User Equipment (UE), and a RIS node, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, performed at an RIS node, of controlling the RIS node to perform cellular functions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method, performed at control node operating in a cellular network, of controlling the RIS node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the components of a RIS node configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the components of a network node, such as a gNB, for example, configured to control a RIS node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the components of UE configured to control and communicate with a RIS node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Throughout this disclosure, the terms “network,” ‘‘RAN node,” “gNB,” and “base station” are used inter-changeably without losing any meaning. Additionally, in the present embodiments, a “cell” can be understood as a cell defined in legacy technology (e.g., a 5G cell or 4G cell), as well as a geographical area covered by a set of antennas or nodes for data transmission and reception to / from users in a cell. As such, in the context of the present disclosure, a cell is defined as a geographical area covered by a set of one or more antennas for a given technology (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, 6G, etc.) regardless of whether cell-based terminologies are absent or are not defined.

[0035] As stated above, 6G cellular technologies will eventually replace current 5G cellular technologies. Aside from being faster and more reliable than 5G, 6G will merge the digital world with the physical world and combine intelligent knowledge systems with robust computational capabilities, thereby providing users with various, new extrasensory experiences. Currently, 6G will be built on the foundations of 5G and 5G Advanced cellular technologies. However, the new 6G will provide users with deeper access to connected intelligent machines, programmable physical worlds, the Internet of Senses, loS, and a more connected, sustainable world.

[0036] 6G is also likely to feature some entirely new capability dimensions in addition to normal communications functions. Such dimensions include, for example, extreme performance and coverage, integrated and cognitive computing functions within the network, spatial and timing data dimensions, and joint communication and sensing. These capabilities will be used to support new use cases including, but not limited to, immersive smart cities, fully merged cyberphysical worlds that blend the real (i.e., physical) world with the digital world, interactive 4D maps that use a network for dynamic updates (e.g., to show objects around a vehicle), and “earth monitoring,” which, as is known in the art, tracks the state of the earth using a variety of sensors and then uses the data collected by these sensors to enable users to take preventive action. Additionally, 6G is expected to introduce a variety of different technological components, some of which can be considered as the backbone for 6G. As described in the Rohde & Schwarz document entitled “6G Wireless Technology - On the verge of 6G,” which is available at https: / / www.rohde-schwarz.com / us / solutions / test-and-measurement / wireless- communication / cellular-standards / 6g / 6g-overview_253278.html?mid=10904&midx=6g_6g- combinations_search_text-ad_r-na_&kw=6g%20wireless%20technology, and which is incorporated herein in its entirety, some of these components include, but are in no way limited to:

[0037] • Terahertz (THz) communication;

[0038] • Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) I Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS);

[0039] • Artificial intelligence (Al); and

[0040] • RIS

[0041] 6G technology also focuses on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, RISs, which support wireless communications by reflecting and actively steering an incoming signal off surfaces using metamaterials. Such a RIS is illustrated, for example, in Figure 1. Particularly, a system 10 comprises a RIS 20, a RIS controller 30, and a gNB 40 that, as described in more detail below, communicates with a UE 50 via RIS 20 In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the RIS 20 is a network node that receives signals from transmitters (e.g., the gNB 40 and / or UE 50). So received, the RIS 20 retransmits the received signals with time-delays that are controllable by the RIS controller 30. RIS 20 comprises a plurality of “elements” (referred to herein as RIS panels 22) that can be assigned individually or in groups with different time-delays.

[0042] The RIS 20, therefore, is able to synthesize the scattering behavior associated with an arbitrarily shaped object of the same or similar size (e.g., a building). As seen in Figure 1 , for example, this feature can be used to beamform a signal towards a receiver (i.e., the gNB 40 or UE 50), with cooperation between the gNb 40 and RIS 20.

[0043] In more detail, RIS 20 is a full-duplex transparent relay since it can process signals in the analog domain and can receive and retransmit radio waves simultaneously. A very large surface area can therefore capture an unusually large fraction of the signal power and use the large aperture to retransmit narrow beams to desired UEs 50.

[0044] In ETSI GR RIS 001 V1.1.1 (2023-04), entitled “Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS); Use Cases, Deployment Scenarios and Requirements,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, RIS 20 is defined as a new network node comprising an arrangement of scattering elements called unit-cells (e.g., RIS panels 22). The properties of such scattering elements can be dynamically controlled to change its electromagnetic behavior. The response of RIS 20 can be controlled dynamically and / or semi-statically through control signaling. Such control includes, for example, tuning incident wireless signals through reflection, refraction, focusing, collimation, modulation, absorption, or any combination of these. The RIS 20 seen in Figure 1 can be dynamically and / or semi-statically configured by the RIS controller 30, thereby changing the wireless environment from a passive actor into an intelligent actor such that the channel becomes programmable. This trend will expand basic wireless system design paradigms, thereby creating opportunities for innovation that will progressively impact the evolution of wireless system architecture, access technologies, and networking protocols.

[0045] There are two types of RISs 20 - passive and active. A passive RIS is configured to reflect signals without amplification. Typically, passive RISs comprise many passive elements or panels that reflect signals with a controllable phase shift. Each element or panel comprises a reflective patch that terminates with an impedance-adjustable circuit to effect phase shifting. An active RIS, on the other hand, is configured to reflect incident signals with amplification. More particularly, an active RIS dynamically adjusts reflecting coefficients at the elements or panels (also referred to as reflect beamforming), thereby reconfiguring the incident signals with a desired phase shift and power amplification.

[0046] RIS 20 also has half multiple operational modes - reflection, refraction, absorption, transmitting, and reception mode - and is considered by HEXA-X-II to be an important infrastructure enabler in 6G (see Hexa-X-ll, “Deliverable D5.2 Characteristics and Classification of 6G Device Classes,” dated October 31 , 2023, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0047] Another enabler that could support this class of devices is RIS. It could serve as an enabler, especially at higher frequencies (for e.g., sub-THz, mmW), to improve reliability and availability and enhance coverage RIS may not be very relevant for <FR2 (as there are other alternatives such as multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO) to enhance coverage / reliability).

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a Network Controller Repeater ,NCR, 60 architecture and model. As is generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, NCR 60 can be taken as a baseline / example to standardize / model RIS 20 in 3GPP, as well as in other research projects, such as Hexa-X-ll. The example model that 3GPP currently assumes is seen in Figure 1.

[0049] More particularly, Figure 2 illustrates a New Radio, NR, base station (i.e., gNB 40) and a UE 50. In the middle is an NCR 60 comprised of two main parts - a forwarding part 62 (i.e., NCR-FWD or Repeater-FWD) and a mobile termination part 64 (NCR-MT or Repeater-MT). The forwarding part 62 is configured to take a signal received from the gNB 40 on the backhaul link (or from UE 50 on the access link) and forward an amplified version of that signal to UE 50 on the access link (or to gNB 40 on the backhaul link). The mobile termination part 64 is what makes the NCR 60 controllable and allows gNB 40 to communicate with NCR 60. The link over which the gNB 40 and NCR 60 communicate is shown as a control link. In this embodiment, the mobile termination part 64 terminates the control link as UE 50 would do. Since the forwarding part 62 (i e. , NCR-MT) only amplifies and (analogously) beamforms the signal, no advanced receiver or transmitter chains are required. This advantageously reduces the cost and energy consumption of NCR 60 compared to, for example, a normal Transmission and Reception Point, TRP. In its simplest (and most practical) architecture, different antenna modules are used forthe gNB and UE sides (i.e. , the antennas targeting the gNB 40 and UEs 50, respectively), whereas a more complex architecture, including that associated with self-interference cancellation, would allow for using the same antenna modules for both the gNB and UE sides.

[0050] The design and operation of NCR 60 in a network is still being finalized. However, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic example of how the NCR 60 might be configured according to one embodiment. In this example, the NCR 60 comprises a mobile termination module 70 and a repeater module 80. The mobile termination module 70 includes a modem module 72 and a controller module 74, both of which are part of the mobile termination part 64 illustrated in Figure 2. The repeater module 80 comprises amplifiers 82 and 84, and an antenna configuration 86, 88 communicatively connecting NCR 60 to gNB 40 and UE 50.

[0051] In operation, NCR 60 first receives a signal from gNB 40 via a downlink (i.e., seen in Figure 3 as the backhaul link) or from UE 50 via the uplink (seen in Figure 3 as the access link). After a process such as power amplification, for example, NCR 60 transmits the amplified signal to UE 50 via the access link or to gNB 40 via the backhaul link. Since the repeater module 80 (also referred to as NCR-FWD seen in Figure 2) only amplifies and (analogously) beamforms a received signal, no advanced receiver or transmitter chains are required. This beneficially reduces the cost and energy consumption of NCR 60 compared to, for example, a normal Transmission and Reception Point, TRP.

[0052] In its simplest architecture, different antenna configurations 86, 88, which may be the same or different antenna modules, are used for the “donor" and “service" sides (i.e., the antenna configurations 86, 88 targeting the gNB 40 and UEs 50, respectively), whereas a more complex architecture, including that associated with self-interference cancellation, would allow for using the same antenna configurations (i.e., antenna module(s)) for both sides.

[0053] The modem module 72 is configured to exchange control and status signaling with a gNB 40 configured to control the NCR 60. For this, the modem module 72 supports at least a sub-set of UE functions. NCR control and status information is further exchanged between the modem module 72 and the controller module 74. In some embodiments, modem module 72 might be equipped with one or more antennas that are independent from the antennas used by the repeater module 80. In most configurations, however, the modem termination module 80 and the repeater module 80 will share antenna configurations.

[0054] The controller module 74 is used to control the repeater module 80. For example, in one embodiment, the controller module 74 may provide beamforming information, power control information, and the like, to the repeater module 80. The controller module 74 is connected to the network through the modem module 72 such that the network (e.g., gNB 40) can control the controller module 74, and in that way, control repeater module 80.

[0055] For example, in one embodiment, the repeater module’s 80 amplify-and-forward operation is controlled by the controller module 74, which in some embodiments, could also be directly responsible for the controlling beamforming on the service antenna side (i.e. , antenna configuration 88 to / from served UEs 50). In another embodiment, however, controlling beamforming on the service antenna side is implemented by the repeater module 80 pursuant to the control of the controller module 74. On the donor antenna side (i.e., antenna configuration 86 to / from the controlling gNB 40), the modem module 72 could be configured so that it is directly responsible for controlling beamforming However, in at least one embodiment, the beamforming on the donor antenna side is operated by the repeater module 80 under the control of the controller module 74 and / or the modem module 72.

[0056] In one configuration, not only do the modem module 72 and the repeater module 80 share an antenna configuration, but they also share parts of an (analog) transmitter and / or receiver, such as one or more power (transmit) amplifiers and / or one or more receiver amplifiers and / or one or more filters. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the modem module 72 and the repeater module 80 could operate at the same or different frequencies. By way of example only, the repeater module 80 could operate at a high frequency band FR2 while the modem module 72 could operate at a low frequency band FR1.

[0057] In considering RIB in the context of 6G, certain administrations in both the United States (US) and the European Union, EU, have recognized the role that the semiconductor industry plays in revolutionizing integrated circuit technologies, ICT, as well as the dangers of failing to advance such state-of-the-art technologies. Indeed, advances in ICT have long-enabled an expansion in chip density. This trend continues to advance Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, CMOS, technologies even as advances in heterogeneous integration and novel packaging techniques are sought to improve the efficiency and yield of integrated circuits.

[0058] Yet, despite these advances, much still remains to be done by the ICT industry in terms of investing in research and technological advancements in several areas for 6G. Nevertheless, there have already been some agreed-upon recommendations. These include research into:

[0059] • cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies for semiconductors for native artificial intelligence, Al, and machine learning, ML, hardware;

[0060] • wide-band Radio Frequency, RF, technologies for communicating in various frequency bands and associated sensing technologies;

[0061] • metamaterials technologies that can revolutionize how antennas and RISs are built and used;

[0062] • power-efficient general-purpose cloud hardware and associated software techniques; • advanced sensor electronics for industrial applications integrated with energyefficient AI / ML-enabled data processing;

[0063] • System-on-Chip, SoC, technologies for high data rates and low latency operation within wideband channels; and

[0064] • extension of frequency ranges further into the mm Wave and sub-THz domains These areas are ripe for a gap analysis of capabilities and building confidence in the supply chains that can help in the adoption of the technology at scale. The ICT industry anticipates close partnership with the US and the EU administrations so that the above objectives are met during the 6G era.

[0065] Although RIS in 6G and in other cellular technologies can be beneficial, however, there are several problematic issues. For example, according to the present disclosure, RIS can be used to program or control a channel that is used to enhance Key Performance Indicators, KPIs for existing use cases, such as capacity, coverage, and the like. Currently, however, RIS has no defined interface towards cellular technology (e.g., 3GPP, New Radio (NR) networks, etc.). Moreover, the programming of RIS is assumed by a non-standardized solution. For instance, ETSI GR RIS 001 V1.1.1 (2023-04) entitled “Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, RISs; Use Cases, Deployment Scenarios and Requirements,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, indicates that a RIS is controlled using an RIS controller that has no direct interface with NR networks.

[0066] The issues related to RIS control by a cellular network (or cellular device) surfaced when companies showed interest in considering RIS for standardization in 6G, and thus, are keen to develop features accordingly. Particularly, in some cases, it has been determined that RIS is able to provide good coverage for low power or Ambient Internet of Things, AloT, devices. Additionally, 3GPP TR 38.848 V18.0.0 (2023-09) entitled “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Study on Ambient loT (Internet of Things) in RAN (Release 18),” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, mentions that low power or AloT devices may need an intermediate node to extend coverage.

[0067] Such is illustrated, for example, in Figure 4. As seen in Figure 4, an AloT device 90 communicates bidirectionally with a base station, BS, indicated here as gNB 40, via an intermediate node 92 disposed between AloT device 90 and gNB 40. In the topology of Figure 4, the intermediate node 92 can be a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul, IAB, node, a UE, a repeater, and the like, which is capable of AloT. Regardless of its particular physical form, however, the intermediate node 92 is configured to transfer AloT data and / or signaling between the gNB 40 and the AloT device 90. That is, as is explained in more detail below, infrastructure enablers like RIS 20, repeaters (e.g., NCR 60), and the like, can be used to perform functions such as extending coverage and assisting low power devices.

[0068] Accordingly, the present embodiments seek to address these and other issues by providing an interface (i.e , control link) between a RIS node and a cellular network (e.g., a cellular device operating in a cellular network), thereby enabling the control of the RIS node by a device operating in the cellular network. As will be seen in more detail later, the control link can be the same as, or independent of, the transmission link over which data is transmitted to / from / via the RIS node Further, such devices may include, but are not limited to, a gNB 40, a master UE, and / or another RIS node. Additionally, the present embodiments utilize the control link to configure the RIS panels 22 (i.e., the elements) of an RIS node for various transmissions, as well as to optimize a transmission link for transmitting data and signal between a gNB and a RIS node, a UE and a RIS node, and between two or more RIS nodes.

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide advantages and benefits that conventional systems and methods do not or cannot provide. By way of example, RIS is a new technology. Currently, RIS control is either handled manually or by using a RIS compatible dedicated controller. In any case, however, RIS control is not yet standardized. Despite this, RIS and its uses have recently garnered a lot of interest. For example, various companies are interested in RIS-based products (i.e., they are interested in introducing RIS functionality and proving roadmaps indicating how they can be manufactured in their facilities). These interested companies also advocate for standards to accommodate RIS for wider acceptability of their products.

[0070] Because the goal of RIS is to forward transmissions to / from a UE (e.g., UE 50), it is best if RIS can be controlled directly by gNB 40 (or some other control node). With present embodiments, the control link advantageously allows this direct control of the RIS, thereby eliminating the need for property and incoherent solutions. Additionally, in 6G-oriented projects (e.g., such as the Hexa-X-ll deliverable D4.2, D5.2 described in the Rhode & Schwarz document), RIS can be useful as an infrastructure enabler to enhance coverage. For instance, in the Hexa-X-ll deliverable D4.2, RIS is being extensively analyzed due to its usefulness in infrastructure for future generation communication systems. Hexa-X-I and Hexa-X-ll are EU funded projects, whose focus is to influence 6G standardization based on inputs gathered in its deliverables.

[0071] Accordingly, the present disclosure configures a RIS with a control interface (i.e., a control link between the RIS and a control node) that enables 3GPP nodes, such as gNB 40 and / or a master UE, to directly control the RIS, and especially to control and configure the utilization and distribution of RIS panels 22.

[0072] In one embodiment, for example, the control link between a gNB 40 and a RIS 20 configures the distribution of one or more RIS panels 22 for connectivity with one or more users. For instance, some RIS panels 22 can be configured to establish a transmission link with one user (e.g., a first UE 50), while other RIS panels 22 can be configured to establish a transmission link with another, different user (e.g., a second UE 50).

[0073] In another embodiment, gNB 40 configures one or more subsets of RIS panels 22, and / or specific / target RIS panel(s) 22, from a set of RIS panels 22. To accomplish this function, the gNB 40 can send one or more commands or signals, for example, that deactivate or disable a set of one or more RIS panels 22 for transmission.

[0074] According to the present disclosure, such deactivation can be performed from a plurality of perspectives. In a first “panel-based perspective,” gNB 40 sends commands via the control link to deactivate one or more panels, or a group of one or more panels. In a second “userbased perspective,” gNB 40 sends commands or signals via the control link to deactivate or disable one or more panels or groups of panels linked to one or more end users or end user devices. Thus, with the user-based perspective, gNB 40 can deactivate or disable selected RIS panels 22 so that specific users cannot use those RIS panels 22 for communicating.

[0075] In addition to deactivating RIS panels 22, the present disclosure also allows gNB 40 to activate or enable RIS panels 22 for use in transmission by a UE 50. In one embodiment, for example, gNB 40 sends commands or signals via the control link to activate one or more RIS panels 22 or groups of RIS panels 22 for a selected user or UE 50 In another embodiment, gNB 40 sends commands or signals via the control link to activate one or more RIS panels 22 or groups of RIS panels 22 for a selected group of one or more UEs 50. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the same RIS panels 22 can be utilized for multiple UEs 50. For example, gNB 40 can configure the RIS panels 22 for simultaneous use (e.g., like multicast configured with broader beams). Additionally, or alternatively, the gNB 40 could configure the RIS panels 22 for orthogonal use. For example, gNB 40 could send commands or signals via the control link such that one or more RIS panels 22 are activated for transmission by user 1 at a first time Ti, and activated for transmission by user 2 at a second time T2.

[0076] The present embodiments also enable the gNB 40 (and / or a master UE) to update the activation / deactivations of RIS panels 22. For example, consider a situation where a set of one or more RIS panels 22 is activated for transmissions by user 1 and deactivated for transmissions by user 2. To update the activation or reactivate the set of one or more RIS panels 22, gNB 40 can send a reactivation command or signal to the RIS via the control link. Upon receipt, the reactivation command controls the RIS to deactivate the set of one or more RIS panels 22 for transmission by user 1 and activate that same set of one or more RIS panels 22 for transmission by user 2.

[0077] In another embodiment, a RIS 20 can be configured for connectivity with two or more cells or carriers or frequency bands. In such cases, the RIS can be integrated into a network such that the same RIS can be used for transmissions catering to multiple cells, or multiple carriers, or multiple frequency bands for the same or different users. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, RIS panels 22 can be “distributed” (i.e., configured / split / divided) to have transmission links such that the RIS panels 22 can be associated with:

[0078] • Different gNBs 40 (e.g., where some RIS panels 22 are configured for control and transmission by gNB 1 , and some panels are configured for control and transmission by gNB 2); • Different cells (e.g., carrier aggregation);

[0079] • Different radios (e.g., some RIS panels 22 are configured for use by a transmitter and some RIS panels 22 are configured for a receiver. Additionally, in this embodiment, some RIS panels 22 may be configured for use by both the transmitter and the receiver);

[0080] • Different frequency bands (e.g , some RIS panels 22 are configured for an uplink (UL) frequency band and some RIS panels 22 are configured for a downlink, DL, frequency band in Frequency-Division Duplexing, FDD;

[0081] • Different times (e.g., some RIS panels 22 can be configured for use on the UL during certain time instant(s), slot(s), frame(s), etc., and for use on the DL during other time instant(s), slot(s), frame(s). In some other time instant(s), slot(s), frame(s), etc., RIS panels 22 can be disabled or deactivated for use to function as guard bands. Such configurations will enable RIS 20 to support Time Division Duplex, TDD, patterns).

[0082] In one embodiment, the RIS panels 22 are configured (e.g., split / divided / partitioned) such that the transmission links are associated with different gNBs 40. In these situations:

[0083] • A master gNB can determine the distribution of RIS panels 22 for use among the different gNBs; and / or

[0084] • the distribution of RIS panels 22 for use among the different gNBs can be determined via negotiations between the gNBs that are involved (e.g., forXn interface).

[0085] Figures 5A-5H are schematic views illustrating some possible topologies suitable for implementing the present embodiments. In these figures, the control link over which the commands and signals are communicated to a RIS node is labeled “Control,” while the transmission link over which devices exchange data and signals is labeled “Transmission.” Additionally, the RIS node that is controlled according to the present disclosure is indicated in these figures as RIS node 110.

[0086] In more detail, Figure 5A illustrates a first topology 100 where an RIS node 110 having RIS panels 22 is controlled by gNB 40 via the control link to forward transmissions over the transmission links between gNB 40 and UE 50.

[0087] Figure 5B illustrates a second topology 120 in which gNB 40 controls RIS node 110 via the control link to forward transmissions between gNB 40 and another RIS node 122 (e.g., as is a possible in multi-hop scenario) over the transmission links. Additionally, gNB 40 also directly controls the other RIS node 122 via another control link.

[0088] Figure 5C illustrates a third topology 130 in which a master UE 132 controls the RIS node 110 via the control link to forward transmissions between the master UE 132 and another UE 50 over the transmission links. Figure 5D illustrates a fourth topology 140 in which a master UE 132 controls the RIS node 110 via the control link to forward transmissions between the master UE 132 and another RIS node 122 over the transmission links. As seen in this figure, the master UE 132 is also configured to control the other RIS node 122 via another control link.

[0089] Additionally, in any of these embodiments, the commands and signals sent to the RIS node 110 over the control link by a control node (e.g., gNB 40, master UE 132) can configure the RIS node 110 to perform the following functionality:

[0090] • Switch the transmission link on and off between a control node and a RIS node 110 and / or 122;

[0091] • Switch the transmission link on and off between the RIS node 110 and an end node (e.g , UE 50 or another RIS node 122); and

[0092] • A combination of the above functionalities (e.g., switch both control and transmission links on and off).

[0093] In some embodiments, (e.g., topology 2 and 4), the control node (e.g., gNB 40 or master UE 132) can configure the RIS node 110 to control the other RIS node 122 in lieu of the control node.

[0094] For example, Figure 5E illustrates a fifth topology 150 in which gNB 40 controls RIS node 110 via the control link to forward transmissions between gNB 40 and another RIS node 122 over the transmission links. This can be, for example, a multi-hop scenario. Additionally, in this embodiment, gNB 40 also configures RIS node 110 to control the other RIS node 122 via a different control link.

[0095] Figure 5F illustrates a sixth topology 160 in which a master UE 132 controls RIS node 1 10 via the control link to forward transmissions between the master UE 132 and another RIS node 122 over the transmission links. As in the previous embodiment, the master UE 132 also configures RIS node 110 to control the RIS node 122 via a different control link.

[0096] Figure 5G illustrates a seventh topology 170 where the gNB 40 controls RIS node 110 via the control link to forward transmissions between the gNB 40 and a UE 50. In this embodiment, however, the control link and the transmission link are joined or merged. This means, for example, that incoming transmissions received by RIS node 1 10 can control the RIS node 110 to relay / forward the transmissions to the next node (e.g., UE 50 or another RIS node 122) In such embodiments, the control link allows the control node (e.g., gNB 40 or master UE 132) to:

[0097] • Switch passive RIS panels 22 on RIS node 110 on and off; and

[0098] • Control the beamforming of passive RIS panels 22 between the RIS node 1 10 and another device, such as another gNB 40, UE 50, and / or another RIS node 122.

[0099] Figure 5H illustrates an eighth topology 180 that is similar to the seventh topology 170. In this topology, the control link is merged with the transmission link. The RIS control parameters 182 for controlling the RIS panels 22 on RIS node 1 10 can be carried as flags, for example, in the headers of messages that carry data 184. Upon receipt, the RIS node 110 is configured to decode the headers and dynamically control its passive RIS panels 22 according to the RIS control parameters 182 to forward the data 184 to the next node (e.g., UE 50)

[0100] Figure 6 is a signaling diagram 190 illustrating how a control node, such as gNB 40, for example, is configured to indicate the RIS control parameters 182 to a RIS node 110 to receive beams from a next node, such as UE 50. The RIS control parameters 182 can be provided via the control link, as described above in the examples of Figures 5A-5F, or over a merged control + transmission link, as illustrated in the examples of Figures 5G and 5H. The indication (e.g., the header or flag) may or may not include the data to be forwarded to the next node via RIS node 110.

[0101] As seen in Figure 6, the controlling gNB 40 first sends the RIS control parameters 182 for UE beam reception to the RIS node 1 10 via a control link or a merged control and transmission link (line 192). So received, the RIS node 110 configures its passive RIS panels 22 for UE beam reception according to the RIS control parameters 182 (box 194). UE 50 then transmits its data to the RIS node 110 via a transmission link (line 196). Upon receipt, the RIS node 110 forwards the data sent by UE 50 to the controlling gNB 40 (line 198).

[0102] The control node (e.g., gNB 40, UE 132) is configured to send the RIS control parameters 182 to RIS node 110 to configure the RIS panels 22 of that RIS node 110 based on a variety of time, frequency, cell, carrier, and the like. However, those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the present embodiments are not so limited, and that the RIS control parameters 182 sent by the control node to RIS node 110 can control the RIS panels 22 according to other criteria

[0103] For example, in other embodiments, the control node (e.g., gNB 40) sends RIS control parameters 182 to RIS node 110 to configure the RIS panels 22 for a given cluster, tracking area, geography, or the like. As above, the RIS panels 22 can be configured individually and / or in groups of one or more RIS panels 22.

[0104] Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the RIS node 110 can comprise, or have access to, memory (e.g., a database) where it can store the RIS control parameters 182, as well as other information, it receives from gNB 40. For example, in one embodiment, the RIS node 1 10 is configured to store the RIS control parameters 182 for a plurality of different clusters in memory. In these cases, each cluster is mapped to a unique ID (e.g., Radio Access Network, RAN, scope IDs, Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier, C-RNTI, a context ID, and the like). In accordance with the present disclosure, all UEs that belong to the same cluster can be associated with the same configuration of RIS panels 22. Thus, all UEs in the same cluster may, for instance, be associated with the same beamforming or beam management parameters.

[0105] To accomplish this function, the present embodiments configure the gNB 40 to provide a UE ID that identifies a cluster in a transmission to RIS node 110. Upon receipt, the RIS node 1 10 reads the UE ID from the message, retrieves the RIS configuration information associated with the UE ID stored in memory, and then applies the corresponding RIS configuration information to forward the transmission to one or more UEs 50 in that cluster based on that mapping.

[0106] The gNB 40 can also send updates to the RIS node 110 regarding cluster updates. Such updates may be sent, for example, when a UE ID belonging to a given cluster has changed or when a timer runs out. Particularly, every update triggers a timer at gNB 40 to begin. Once that timer expires, gNB 40 sends the cluster updates.

[0107] Additionally, in one embodiment, the RIS node 110 can be configured for Discontinuous Reception, DRX. Thus, gNB 40 can configure the RIS panels 22 on RIS node 110 to receive transmissions from a transmitting node during its active period.

[0108] In another embodiment, the RIS node 110 can be configured for Discontinuous Transmission, DTX. In these embodiments, the gNB 40 can configure the RIS panels 22 on RIS node 110 to forward data and signals to an intended receiving node only during its active DTX periods. To accomplish this function, the RIS node 110 of the present embodiments is configured to store, retain, and / or buffer transmissions it receives from a transmitting node in its memory, and then forward those transmissions over the transmission link to the intended receiving node(s) during its active DTX periods.

[0109] In other embodiments, the RIS node 110 is configured to monitor signals and / or transmissions on a communication link (e.g., the access link and / or the backhaul link seen in Figures 2 and 3) for a configured time period. Once the time period expires, the RIS node 1 10 sends a measurement report to gNB 40 indicating the measurements taken on the monitored link Such measurement reports may comprise any information needed or desired. However, in some embodiments, the information sent in the measurement reports comprises one or more of the following.

[0110] • how often the RIS node 110 transmits a signal / data towards a target node (e.g., UE 50, gNB 40, RIS node 122) over a beam on a transmission link between RIS node 110 and the target node;

[0111] • how often the RIS node 110 transmits a signal towards gNB 40 over a beam on the control link or transmission link between RIS node 110 and gNB 40;

[0112] • a frequency region where measurements are detected / collected. The frequency region may, for example, be expressed in one of the following formats:

[0113] • a bandwidth region indicating a start frequency location and an end frequency location;

[0114] • a bandwidth region indicating a center frequency and a bandwidth around the center frequency;

[0115] • a bandwidth region indicating a range of PRBs;

[0116] • a bandwidth region indicating a bandwidth part, BWP; and • a bandwidth region indicating a carrier.

[0117] • a frequency region where most measurements / signals are detected / collected; and

[0118] • a measured frequency region for each measurement sample;

[0119] • a time region where measurements are collected, and which may be expressed as one of the following formats:

[0120] • a time region indicating a start time location and an end time location;

[0121] • a time region indicating a range of slots;

[0122] • a time region indicating a range of Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, OFDM, symbols;

[0123] • a time region where most measurements / signals are detected / collected.

[0124] • a measured time region for each measurement sample.

[0125] • whether a transmission over an access link was a UL or DL transmission;

[0126] • whether a transmission over a control link was a UL or DL transmission;

[0127] • whether a transmission over a backhaul link was a UL or DL transmission; and

[0128] • a number of transmissions over a transmission link and / or a control link during a specified period of time.

[0129] The measurements performed by the RIS node 110 over a transmission link and / or a control link may be reported in a per-beam format, a per-frequency format, or a per-cell format. In the per-beam format, all measurements are related to a single beam. Further, each measurement report may include the measurements for a single beam or a plurality of beams (e.g., a list of beams). A similar framework may be utilized for reporting measurements where the granularity of the measurement report is per-frequency or per-cell.

[0130] In at least one embodiment, the RIS node 110 sends a measurement report for an associated transmission link to the gNB 40 via Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, a Media Access Control, MAC, Control Element, CE, or via L1 signaling carried on a physical channel such as a Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUCCH, a Physical Random Access Channel, PRACH, and the like.

[0131] In some embodiments, the RIS node 1 10 is configured to apply multiple access and / or transmission links. In these situations, the RIS node 110 may send measurement reports to the gNB 40 for each link respectively. Additionally, in such cases, the measurement report may comprise an index that identifies or indicates the associated link. Based on the received measurement reports, the gNB 40 may provide, for example, a DTX or DRX configuration to the RIS node 110 (e.g., in the form of RIS control parameters 182 and / or other information) for the links that are associated with received measurement reports.

[0132] Figure 7 is a flow diagram 200 illustrating a method, implemented by RIS node 110, for controlling an operation of the RIS node 110. The RIS node 110, as described above, comprises a plurality of RIS panels 22 and is communicatively coupled to one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network.

[0133] As seen in Figure 7, RIS node 110 first receives, over a control link from a control node (e.g. , gNB 40 or master UE 132) operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function (box 202). So received, RIS node 110 configures one or more RIS panels 22 on RIS node 110 to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling (box 204). RIS node 110 may then receive user traffic from the control node over a first transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the control node (box 206). Thereafter, RIS node 110 transmits (e.g., forwards) the user traffic to at least one cellular node over a second transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the at least one cellular node (box 208).

[0134] The control signaling may, for example, comprise one or more control parameters, which the RIS node 110 is configured to store in memory (box 210). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the RIS node 110 is configured to monitor transmissions on a communications link (e.g., one of an access link and a backhaul link) for a predetermined time period (box 212). The RIS node 110 also sends a measurement report for the communications link to the control node (box 214).

[0135] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node 110 for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network

[0136] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a first group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a first cellular node operating in the cellular network, and a second group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a second cellular node operating in the cellular network.

[0137] In some such embodiments, the first group of one or more panels is different from the second group of one or more panels.

[0138] In other such embodiments, however, the first group of one or more panels and the second group of one or more panels is a same group of one or more panels.

[0139] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, at least one panel in the first group of one or more panels is also in the second group of one or more panels.

[0140] In some embodiments, the control signaling deactivates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0141] For example, in one embodiment, the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected group of cellular nodes.

[0142] In another embodiment, however, the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node.

[0143] In some embodiments, the control signaling activates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network. In such cases, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node operating in the cellular network.

[0144] In other cases, however, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a group of cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0145] In still other embodiments, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for simultaneous use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0146] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for orthogonal use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0147] For example, for a first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a first cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a second cellular node For a second time interval that is different than the first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the second cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the first cellular node.

[0148] In some embodiments, the RIS node is communicatively interposed between first and second different gNBs. In these embodiments, the control signaling from the first gNB configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for control and transmission by the first gNB, and the control signaling from the second gNB configures a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for control and transmission by the second gNB.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first gNB is a master gNB, and a distribution of the plurality of panels on the RIS node is determined by the first gNB.

[0150] In one embodiment, the distribution of the plurality of panels on the RIS node is determined by a negotiation between the first and second gNBs.

[0151] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for use by first and second different cells.

[0152] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for control and transmission by first and second different radio devices.

[0153] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a transmitter and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a receiver.

[0154] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a third set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by both the first and second radios.

[0155] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for use in first and second different frequency bands. For example, in one embodiment, the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the first frequency band and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the second frequency band

[0156] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the first frequency band comprises an uplink, UL, frequency band and the second frequency band comprises a downlink frequency band.

[0157] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use at different time slots.

[0158] In these embodiments, the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use on the UL at a first time slot, and for use on the DL at a second time slot, different from the first time slot.

[0159] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures one or more of the plurality of panels on the RIS node as a guard band.

[0160] In some embodiments, the control signaling disables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

[0161] In some embodiments, the control signaling enables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

[0162] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node to retransmit the control signaling to the at least one cellular node.

[0163] In some embodiments, the control link and the first transmission link are a same link.

[0164] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters of the one or more panels on the RIS node.

[0165] In at least one embodiment, the one or more control parameters are indicated by one or more flags and / or headers carried by the control signaling.

[0166] In some embodiments, the control signaling enables and / or disables one or more passive panels on the RIS node.

[0167] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures one or more passive panels on the RIS node for beamforming.

[0168] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters that configure the RIS node to receive one or more beams from the one or more cellular nodes.

[0169] In some embodiments, the RIS node is associated with one of a cluster, a tracking area, and a geographical area

[0170] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cellular node.

[0171] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cluster of cellular nodes.

[0172] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for Discontinuous Reception, DRX. In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to store data received in a transmission from the control node, and retransmit the transmission at a specified time.

[0173] In some embodiments, the measurement report is sent to the control node using one of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, a Medium Access Control, MAC, Control Element, CE, and L1 signaling.

[0174] Figure 8 is a flow diagram 220 illustrating a method, implemented at a control node (e.g., gNB 40 or master UE 132), for controlling the operation of an RIS node 110. As previously described, the RIS node 110 comprises a plurality of RIS panels 22 and is communicatively coupled to the control node and one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network.

[0175] As seen in Figure 8, the control node generates control signaling for the RIS node 110 (box 222). The control signaling, as stated above, configures the one or more RIS panels 22 on the RIS node 110 to perform a cellular function. So generated, the control node sends the control signaling to the RIS node 110 over a control link (box 224).

[0176] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0177] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a first group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a first cellular node operating in the cellular network, and a second group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a second cellular node operating in the cellular network.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first group of one or more panels is different from the second group of one or more panels.

[0179] In another embodiment, the first group of one or more panels and the second group of one or more panels is a same group of one or more panels.

[0180] In at least one embodiment, however, at least one panel in the first group of one or more panels is also in the second group of one or more panels.

[0181] In some embodiments, the control signaling deactivates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0182] In some embodiments, the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected group of cellular nodes.

[0183] For example, in one embodiment, the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node.

[0184] In some embodiments, the control signaling activates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0185] In some embodiments, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node operating in the cellular network.

[0186] In some embodiments, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a group of cellular nodes operating in the cellular network. In some embodiments, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for simultaneous use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0187] In some embodiments, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for orthogonal use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

[0188] In some embodiments, for a first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a first cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a second cellular node. For a second time interval that is different than the first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the second cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the first cellular node.

[0189] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for use by first and second different cells.

[0190] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for control and transmission by first and second different radio devices.

[0191] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a transmitter and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a receiver.

[0192] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a third set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by both the first and second radios.

[0193] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node for use in first and second different frequency bands.

[0194] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the first frequency band and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the second frequency band.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first frequency band comprises an uplink, UL, frequency band and the second frequency band comprises a downlink frequency band.

[0196] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use at different time slots.

[0197] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use on the UL at a first time slot, and for use on the DL at a second time slot, different from the first time slot.

[0198] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures one or more of the plurality of panels on the RIS node as a guard band.

[0199] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node to receive user traffic from the control node over a first transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the control node and transmit the user traffic to at least one cellular node over a second transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the at least one cellular node. In some embodiments, the control signaling disables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

[0200] In some embodiments, the control signaling enables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

[0201] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the RIS node to retransmit the control signaling to the at least one cellular node.

[0202] In some embodiments, the control link and the first transmission link are a same link.

[0203] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters of the one or more panels on the RIS node.

[0204] In some embodiments, the one or more control parameters are indicated by one or more flags and / or headers carried by the control signaling.

[0205] In some embodiments, the control signaling enables and / or disables one or more passive panels on the RIS node.

[0206] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures one or more passive panels on the RIS node for beamforming.

[0207] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters that configure the RIS node to receive one or more beams from the one or more cellular nodes.

[0208] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cellular node.

[0209] In some embodiments, the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cluster of cellular nodes.

[0210] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for Discontinuous Reception, DRX.

[0211] In some embodiments, the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to store data received in a transmission from the control node and retransmit the transmission at a specified time.

[0212] In some embodiments, at least one of the cellular nodes is the control node and comprises one of a master User Equipment, UE, a master access node, and another RIS node.

[0213] In some embodiments, at least one of the cellular nodes comprises one of a User Equipment, UE, an access node, and another RIS node.

[0214] An apparatus can perform any of the methods herein described by implementing any functional means, modules, units, or circuitry. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatuses comprise respective circuits or circuitry configured to perform the steps shown in the method figures. The circuits or circuitry in this regard may comprise circuits dedicated to performing certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For instance, the circuitry may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include Digital Signal Processors, DSPs, special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory, ROM, random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In embodiments that employ memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, carries out the techniques described herein.

[0215] Figure 9 illustrates some of the main functional components of a RIS node 300 As seen in Figure 9, the RIS node 300 comprises communication circuitry 310, processing circuitry 320, and memory 330.

[0216] In some embodiments, the communication circuitry 310 comprises both radio frequency, RF, circuitry 312 and network interface circuitry, NIC, 314. In other embodiments, however, the network node may comprise only NIC 314. More particularly, the RF circuitry 312 can be located at one or more TRPs and comprises the RF components necessary for communicating with other nodes, such as RIS node 122, UE 50, master UE 132, and gNB 40, for example, over one or more wireless communication links. According to the present embodiments, the RF circuitry 312 may comprise, for example, a transmitter and receiver configured to operate according to the 5G standards or other wireless communication standard.

[0217] The communication circuitry 310 may also comprise network interface circuitry (e.g., NIC 314) for communication with other RAN nodes, core network nodes, and / or external systems. The network interface circuitry may, for example, comprise an Ethernet interface, optical network interface, or a wireless interface.

[0218] The processing circuitry 320 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of the RIS node 300 The processing circuitry 320 can be configured by software to perform one or more of the methods herein described including the methods 210 as shown in Figure 7.

[0219] Memory 330 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 320 for operation. Memory 330 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage. Memory 330 stores a computer program 340 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuit 320 in the RIS node 300 to perform one or more of the methods herein described including the method 210 as shown in Figure 7. A computer program 340 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0220] In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory, RAM. In some embodiments, computer program 340 for configuring the processing circuitry 320 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 340 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0221] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs. A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0222] Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0223] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

[0224] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0225] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the components of an exemplary network node 400, such as gNB 40, for example, configured to control a RIS node 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As seen in Figure 10, these components comprise, for example, communication circuitry 410, processing circuitry 420, and memory 430.

[0226] In some embodiments, the communication circuitry 410 comprises both radio frequency (RF) circuitry 412 and network interface circuitry, NIC, 414. In other embodiments, however, the network node may comprise only NIC 414. More particularly, the RF circuitry 412 can be located at one or more TRPs and comprises the RF components necessary for communicating with other nodes, such as RIS node 122, UE 50, and master UE 132, for example, over one or more wireless communication links. According to the present embodiments, the RF circuitry 412 may comprise, for example, a transmitter and receiver configured to operate according to the 5G standards or other wireless communication standard.

[0227] The communication circuitry 410 may also comprise network interface circuitry (e.g., NIC 414) for communication with other RAN nodes, core network nodes, and or external systems. The network interface circuitry may, for example, comprise an Ethernet interface, optical network interface, or a wireless interface. The processing circuitry 420 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of the network node 400. The processing circuitry 420 can be configured by software to perform one or more of the methods herein described including the methods 220 as shown in Figure 8.

[0228] Memory 430 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 420 for operation. Memory 430 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage. Memory 430 stores a computer program 440 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuit 420 in the network node 400 to perform one or more of the methods herein described including the method 220 as shown in Figure 8. A computer program 440 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0229] In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory, EPROM, or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory, RAM. In some embodiments, computer program 440 for configuring the processing circuitry 420 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 440 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0230] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs. A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0231] Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0232] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

[0233] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating some of the components of an exemplary UE 500 configured to control and communicate with a RIS node 300 and / or network node 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. UE 500 in this embodiment may be, for example, UE 50 or master UE 132 previously described, and comprises The UE 400 includes an antenna panel or antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas 510, communication circuitry 520, processing circuitry 530, and memory 540.

[0234] The communication circuitry 520 connects to the antennas 510 and comprises radio frequency, RF, circuitry for communicating over a wireless communication link with multiple TRPs in a wireless communication system. The RF circuitry may comprise, for example, a transmitter and receiver configured to operate according to the 5G standards or other wireless communication standard. In exemplary embodiments, the RF circuitry includes two or more receiver chains for receiving signals transmitted from spatially separated TRPs.

[0235] The processing circuitry 530 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of UE 500. The processing circuitry 530 can be configured by software to perform the methods herein described including the method 220 shown in Figure 8.

[0236] Memory 540 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 530 for operation. Memory 540 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage. Memory 540 stores a computer program 550 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuit 530 in the UE 500 to perform the methods herein described including the method 220 shown in Figure 8. A computer program 550 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above. In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory, EPROM, or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory, RAM. In some embodiments, computer program 550 for configuring the processing circuitry 530 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 550 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium.

[0237] Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0238] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

[0239] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0240] The present embodiments may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from characteristics described herein. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A method (200), performed by a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), for controlling an operation of the RIS node, wherein the RIS node comprises a plurality of panels (22) and is communicatively coupled to one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network, the method comprising: receiving (202), over a control link from a control node (400, 500) operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and configuring (204) one or more panels on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

3. The method of claims 1-2, wherein the control signaling configures: a first group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a first cellular node operating in the cellular network; and a second group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a second cellular node operating in the cellular network.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first group of one or more panels is different from the second group of one or more panels.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first group of one or more panels and the second group of one or more panels is a same group of one or more panels.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein at least one panel in the first group of one or more panels is also in the second group of one or more panels.

7. The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the control signaling deactivates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected group of cellular nodes.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node10. The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the control signaling activates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.1 1 . The method of claim 10, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node operating in the cellular network.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a group of cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for simultaneous use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for orthogonal use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein: for a first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a first cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a second cellular node; for a second time interval that is different than the first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the second cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the first cellular node.

16. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the RIS node is communicatively interposed between first and second different gNBs, and wherein: the control signaling from the first gNB configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for control and transmission by the first gNB; and the control signaling from the second gNB configures a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for control and transmission by the second gNB.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first gNB is a master gNB, and wherein a distribution of the plurality of panels on the RIS node is determined by the first gNB.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the distribution of the plurality of panels on the RIS node is determined by a negotiation between the first and second gNBs.

19. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for use by first and second different cells.

20. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for control and transmission by first and second different radio devices.21 . The method of claim 20, wherein the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a transmitter and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a receiver.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the control signaling configures a third set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by both the first and second radios.

23. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for use in first and second different frequency bands.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the first frequency band and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the second frequency band.

25. The method of any of claims 23-24, wherein the first frequency band comprises an uplink, UL, frequency band and the second frequency band comprises a downlink frequency band.

26. The method of any of claims 1-25, wherein the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use at different time slots.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use on the UL at a first time slot, and for use on the DL at a second time slot, different from the first time slot.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the control signaling configures one or more of the plurality of panels on the RIS node as a guard band.

29. The method of any of claims 1-28, further comprising the RIS node: receiving (206) user traffic from the control node over a first transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the control node; and transmitting (208) the user traffic to at least one cellular node over a second transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the at least one cellular node.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the control signaling disables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the control signaling enables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node to retransmit the control signaling to the at least one cellular node.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein the control link and the first transmission link are a same link34. The method of claim 33, wherein the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters of the one or more panels on the RIS node.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the one or more control parameters are indicated by one or more flags and / or headers carried by the control signaling.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein the control signaling enables and / or disables one or more passive panels on the RIS node.

37. The method of claim 29, wherein the control signaling configures one or more passive panels on the RIS node for beamforming.

38. The method of any of claims 29-37, wherein the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters that configure the RIS node to receive one or more beams from the one or more cellular nodes.

39. The method of any of claims 29-38, wherein the RIS node is associated with one of: a cluster; a tracking area; and a geographical area.

40. The method of any of claims 29-39, further comprising the RIS node storing (210) the one or more control parameters in memory.41 . The method of any of claims 1-40, wherein the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cellular node.

42. The method of any of claims 1-40, wherein the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cluster of cellular nodes.

43. The method of any of claims 1-42, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for Discontinuous Reception, DRX.

44. The method of any of claims 1-43, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to: store data received in a transmission from the control node; and retransmit the transmission at a specified time.

45. The method of any of claims 1-44, further comprising the RIS node: monitoring (212) transmissions on a communications link for a predetermined time period, wherein the communications link comprises one of an access link and a backhaul link; and sending (214) a measurement report for the communications link to the control node.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the measurement report is sent to the control node using one of:Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling; a Medium Access Control, MAC, Control Element, CE; andL1 signaling.

47. A method (220), performed by a control node (400, 500) operating in a cellular network, for controlling an operation of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), wherein the RIS node comprises a plurality of panels (22) and is communicatively coupled to the control node and one or more cellular nodes operating in a cellular network, the method comprising: generating (222) control signaling for the RIS node, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and sending (224) the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

49. The method of any of claims 47-48, wherein the control signaling configures: a first group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a first cellular node operating in the cellular network; and a second group of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a second cellular node operating in the cellular network.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the first group of one or more panels is different from the second group of one or more panels.51 . The method of claim 49, wherein the first group of one or more panels and the second group of one or more panels is a same group of one or more panels.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one panel in the first group of one or more panels is also in the second group of one or more panels.

53. The method of claim 47-52, wherein the control signaling deactivates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected group of cellular nodes.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the control signaling deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node.

56. The method of any of claims 47-52, wherein the control signaling activates a selected group of one or more panels for use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a selected cellular node operating in the cellular network.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a group of cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for simultaneous use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for orthogonal use by the one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular network.61 . The method of claim 60 wherein: for a first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a first cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by a second cellular node; for a second time interval that is different than the first time interval, the control signaling activates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the second cellular node and deactivates the selected group of one or more panels for use by the first cellular node.

62. The method of any of claims 47-61 , wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for use by first and second different cells.

63. The method of any of claims 47-61 , wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for control and transmission by first and second different radio devices.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a transmitter and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by a receiver.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein the control signaling configures a third set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use by both the first and second radios.

66. The method of any of claims 47-61 , wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node for use in first and second different frequency bands.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the control signaling configures a first set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the first frequency band and a second set of one or more panels on the RIS node for use in the second frequency band.

68. The method of any of claims 66-67, wherein the first frequency band comprises an uplink, UL, frequency band and the second frequency band comprises a downlink frequency band.

69. The method of any of claims 47-68, wherein the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use at different time slots.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the control signaling configures the plurality of panels on the RIS node for use on the UL at a first time slot, and for use on a downlink, DL, at a second time slot, different from the first time slot.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein the control signaling configures one or more of the plurality of panels on the RIS node as a guard band.

72. The method of any of claims 47-71 , wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node to: receive (206) user traffic from the control node over a first transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the control node; and transmit (208) the user traffic to at least one cellular node over a second transmission link communicatively connecting the RIS node to the at least one cellular node.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the control signaling disables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein the control signaling enables one or both of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

75. The method of claim 72, wherein the control signaling configures the RIS node to retransmit the control signaling to the at least one cellular node.

76. The method of claim 72, wherein the control link and the first transmission link are a same link77. The method of claim 76, wherein the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters of the one or more panels on the RIS node.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the one or more control parameters are indicated by one or more flags and / or headers carried by the control signaling.

79. The method of claim 72, wherein the control signaling enables and / or disables one or more passive panels on the RIS node.

80. The method of claim 72, wherein the control signaling configures one or more passive panels on the RIS node for beamforming.81 . The method of any of claims 72-80, wherein the control signaling comprises one or more control parameters that configure the RIS node to receive one or more beams from the one or more cellular nodes.

82. The method of any of claims 47-81 , wherein the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cellular node.

83. The method of any of claims 47-81 , wherein the control signaling comprises a unique identifier that identifies a given cluster of cellular nodes.

84. The method of any of claims 47-83, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node for Discontinuous Reception, DRX.

85. The method of any of claims 47-84, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to: store data received in a transmission from the control node; and retransmit the transmission at a specified time.

86. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cellular nodes is the control node and comprises one of: a master User Equipment, UE, (132); a master access node (40); and another RIS node (122).

87. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cellular nodes comprises one of: a User Equipment, UE, (50); an access node (40); and another RIS node (122).

88. A Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300) comprising: communications interface circuitry (310) configured to communicatively couple the RIS node to one or more control nodes (400, 500) operating in a cellular communications network and one or more cellular nodes operating in the cellular communications network; and processing circuitry (320) operatively connected to the communications interface circuitry and configured to: receive (202), over a control link from the control node operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and configure (204) one or more panels (22) on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.

89. The RIS node of claim 88, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method according to any of claims 1-46 and 86-87.

90. A Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300) configured to: receive (202), over a control link from a control node (400, 500) operating in the cellular network, control signaling that configures the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and configure (204) one or more panels (22) on the RIS node to perform the cellular function in accordance with the control signaling.91 . The RIS node of claim 90, wherein the RIS node is further configured to perform the method according to any of claims 1-46 and 86-87.

92. A computer program (340) comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed on processing circuitry (320) of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), causes the RIS node to perform the method according to any of claims 1-46 and 86-87.

93. A carrier comprising the computer program of claim 92, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

94. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (330) comprising a computer program (340) stored thereon, the computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (320) of a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), causes the RIS node to perform the method according to any of claims 1-46 and 86-87.

95. A control node (400, 500), operating in a cellular network, for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300) comprising a plurality of panels (22), the control node comprising: communications interface circuitry (410, 520) configured to communicatively couple the control node to the RIS node; and processing circuitry (420, 530) operatively connected to the communications interface circuitry and configured to: generate (222) control signaling for the RIS node, wherein the control signaling configures the one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and send (224) the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

96. The control node of claim 95, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method according to any of claims 47-87.

97. A control node (400, 500), operating in a cellular network, for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300) comprising a plurality of panels (22), the control node configured to: generate (222) control signaling for the RIS node, wherein the control signaling configures one or more panels on the RIS node to perform a cellular function; and send (224) the control signaling to the RIS node over a control link.

98. The control node of claim 97, wherein the control node is further configured to perform the method according to any of claims 47-87.

99. A computer program (440, 550) comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed on processing circuitry (420, 530) of a control node (400, 500) communicatively connected to a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), causes the control node to perform the method according to any of claims 47-87.

100. A carrier comprising the computer program of claim 99, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

101. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (430, 540) comprising a computer program (440, 550) stored thereon, the computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (420, 530) of a control node (400, 500)communicatively connected to a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, node (300), causes the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any of claims 47-87.

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