IRS Phase Control for Secure Wireless Links Without LoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure communication methods in wireless communication require a direct Line of Sight (LoS) link, which is insecure and not feasible in non-LoS scenarios, and they necessitate multiple antenna elements at the transmitter, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) as a controlled scattering cluster to provide location-based secure communication by manipulating the phases of reflected multipath components, allowing constructive addition only at the intended receiver, thus eliminating the need for a direct LoS link and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If directional modulation is used for secure communication, then security performance is improved, but it requires a LoS link which is insecure and not feasible in non-LoS scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IRS (Intelligent Reflecting Surface) as an intermediary device between transmitter and receiver. The IRS manipulates reflected multipath components to enable secure communication without requiring a direct LoS link, thus serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between directional modulation requirements and non-LoS environment constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying on direct spatial positioning (LoS) to utilizing reflected multipath components through IRS. By controlling the phases of reflected signals across multiple paths, the system creates a new dimension of control over signal propagation, enabling secure communication through indirect paths
2Reliability
If multiple base stations are deployed to serve the same user to overcome insecure LoS link, then security is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a reflector for signal propagation, a controller for phase manipulation, and a security mechanism for secure communication. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple base stations, reducing system complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the phase parameters of reflected multipath components through IRS to achieve secure communication. By dynamically adjusting phase shifts, the system provides security without requiring additional infrastructure, thus avoiding the high costs associated with deploying multiple base stations
3Reliability
If transmitter uses multiple antenna elements to implement secure communication methods, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IRS acts as an intermediary that performs the complex signal manipulation functions at the reflection point rather than requiring multiple antenna elements at the transmitter. This transfers the complexity from the transmitter to the IRS, enabling secure communication with simpler transmitter hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple antenna elements for beamforming with an electromagnetic approach using IRS to manipulate reflected signals. This substitution reduces the physical complexity at the transmitter while achieving the same security objectives
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a reliable, stable, and secure multipath component to the receiver, regardless of channel conditions, without requiring multiple antenna elements at the transmitter, and it ensures secure communication even in non-LoS scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
exploiting the controlled multipath components of the reflected signal by IRS
Implementation Method 2
shuffling the phases of those components so they add constructively only at the intended receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for a location-based secure communication based on IRS. The controlled multipath components of the reflected signal are exploited by IRS, and secure communication is enabled through shuffling the phases of those components so they add constructively only at the intended receiver.