IRS Resource Sharing for Multi-Base-Station Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G and 6G networks face limitations in controlling the wireless channel and high power consumption, lack optimal utilization of emerging technologies, and do not provide for sharing IRS resources among multiple base stations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for sharing Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) resources among base stations, involving a network device that communicates with an IRS manager and controller to allocate resources based on UE measurement reports, using interfaces like CCIM and DUI, to enhance communication and control IRS tilt and beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IRS resources are shared among multiple base stations, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An IRS manager entity is introduced as an intermediary to coordinate resource sharing between multiple base stations and the IRS. The manager handles scheduling decisions, resource allocation, and communication between base stations and IRS controllers, thereby improving resource utilization while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The IRS resource sharing mechanism enables a single IRS to serve multiple base stations and multiple UEs simultaneously through time-division and frequency-division multiplexing. This multi-functional usage of the same physical resource improves overall system productivity without requiring additional IRS deployments.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional 5G networks are used, then network coverage is provided, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active signal transmission (which consumes high power in conventional 5G base stations) with passive signal reflection using IRS. The IRS elements passively reflect and redirect electromagnetic waves toward target UEs, achieving network coverage extension without the high power consumption associated with active transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The IRS consists of low-cost passive reflecting elements that can be deployed extensively to provide coverage. These passive elements consume minimal power compared to active base station transmitters, enabling coverage extension with significantly reduced energy consumption.
3Productivity
If wireless channel control is improved using IRS, then communication efficiency is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report channel quality indicators (CQI) and measurement reports to the IRS manager. Based on this feedback, the manager dynamically adjusts IRS resource allocation and beamforming configurations to optimize communication efficiency while managing control complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The IRS system dynamically adjusts its reflecting characteristics and resource allocation based on real-time channel conditions and UE requirements. The IRS manager continuously optimizes resource distribution among multiple base stations and UEs, enabling adaptive control that improves communication efficiency while managing complexity through algorithmic automation.
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
Facilitates efficient, concurrent communication between base stations and UEs, reduces the need for additional BS deployment, and enhances user experience by improving signal coverage and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A typical IRS architecture comprises of many low-cost passive antennas that can smartly reflect the impinging electromagnetic waves for performance enhancement
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiment of network device includes one or more processors coupled to a memory storing a set of instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the network device to: receive, from an IRS manager, a scheduling data request. The one or more processors further causes the network device to transmit, to the IRS manager, responsive to the received scheduling data request, a scheduling data response and receive, from the IRS manager, an IRS resource command, wherein the IRS manager transmits the IRS resource command responsive to the scheduling data response. Further, the one or more processors causes the network device to transmit to an IRS controller associated with the IRS, the received IRS resource command, wherein IRS controller is configured to allocate the IRS resources to each of the plurality of UEs based on the IRS resource command.