IRS Signal Quality Measurement for Reflection Surface Selection
Solution Overview
Problem
Network nodes face challenges in identifying and quantifying the contributions of individual intelligent reflection surfaces (IRSs) to signal quality, leading to inefficient management and configuration of these surfaces for improved communication performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A network node transmits reference signals via different subsets of IRSs, obtains signal quality measurements, and selectively activates/deactivates IRSs to identify which contribute most to communications, enabling efficient management and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal quality measurements are performed using multiple IRSs simultaneously, then communication reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify individual IRS contributions to signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the set of IRSs into different subsets and performs separate signal quality measurements for each subset. This segmentation allows the network node to identify which specific IRSs contribute to signal quality while still benefiting from multiple IRSs simultaneously, as the measurements are performed in a structured sequence that isolates individual contributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where the network node sequentially activates different IRS subsets and performs measurements in a repeating pattern. This periodic action enables systematic identification of individual IRS contributions while maintaining overall communication reliability through the structured measurement approach.
2Reliability
If all IRSs are activated continuously, then signal quality is improved, but energy consumption and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IRS population into active and inactive subsets based on measurement results. By identifying and activating only the IRSs that contribute to signal quality, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining signal quality, as fewer IRSs need to remain continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the network node to deactivate (discard) IRSs that do not contribute to signal quality based on measurement results, and reactivate (recover) them when needed. This dynamic management reduces continuous energy consumption while preserving the ability to utilize all IRSs when required.
3Reliability
If more IRSs are deployed, then network coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of deployed IRSs into manageable subsets for measurement and control. This segmentation reduces management complexity by allowing the network node to handle IRSs in groups rather than individually, while still achieving comprehensive network coverage through the collective contribution of all IRSs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the IRS system to self-identify contributing elements through automated measurement and evaluation. The network node automatically determines which IRSs are contributing to signal quality without manual intervention, reducing management complexity while maintaining extensive IRS deployment for improved coverage.
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 allows the network node to optimize the indirect link with UEs by identifying and adjusting IRSs based on their signal quality contributions, enhancing network performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
intelligent reflection surfaces (IRSs) - a first transmission, the first transmission comprising a first reference signal or a first sounding reference signal (SRS) request
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a network node may transmit, via a beam and via a first subset of intelligent reflection surfaces (IRSs), a first transmission comprising a first reference signal or a first sounding reference signal (SRS) request. The network node may obtain a first signal quality measurement based at least in part on the first transmission. The network node may transmit, via the beam and via a second subset of IRSs, a second transmission, the second transmission comprising a second reference signal or a second SRS request. The network node may obtain a second signal quality measurement based at least in part on the second transmission. The network node may identify at least one IRS based at least in part on the first signal quality measurement and the second signal quality measurement. Numerous other aspects are described.