IRS Tilt Control for 6G Coverage and Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G and future 6G communication networks face limitations in controlling the wireless channel and high power consumption, and lack optimal integration of emerging technologies, with inadequate support for multiple industry verticals, private networks, and flexible deployments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) network architectures that allow for the computation and control of IRS tilt information based on signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio, Reference Signal Received Power, and Reference Signal Received Quality information, enabling efficient beam forming and power allocation in 5G and 6G networks, and facilitating communication between base stations and IRS through a network interface protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional base stations are deployed to improve network coverage, then coverage quality is improved, but deployment cost and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IRS (Intelligent Reflecting Surface) as an intermediary component between the base station and user equipment. The IRS comprises multiple passive reflecting elements that can dynamically adjust phase and amplitude to reflect and focus electromagnetic waves, thereby extending network coverage without requiring additional active base stations. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by achieving coverage improvement through a passive, low-cost infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of deploying more physical base stations with an electromagnetic field-based solution using IRS. Instead of adding more active transmitting devices, the system uses passive electromagnetic wave reflection and focusing through intelligently controlled meta-surface elements, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining coverage quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional wireless communication systems are used, then implementation is simple, but power consumption is high and channel control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel control through IRS by enabling real-time adjustment of the phase and amplitude of each reflecting element based on channel conditions. The base station can dynamically reconfigure the IRS to adapt to changing wireless environments, user positions, and traffic patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize power consumption by directing energy precisely where needed while maintaining excellent channel control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing 5G network architectures are used, then current operations are maintained, but support for multiple industry verticals and flexible deployments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances network architecture universality by integrating IRS as a multi-functional component that can serve diverse industry verticals including wireless backhaul, coverage extension, indoor networking, and private network deployments. The IRS system can be configured through standardized protocols to support different service requirements without requiring separate dedicated infrastructures for each vertical, thereby achieving versatility while controlling architecture complexity through modular design.
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 solution enhances communication efficiency, reduces the need for additional base station deployments, and provides economical, flexible, and sustainable network solutions with improved coverage and energy efficiency, addressing the limitations of existing networks.
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
Implementation Method 2
RIS correspond to smart radio surfaces of many small antennas or reconfigurable metamaterial elements ('unit cells'), which enable the controlling of propagation environment through tuneable scatterings of electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a sixth generation (6G) network device in communication with one or more Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRSs) and one or more UEs are disclosed. In an embodiment, the 6G 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 compute IRS tilt information associated with the one or more IRSs based at least in part on one or more of signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SINR) information, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) information, and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) information received from the one or more UEs. The one or more processors further cause the network device to communicate the computed IRS tilt information to the one or more IRSs via a network interface, wherein the IRS tilt information is used to control one or more operational aspects of the one or more IRSs.