Reflective Surface Connection Setup for mmWave nLoS Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining effective connectivity due to blocking by objects, especially in mmWave communications, where direct Line of Sight (LoS) paths are obstructed, leading to increased path loss and limited coverage, particularly in non-line-of-sight (nLoS) locations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS) to reflect radio waves, where information about these surfaces is provided on a different communication channel than the one used for establishing connections, allowing devices to efficiently determine the optimal channel and beam direction for communication with a second device via the IRS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct Line of Sight (LoS) path is used for wireless communication, then communication reliability is improved, but coverage area is limited due to blocking by objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element to establish indirect communication paths between base stations and UEs when direct LoS paths are blocked. The reflective surface reflects radio waves to create alternative signal paths, enabling communication in nLoS locations while maintaining connection reliability through the mediated reflection path.
2Area of stationary object
If non-line of sight (nLoS) paths are used to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but path loss increases leading to reduced signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface acts as an energy-preserving intermediary that reflects radio waves with minimal loss compared to conventional nLoS paths. By providing a controlled reflection path, the system extends coverage to nLoS areas while maintaining signal quality and reducing the effective path loss that would otherwise occur in uncontrolled non-line-of-sight conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If reflective surfaces are used to establish connections in nLoS locations, then coverage is improved, but search complexity for finding optimal paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing information about reflective surfaces to UEs before the UEs attempt to establish connections. This pre-provided information includes details about available reflective surfaces and their characteristics, allowing UEs to directly utilize these surfaces for connection establishment without needing to perform complex real-time searches, thereby reducing search complexity while maintaining 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 reduces the search complexity and duration for establishing wireless connections, enabling efficient access to high-throughput Frequency Range 2 (FR2) coverage in nLoS locations by providing predictable and focused beamforming, thus enhancing communication efficiency and reducing search effort.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic meta-surface is a surface made of electromagnetic material that is engineered in order to exhibit properties that are not found in naturally occurring materials... a meta-surface is made of a two-dimensional array of sub-wavelength metallic or dielectric scattering particles that transform the electromagnetic waves in different ways
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided. In an example aspect, a method performed by a first wireless communication device of establishing a connection for wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving, on a first wireless communications channel, information about a reflective surface. The method also includes establishing, based on the information about the reflective surface, the connection for wireless communication with a second wireless communication device via the reflective surface on a second wireless communications channel, wherein the second wireless communications channel is different to the first wireless communications channel.