RIS-Assisted IoT Connectivity via Dedicated Control Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power IoT devices often lose connection with the network due to blockages, mobility, and environmental factors, leading to communication failures due to their limited transmit power, which existing RIS solutions cannot effectively address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a RIS with active elements and a novel dedicated control link (UEAC) for communication between the RIS and IoT devices, allowing them to reconnect with the network even when the gNB is obstructed, using a first channel for transmission to the RIS and a second channel for reception from the RIS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low-power IoT devices transmit data directly to gNB, then energy consumption is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to blockages and limited transmit power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) as an intermediary between the low-power IoT device and the gNB. The RIS reflects and redirects signals to establish alternative communication paths, enabling reliable connectivity without requiring the IoT device to increase its transmit power. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining low energy consumption while improving connection reliability through the intermediary RIS.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial dimension by deploying the RIS on surfaces such as walls or ceilings to create indirect transmission paths. Instead of relying on direct line-of-sight communication, the system exploits the third dimension (vertical and lateral space) to route signals around obstacles, thereby maintaining reliable connectivity without increasing device power consumption.
2Reliability
If IoT devices increase transmit power to overcome blockages, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS acts as a passive intermediary that reflects signals without requiring the IoT device to increase power. The RIS elements are controlled by the network to redirect signals around blockages, achieving reliable connectivity while keeping the IoT device's energy consumption low.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the transmit power parameter of the IoT device, the system changes the propagation path parameters by configuring the RIS elements. The RIS adjusts its reflection coefficients and beamforming patterns to optimize signal delivery, achieving reliable communication without modifying the device's power consumption characteristics.
3Reliability
If existing RIS solutions are deployed, then blockage avoidance is improved, but they cannot effectively address low-power device reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the universality of RIS solutions by designing them to serve multiple functions: traditional blockage avoidance for high-power devices and reconnection assistance for low-power IoT devices. The RIS can dynamically adapt its configuration based on the capabilities and requirements of different device types, making the solution versatile across various power scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring RIS elements to maintain connectivity for low-power devices before complete disconnection occurs. The network can proactively establish RIS-assisted paths for devices with limited power, ensuring they remain connected even in obstructed environments where direct communication would fail.
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
Enables low-cost, low-power connectivity solutions for low-power IoT devices by reestablishing communication links through the RIS, ensuring continuous network access even in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
perform communication with a network device via a RIS, using at least one of a first channel or a second channel, wherein the first channel is for a transmission to the RIS and the second channel is for a reception from the RIS
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) assisted communication. For example, RIS assisted blockage avoidance for low power internet of things (IoT) devices. An apparatus performs communication with a network device via a RIS, using at least one of a first channel or a second channel, wherein the first channel is for a transmission to the RIS and the second channel is for a reception from the RIS. In this way, it is possible to help reconnecting an IoT device with the network that has lost its connection with a gNB by using an RIS. It is also provided a low-cost and low-power connectivity solution for low-power IoT devices.