RIS Beam Refinement via RIS-MT Proxy Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, the lack of line-of-sight between base stations and wireless devices due to blockages leads to suboptimal beam training, impacting communication reliability and spectral efficiency, especially when RIS arrays and RIS-MT arrays have different characteristics or operate with reduced antenna elements or partial obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first network node performing beam training with a RIS-MT array to identify a first beam, and then transmitting a second beam to the RIS array for reflection or refraction to a wireless device, utilizing a buddy node for beam refinement and frequency translation to enhance communication efficiency even with partial blockages or disabled sub-arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beam training is performed with RIS-MT array, then a first beam can be identified for communication, but the beam may not be optimal when transmitted to RIS array due to different characteristics between RIS-MT array and RIS array
Solution Approach 1:
A buddy node is introduced as an intermediary to perform beam training with the RIS array. The buddy node transmits reference signals that are reflected by the RIS array, enabling the network node to identify an optimal second beam for communication with the RIS array. This intermediary approach resolves the mismatch between beam training capabilities of RIS-MT array and actual RIS array characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a RIS-MT array as a virtual copy or proxy for the RIS array during initial beam training. The RIS-MT array provides a simplified interface for beam training, while the actual RIS array characteristics are captured through buddy node measurements, allowing the system to translate training results from the proxy to the actual system.
2Device complexity
If RIS array operates with reduced antenna elements or under partial obstructions, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam parameters based on the actual operational state of the RIS array. When antenna elements are reduced or obstructions occur, the buddy node measures the actual reflected signals and the network node identifies updated optimal beams that account for the changed configuration, maintaining communication reliability despite parameter changes in the RIS array.
3Productivity
If standard beam training is used without considering RIS array characteristics, then beam training can be performed, but spectral efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The buddy node serves as a mediator that enables efficient beam training specifically tailored for RIS arrays. By having the buddy node transmit reference signals through the RIS array and measure the reflected signals, the system obtains accurate channel state information that directly reflects the RIS array's actual characteristics, enabling spectral efficiency optimization without excessive complexity.
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 results in a more optimal beam for communication, improving coverage and spectral efficiency by addressing the differences in RIS array and RIS-MT array characteristics and mitigating the effects of partial blockages and reduced antenna elements.
Implementation Method 1
transmit communication to the RIS array for reflection or refraction to a wireless device
Implementation Method 2
transmit communication to the RIS array for reflection or refraction to a wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication at a first network node is disclosed herein. The method includes performing beam training with a RIS-MT array, wherein the RIS-MT array is associated with a RIS array. The method includes identifying, based on the beam training, a first beam for communication with the RIS-MT array. The method includes transmitting communication to the RIS array for reflection or refraction to a wireless device using a second beam based, at least in part, on the first beam identified for the RIS-MT array.