RIS Control Architecture for Wireless Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technologies lack solutions for managing computational load and implementing messaging protocols or architectures to effectively control RIS elements within wireless networks, assuming network capacity without validation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring RIS deployments by determining a control and communication (C&C) set based on base station characteristics, including proximity, channel quality, and computational power, using a centralized or distributed approach to manage RIS elements and establish communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RIS control algorithms are implemented without a defined management architecture, then computational load management becomes unfeasible, but network capacity assumptions may be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network manager as an intermediary entity that mediates between base stations and RIS controllers. This network manager handles the computational load of determining RIS configuration parameters, thereby enabling automated RIS control while avoiding the complexity of distributing this computational burden across all network elements. The network manager acts as a central coordinator that simplifies the overall management architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If network capacity is assumed sufficient for RIS management, then implementation is simplified, but accuracy of network capability assessment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network manager determine the capabilities of base stations and RIS controllers before assigning RIS control responsibilities. The network manager collects information about computational powers, channel qualities, and proximity metrics in advance, then uses this pre-assessed information to make informed decisions about RIS configuration and control assignment, ensuring accurate network capacity assessment while maintaining ease of deployment.
3Reliability
If base station characteristics are evaluated for RIS control assignment, then optimal C&C set determination is achieved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the network manager evaluate specific characteristics of base stations and RIS controllers locally relevant to RIS control assignment. Instead of processing all possible information about network elements, the system focuses on determining proximity between base stations and RIS controllers, assessing channel qualities of specific links, and evaluating computational powers relevant to the task. This selective information processing achieves reliable control assignment while minimizing the volume of information that must be processed.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided methods and apparatuses for configuring reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to support network service. According to embodiments, there are provided centralized, distributed and hybrid methods for determining a set of base stations that can be responsible for control and communication (C&C) of RIS. In particular, there are provided RIS C&C architectures, RIS-specific messaging protocols in various scenarios, and a grid-based method for facilitation of RIS related analysis.