RIS Group Activation for Interference and Channel Estimation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) in wireless communication systems face challenges such as increased interference and complex channel estimation due to uncontrollable reflections, especially when multiple RISs are activated, leading to inefficiencies in transmission and channel estimation overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to selectively activate or deactivate subsets of RISs based on network entity decisions, using signaling to control the state of RISs, thereby reducing interference and optimizing channel estimation, and grouping RISs to reduce signaling overhead and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple RISs are activated to improve wireless communication coverage and capacity, then the communication capacity and coverage are enhanced, but transmission interference increases and channel estimation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RIS activation and deactivation based on network conditions, user equipment locations, and traffic demands. The network entity controls RIS elements to switch between active and inactive states, adjusting the number of active RISs according to real-time communication requirements, thereby maintaining high capacity while reducing interference when full activation is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides RISs into multiple groups and activates specific groups based on spatial regions and communication needs. By segmenting the RIS deployment into controllable groups, the system can activate only the necessary portions of RIS infrastructure for each transmission scenario, reducing overall interference while maintaining local capacity enhancements where needed.
2Reliability
If multiple RISs are activated to enhance wireless communication, then channel diversity is improved, but channel estimation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only a subset of RISs necessary for serving current users, rather than activating all RISs continuously. The network entity determines the minimum required RIS activation based on user locations and channel conditions, reducing channel estimation overhead while maintaining sufficient channel diversity for reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary channel estimation and RIS selection before actual data transmission. The network entity pre-evaluates channel conditions and selects appropriate RISs in advance, so that when transmission occurs, the channel estimation overhead is minimized since the RIS configuration is already optimized for the current channel state.
3Reliability
If RISs are continuously activated to maintain communication quality, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic evaluation and adjustment of RIS activation states rather than continuous activation. The network entity periodically assesses communication quality metrics and user equipment locations, activating or deactivating RISs in response to changing conditions, thereby maintaining service reliability only when and where needed, reducing unnecessary power consumption during periods of low demand or good direct channel conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, to techniques for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication. A method that may be performed by a network entity includes determining a subset of RISs controlled by the network entity to be activated or deactivated and transmitting, to each RIS of the subset of RISs, signaling activating or deactivating the subset of RISs in accordance with the determination. In response to receiving such signaling, each RIS of the subset of RISs may activate or deactivate in accordance with the signaling.