RIS Phase Control for Wireless Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security techniques for wireless communication systems, particularly in reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) enabled networks, face challenges in efficiently enhancing physical layer security (PLS) without increasing power consumption or requiring additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) to dynamically adjust the phases of its elements, creating a constant channel for legitimate receivers while introducing dynamic interference for eavesdroppers, thereby enhancing security without additional power or hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial noise (AN)-assisted schemes are used to enhance security, then security is improved, but power consumption increases and signal fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RIS as an intermediary component that passively manipulates electromagnetic waves to achieve security enhancement. The RIS elements reflect and focus signals toward legitimate receivers while creating interference zones for eavesdroppers, eliminating the need for active power transmission of artificial noise by the base station or user equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the active electronic system (AN transmission requiring power amplifiers and signal processing) with a passive electromagnetic manipulation system using RIS. The RIS uses meta-material elements to control wave propagation through geometric configuration rather than active power consumption, substituting mechanical/electromagnetic structure for electronic power-intensive operations.
2Reliability
If signal jamming techniques are used to enhance security, then security is improved, but additional jamming devices and power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The RIS serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances signal strength for legitimate receivers through focused reflection, creates interference for eavesdroppers through controlled scattering, and does so without requiring separate jamming devices. The same RIS infrastructure that enables communication also provides security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the security enhancement function with the existing RIS infrastructure used for signal propagation control. Instead of adding separate jamming devices, the security function is integrated into the RIS element configuration, combining communication support and security protection in a single system.
3Reliability
If encryption is used to protect information, then security is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computational encryption methods with physical layer security through electromagnetic wave manipulation. Instead of using computational algorithms that require processing power, the system uses passive RIS elements to physically control signal propagation, creating security through the laws of physics rather than mathematical 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
The proposed solution effectively disrupts eavesdropper activities while maintaining secure communication for legitimate receivers, operating independently of eavesdropper channel knowledge and scalable for multiple eavesdroppers or antennas.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically rendering a channel with another receiver or an eavesdropper without changing a channel with the first receiver during a channel coherence time by changing phase(s) of at least part of the first RIS elements at least once during the channel coherence time
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the first signal to the first receiver using the first RIS elements
Data Source
AI summary
A security enhancement method, performed by a controller controlling a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), may comprise: selecting first RIS elements for a first signal transmitted between a transmitter and a first receiver that is a legitimate receiver, the first RIS elements including at least part of elements of the RIS; transmitting the first signal to the first receiver using the first RIS elements; and dynamically rendering a channel with another receiver or an eavesdropper without changing a channel with the first receiver during a channel coherence time between the transmitter and the first receiver, by changing phase(s) of at least part of the first RIS elements at least once during the channel coherence time.