Abstract: A method includes acquiring multiple pieces of first received signal quality information at a receiver, where the multiple pieces of first received signal quality information represent qualities of signals received at the receiver, generating first conditional sample statistical values based on the multiple pieces of first received signal quality information and phase shift arrays corresponding to the signals, determining the first phase shift array that meets a communication requirement according to the first conditional sample statistical values, where the first phase shift array includes the phase shift value for at least one reflective element of an IRS, and configuring the IRS based on the first phase shift array.