Device with programmable reflector for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves

A method, comprising:

• configuring a programmable substrate of a first reflector in response to program information;
• providing a second reflector;
• generating, by a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of electromagnetic signals that convey data;
• generating, according to the plurality of electromagnetic signals, resonating electromagnetic signals, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electromagnetic signals resonates in a cavity between the first reflector and the second reflector resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals;
• and
• combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that conveys the data, wherein the electromagnetic wave traverses the first reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the physical transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.

A device, comprising:

• means for configuring a programmable substrate of a first reflector in response to program information;
• means for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals that convey data;
• means for generating, according to the plurality of electromagnetic signals, resonating electromagnetic signals, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of electromagnetic signals resonate in a cavity between the first reflector and a second reflector resulting in resonating electromagnetic signals;
• and
• means for combining the resonating electromagnetic signals to form an electromagnetic wave that conveys the data, wherein the electromagnetic wave traverses the first reflector and couples onto a physical transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the physical transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.