Method and apparatus for beamforming multicast repeater

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A wireless repeater may receive a unicast transmission and may relay the unicast transmission as a multicast transmission to a set of user equipment (UE). Transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting the unicast transmission or a signal derived from the unicast transmission in each beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions. The multicast transmission may be transmitted on multiple antenna arrays or a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater may receive transmissions from multiple UEs; may form an aggregate signal associated with the received transmissions; and may transmit a unicast transmission associated with the aggregate signal (such as to a base station). The multiple UE transmissions may be received on multiple antenna arrays or on a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 824,935, entitled “Beamforming Multicast Repeater,” filed by Hormis et al. on March 27, 2019, and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 830,159, entitled “Beamforming Multicast Repeater,” filed by Hormis et al. on March 25, 2020, each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application. Background Art

[0003] The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to beamforming multicast repeaters.

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems), and fifth generation (5G) systems that may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may use various technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include several base stations or network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports the communication of multiple communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] A wireless repeater may receive a transmission from a base station and may retransmit the transmission to a user equipment (UE). The transmission may be received at a first wireless array of the wireless repeater and may be transmitted at a second wireless array of a transmitter. In some cases, the retransmitted transmission may be transmitted at a higher power than the power at which the received transmission was received.

[0006] Overview

[0007] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting beamforming multicast repeaters. In general, the described technology provides a wireless repeater to receive unicast transmissions and transmit corresponding multicast transmissions to a set of user equipment (UE) along a set of beamforming directions. Transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting the unicast transmission or a signal derived from the unicast transmission on each of the beamforming directions. The multicast transmission may be transmitted on multiple antenna arrays or a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater may receive transmissions from multiple UEs; may form an aggregate signal associated with the received transmissions; and may transmit (e.g., to a base station) a unicast transmission associated with the aggregate signal. The multiple UE transmissions may be received on multiple antenna arrays or on a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix.

[0008] In some examples, the wireless repeater can switch between a downlink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving unicast transmissions and transmitting multicast transmissions (such as transmissions to multiple UEs)) and an uplink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving transmissions from multiple sources (such as multiple UEs) and transmitting unicast transmissions). In other examples, the wireless repeater can be configured to assist in downlink and uplink operations simultaneously. For example, the wireless repeater can be configured to simultaneously receive unicast transmissions and transmissions from multiple UEs, or to simultaneously transmit unicast transmissions and multicast transmissions. Alternatively, the wireless repeater can be configured to simultaneously receive unicast transmissions and transmit unicast transmissions.

[0009] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include: receiving a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of a wireless repeater; mapping the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater; and transmitting a multicast transmission to a set of UEs on the set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission.

[0010] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor of a wireless repeater, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater; map the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater; and transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs on the set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission.

[0011] Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of a wireless repeater; mapping the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater; and transmitting a multicast transmission to a set of UEs on the set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for: receiving a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of a wireless repeater; mapping the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater; and transmitting a multicast transmission to a set of UEs on the set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, transmitting the unicast transmission may include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for the following actions: retransmitting a signal received via the unicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, mapping the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions may include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for routing a signal received via the unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater, wherein a first signal path of the at least two signal paths may be associated with a first beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions and a second signal path of the at least two signal paths may be associated with a second beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for feeding the signal into a beamforming network that may be based on a Butler matrix and may be coupled to the at least two signal paths.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for routing a signal from a first signal path to a first orthogonal coupler, and transmitting the multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on an output of the first orthogonal coupler.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for routing the signal from the second signal path to the first orthogonal coupler, and transmitting the multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on routing the signal from the second signal path to the first orthogonal coupler.

[0018] Some examples of methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on a second output of the first orthogonal coupler.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for: routing the signal from the second signal path to a second orthogonal coupler; and transmitting the multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on an output of the second orthogonal coupler.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for transmitting the multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on a second output of the first orthogonal coupler and a second output of the second orthogonal coupler.

[0021] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for the following actions: using a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a first portion of the multicast transmission in a first beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions; and using a third antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a second portion of the multicast transmission in a second beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses or instructions for the following actions: receiving a first transmission from a first UE in a set of UEs along a first beamforming direction in the set at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater; receiving a second transmission from a second UE in the set of UEs along a second beamforming direction in the set at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater; aggregating a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal; and transmitting a second unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0023] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, devices, or instructions for the following actions: switching a signal path within the wireless repeater from a downlink configuration to an uplink configuration, wherein switching the signal path occurs after transmitting the multicast transmission and before receiving a transmission from the first UE and a transmission from the second UE.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for processing the aggregate signal and the signal received via the unicast transmission using at least one of the same low noise amplifier (LNA), the same PA, or the same PA driver.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for: processing a signal received via the unicast transmission based on a first set of LNA, PA, and PA driver; and processing the aggregate signal based on a second set of LNA, PA, and PA driver.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a first time period between receiving the unicast transmission and transmitting the multicast transmission at least partially overlaps with a second time period between receiving the first transmission and transmitting the second unicast transmission.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for: routing a signal received via the unicast transmission through a first beamforming network within the wireless repeater; and; routing the first signal and the second signal through a second beamforming network within the wireless repeater, wherein both the first beamforming network and the second beamforming network may be based on a Butler matrix.

[0028] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatuses, or instructions for: routing a first signal through a first duplexer within the wireless repeater; and routing a second signal through a second duplexer within the wireless repeater.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: receiving additional unicast transmissions including control information at the wireless repeater at a frequency lower than that of the unicast transmission; and transmitting the multicast transmission based on the control information.

[0030] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the second antenna array may have the same number of antennas as the first antenna array and output the multicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions.

[0031] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include: receiving a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and receiving a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of a wireless repeater; aggregating a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal; and transmitting a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0032] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor of a wireless repeater, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater; aggregate a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal; and transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0033] Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for: receiving a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of a wireless repeater; aggregating a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal; and transmitting a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0034] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for: receiving a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and receiving a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of a wireless repeater; aggregating a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal; and transmitting a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0035] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a first transmission from a first UE and a first transmission from a second UE may be received at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0036] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for generating the first signal and the second signal using a beamforming network that may be based on a Butler matrix and coupled to a second antenna array.

[0037] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: routing a signal from a first antenna of a second antenna array to a first orthogonal coupler; and obtaining a first signal associated with a first UE based on an output of the first orthogonal coupler.

[0038] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: routing a signal from a second antenna of a second antenna array to a first orthogonal coupler; and obtaining a first signal associated with a first UE based on routing the signal from the second antenna array to the first orthogonal coupler.

[0039] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining a second signal associated with a second UE based on a second output from the first quadrature coupler.

[0040] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: routing a signal from a second antenna of a second antenna array to a second orthogonal coupler; and obtaining a second signal associated with a second UE based on an output of the second orthogonal coupler.

[0041] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining a first signal associated with the first UE based on an output from the second quadrature coupler.

[0042] In some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, transmissions from a first UE may be received at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, and transmissions from a second UE may be received at a third antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0043] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices) and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus or instructions for the following actions: receiving a second unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater; mapping the second unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions including a first beamforming direction and a second beamforming direction; and using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs including a first UE and a second UE, the multicast transmission being based on the second unicast transmission and on the set of beamforming directions.

[0044] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the unicast transmission in a single beamforming direction.

[0045] Some examples of the methods, apparatus (devices), and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: routing a first signal associated with a first UE to a first signal path within the wireless repeater; routing a second signal associated with a second UE to a second signal path within the wireless repeater; and aggregating the first signal and the second signal based on routing the first signal to the first signal path and routing the second signal to the second signal path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting beamforming multicast relays in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of a block diagram of a wireless communication system supporting beamforming multicast relays in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0049] Figure 3 An example of a Butler matrix network mechanism supporting beamforming multicast repeaters in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0050] Figures 4 to 10 An example of a signal processing chain supporting a beamforming multicast repeater in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0051] Fig.11 An example of a process flow for supporting a beamforming multicast relay in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0052] Fig.12 and Fig.13 A block diagram of a device supporting a beamforming multicast relay in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Fig.14 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting a beamforming multicast relay in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figures 15 to 21 A flow diagram illustrating a beamforming-enabled multicast relay in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Detailed Description

[0056] In some cases, a wireless repeater may receive a unicast signal from a base station and may retransmit the unicast signal to a user equipment (UE). The unicast signal may be received at a first antenna array and may be retransmitted at a second antenna array. In some cases, the wireless repeater may amplify the unicast signal or perform other modifications to the unicast signal before retransmitting it to the UE. Some wireless repeaters may not have the ability or are not configured to transmit multiple signals or receive multiple signals from multiple UEs. Additionally or alternatively, some wireless repeaters may not have the ability or are not configured to simultaneously receive and transmit and / or simultaneously process uplink and downlink unicast signals.

[0057] To support such capabilities, a wireless repeater may receive a unicast transmission (e.g., from a base station) and may map the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions. For example, a wireless repeater may select a set of beamforming directions and may route a unicast transmission or a signal derived from the unicast transmission along a corresponding set of signal paths. Each signal path may be associated with a beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions. When performing the mapping, the wireless repeater may transmit a multicast transmission along a set of beamforming directions. Transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting a unicast transmission or a unicast derived signal in each beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions. In one example, each signal path may correspond to a corresponding antenna array along which a unicast derived signal may be transmitted. For example, a unicast derived signal along a first signal path may be transmitted at a second antenna array of a wireless repeater, and a unicast derived signal along a second signal path may be transmitted at a third antenna array of the wireless repeater. In another example, a unicast derived signal along a first signal path and a unicast derived signal along a second signal path may be transmitted at a single antenna array. In such examples, the first signal path and the second signal path may feed into a beamforming network associated with a Butler matrix and coupled to a single antenna array.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater can receive multiple transmissions from multiple UEs. For example, the wireless repeater can receive transmissions from a first UE in a first beamforming direction and can receive transmissions from a second UE in a second beamforming direction. In one case, each transmission can be received by a different antenna array. For example, the second antenna array can receive transmissions from the first UE and the third antenna array can receive transmissions from the second UE. In another case, all transmissions can be received by the same antenna array. In such cases, the antenna array can be fed into a beamforming network associated with a Butler matrix. In either case, transmissions from the first and second UEs or signals derived from these transmissions can be aggregated. The wireless transmitter can transmit a unicast transmission derived from the aggregated signal or the aggregated signal itself to the base station. In some cases, a unicast transmission or an aggregated signal can be transmitted at the first antenna array.

[0059] When the wireless repeater is assisting with time division duplex (TDD) operation, the wireless repeater can switch between a downlink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving unicast transmissions and transmitting multicast transmissions) and an uplink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving transmissions (such as from multiple UEs) and transmitting unicast transmissions). In some examples, the wireless repeater can perform switching so that signals associated with the uplink configuration and signals associated with the downlink configuration pass through the same set of power components (e.g., low noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifier (PA) drivers, PAs, or a combination thereof). In other examples, the wireless repeater can perform switching so that signals associated with the first configuration pass through a first set of power components and signals associated with the second configuration pass through a second set of power components.

[0060] When the wireless repeater is assisting frequency division duplex (FDD) operation, the wireless repeater can be configured to perform uplink and downlink operations simultaneously. In one embodiment, the wireless repeater can receive unicast transmissions, transmit corresponding multicast transmissions, or otherwise perform downlink processing associated with unicast transmissions and / or multicast transmissions at a time that at least partially overlaps (concurrently) with receiving transmissions from multiple UEs, transmitting corresponding unicast transmissions, or otherwise performing uplink processing associated with transmissions from multiple UEs and / or unicast transmissions to be transmitted. In another embodiment (for example, when the wireless repeater is assisting single FDD (SFDD) operation), the wireless repeater can receive unicast transmissions from a UE or otherwise perform downlink processing associated with the received unicast transmission at a time that at least partially overlaps with transmitting unicast transmissions to the UE or otherwise performing uplink processing associated with the unicast transmission to be transmitted.

[0061] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Additional aspects of the disclosure are further described in the context of additional wireless communication systems, Butler matrix network schemes, signal processing chains, and processing flows. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated and described by and with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams associated with beamforming multicast repeaters.

[0062] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 includes a base station 105, a UE 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

[0063] The base station 105 may communicate wirelessly with the UE 115 via one or more base station antennas. The base station 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B, or a Gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home Node B, a Home Evolved Node B, or some other suitable terminology. The wireless communication system 100 may include different types of base stations 105 (e.g., macro cell base stations or small cell base stations). The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations 105 and network equipment (including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, etc.).

[0064] Each base station 105 may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area 110 in which it supports communications with various UEs 115. Each base station 105 may provide communications coverage for the respective geographic coverage area 110 via a communications link 125, and the communications link 125 between the base station 105 and the UE 115 may utilize one or more carriers. The communications link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include an uplink transmission from the UE 115 to the base station 105, or a downlink transmission from the base station 105 to the UE 115. Downlink transmissions may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions.

[0065] The geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 may be divided into sectors that constitute a portion of the geographic coverage area 110, and each sector may be associated with a cellular cell. For example, each base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a macrocellular cell, a small cellular cell, a hotspot, or other types of cellular cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, the base station 105 may be mobile and therefore provide communication coverage for a mobile geographic coverage area 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, and the overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by the same base station 105 or different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro or NR network, in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110.

[0066] The term "cell" refers to a logical communication entity for communicating with base station 105 (e.g., on a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier to distinguish adjacent cells operating via the same or different carriers (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCID), virtual cell identifier (VCID)). In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types that may provide access to different types of devices (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others). In some cases, the term "cell" may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical entity operates.

[0067] Each UE 115 can be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be stationary or mobile. UE 115 can also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term, wherein "device" can also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. UE 115 can also be a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 can also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, etc., which can be implemented in various items (such as electrical appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.).

[0068] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay the information to a central server or application, which may utilize the information or present the information to a person interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines. Examples of applications for MTC devices include: smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, health care monitoring, field survival monitoring, weather and geographic event monitoring, queue management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based commercial charging.

[0069] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception but not simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed with a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaged in active communications, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., in accordance with narrowband communications). In some cases, UE 115 may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., mission critical functions), and the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

[0070] In some cases, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more UEs in a group of UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in this group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105, or may not be able to receive transmissions from the base station 105 for other reasons. In some cases, each group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some cases, the base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without involving the base station 105.

[0071] The base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130 and with each other. For example, the base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). The base stations 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) on a backhaul link 134 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces).

[0072] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may manage non-access layer (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be delivered through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW may be connected to network operator IP services. Operator IP services may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), or packet switched (PS) streaming services.

[0073] At least some network devices (such as base stations 105) may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity may communicate with each UE 115 through a number of other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission / reception points (TRPs). In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or merged into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0074] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). In general, the 300 MHz to 3 GHz region is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths are in the range of from about 1 decimeter to 1 meter long. UHF waves can be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features. However, these waves can penetrate various structures sufficiently for macro cells to provide services to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using lower frequencies and longer waves in the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0075] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the Super High Frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as centimeter bands. The SHF region includes frequency bands that may be opportunistically used by devices that may be able to tolerate interference from other users, such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band.

[0076] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the extremely high frequency (EHF) division of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), which is also referred to as the millimeter band. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antenna of the corresponding device may be even smaller and more closely spaced than the UHF antenna. In some cases, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the UE 115. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be adopted across transmissions using one or more different frequency divisions, and the use of frequency bands specified across these frequency divisions may differ by country or regulatory agency.

[0077] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band (such as a 5 GHz ISM band). When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, wireless devices (such as base stations 105 and UE 115) may employ a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to ensure that the frequency channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) in coordination with component carriers operating in licensed bands. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of the two.

[0078] In some examples, the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., the base station 105) and a receiving device (e.g., the UE 115), wherein the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communication may employ multipath signal propagation to increase spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, the transmitting device may transmit multiple signals via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Similarly, the receiving device may receive multiple signals via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Each of these multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technology includes single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0079] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array so that signals propagating at a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals communicated via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying specific amplitude and phase offsets to signals carried via each antenna element associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each antenna element may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0080] In one example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. For example, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. The transmissions in different beam directions may be used (e.g., by the base station 105 or a receiving device, such as the UE 115) to identify the beam direction used by the base station 105 for subsequent transmission and / or reception.

[0081] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular recipient device, may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a recipient device, such as UE 115). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in part on signals transmitted in different beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions, and UE 115 may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may use similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction used by UE 115 for subsequent transmission or reception) or for transmitting signals in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a recipient device).

[0082] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from base station 105. For example, the receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, or processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single receive beam to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive beam may be aligned on a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, the highest signal-to-noise ratio, or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0083] In some cases, the antennas of a base station 105 or a UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays that may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station 105 may be located at different geographic locations. A base station 105 may have an antenna array having several rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with a UE 115. Likewise, a UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

[0084] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication of the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate on a logical channel. The media access control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplex logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission of the MAC layer, thereby improving link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide the establishment, configuration and maintenance of an RRC connection for a radio bearer that supports user plane data between UE115 and base station 105 or core network 130. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

[0085] In some cases, UE 115 and base station 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood that the data is successfully received. HARQ feedback is a technique that increases the likelihood of correctly receiving data on communication link 125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput of the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some cases, a wireless device may support simultaneous slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific time slot for data received in a previous symbol in the time slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0086] The time interval in LTE or NR can be represented by a basic time unit (which may refer to a sampling period T, for example). s =1 / 30,720,000 seconds). The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame period may be expressed as T f =307,200T s. A radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may include 10 subframes numbered from 0 to 9, and each subframe may have a duration of 1 ms. A subframe may be further divided into 2 slots, each slot having a duration of 0.5 ms, and each slot may contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of a cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain 2048 sampling periods. In some cases, a subframe may be the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI) or in a selected component carrier using sTTI).

[0087] In some wireless communication systems, a time slot may be further divided into a plurality of mini-slots containing one or more symbols. In some instances, a symbol of a mini-slot or a mini-slot may be the minimum scheduling unit. For example, each symbol may vary in duration depending on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band. Further, some wireless communication systems may implement time slot aggregation, wherein a plurality of time slots or mini-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between UE 115 and base station 105.

[0088] The term "carrier" refers to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications on the communication link 125. For example, a carrier of the communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band that operates according to a physical layer channel for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a predefined frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be located according to a channel grid for discovery by a UE 115. A carrier may be downlink or uplink (e.g., in FDD mode), or configured to carry downlink communications and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode). In some examples, a signal waveform transmitted on a carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

[0089] For different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR), the organizational structure of the carrier can be different. For example, the communication on the carrier can be organized according to TTIs or time slots, each of which can include user data and control information or signaling to support decoding of the user data. The carrier can also include dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling to coordinate the operation of the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), the carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers.

[0090] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. In some examples, control information transmitted in a physical control channel may be distributed in a cascaded manner between different control regions (e.g., between a common control region or a common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

[0091] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of several predetermined bandwidths of a carrier for a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate on part or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type associated with a predefined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or RBs) within a carrier (e.g., an "in-band" deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

[0092] In a system using MCM technology, a resource element may include a symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Thus, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115 can be. In a MIMO system, wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and space resources (e.g., space layers), and the use of multiple space layers may further increase the data rate of communication with UE 115.

[0093] A device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) of wireless communication system 100 may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configurable to support communication on one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, wireless communication system 100 may include base stations 105 and / or UEs 115 that support simultaneous communication via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidths.

[0094] The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 on multiple cells or carriers, a feature that may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. The UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

[0095] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize an enhanced component carrier (eCC). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including a wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, a shorter symbol duration, a shorter TTI duration, or a modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul links). An eCC may also be configured for use in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum (e.g., where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by a wide carrier bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by a UE 115 that is not capable of monitoring the entire carrier bandwidth or is otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to save power).

[0096] In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include using a reduced symbol duration compared to the symbol duration of other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with an increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device utilizing an eCC (such as a UE 115 or a base station 105) may transmit a wideband signal (e.g., according to a frequency channel or carrier bandwidth of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) with a reduced symbol duration (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in an eCC may include one or more symbol periods. In some cases, the TTI duration (i.e., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

[0097] The wireless communication system 100 may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, etc. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow eCC to be used across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may improve spectrum utilization and spectrum efficiency, particularly through dynamic vertical (e.g., across frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across time domain) sharing of resources.

[0098] The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more wireless repeaters 140. The wireless repeater 140 may include functionality for relaying, extending and / or redirecting wireless signals of the base station 105 and / or UE 115. In some cases, the wireless repeater 140 may be used in a line of sight (LOS) or non-line of sight (NLOS) scenario. In a LOS scenario, transmissions such as mmW transmissions may be limited by path loss through the air, which can be overcome using beamforming techniques at the wireless repeater. In NLOS scenarios (such as in urban areas or indoors), mmW transmissions may be blocked by signal blocks or signal interfering physical objects. The mmW wireless repeater 140 may be used to receive a signal from the base station 105 and transmit the signal to one or more UEs 115. Additionally, the mmW wireless repeater 140 may be used to receive signals from multiple UEs and transmit aggregated signals associated with these UE signals to the base station 105. Beamforming and gain control techniques may be used to improve signal quality between base station 105, wireless repeater 140, and UE 115 by isolating the signal (e.g., via beamforming) and improving or maintaining stability within the repeater's signal processing chain (e.g., via gain control).

[0099] The mmW wireless repeater 140 may include an antenna array for communicating with the base station 105 and one or more antenna arrays for communicating with one or more UEs 115. For example, the wireless repeater 140 may include an antenna array for each UE with which the wireless repeater 140 can communicate. Alternatively, the wireless repeater may include a single antenna array for communicating with one or more UEs 115. The single antenna array may be coupled to a beamforming network associated with a Butler matrix. The antenna array and the single antenna for communicating with the base station 105 may include the same set of dipole antennas, wherein the dipole antenna may function as an antenna array for communicating with the base station 105 in a first polarization, and the dipole antenna functioning in a second polarization may function as a single antenna array for communicating with one or more UEs 115. In some cases, the antenna may include a metamaterial antenna or an antenna array. The wireless repeater 140 may further include a beam control system, which may include a system on a chip (SoC) for controlling a transmit beam and / or a receive beam (e.g., controlling to reduce signal interference caused by retransmission).

[0100] In some cases, the mmW wireless repeater 140 may be an analog radio frequency (RF) repeater, and the mmW wireless repeater may include a signal processing chain connected (e.g., coupled, linked, attached) between an antenna array for communicating with the base station 105 and one or more antenna arrays for communicating with one or more UEs 115. The signal processing chain may be implemented as a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and may include RF or microwave components such as one or more phase shifters, LNAs, PAs, PA drivers, gain controllers, power detectors, or other circuit systems. The phase shifters may be controlled by one or more beam controllers to perform beamforming to reduce signal interference.

[0101] As described above, the mmW wireless repeater 140 may include components in the analog / RF domain (e.g., antenna arrays and signal processing chain circuitry). Accordingly, the mmW wireless repeater may not include any digital components for the various features described herein. In some cases, the mmW wireless repeater may include a side channel component for receiving a beamforming configuration from a base station 105 or other device. Example side channels may be implemented as protocols such as Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, wireless local area network (LAN), and so on, the repeater may include circuitry and / or processors for the following actions: receiving and / or processing signals received via those protocols, and controlling beamforming at the RF / microwave component based on those signals received at the side channel.

[0102] The wireless repeater 140 may receive unicast transmissions and may transmit corresponding multicast transmissions to a set of UEs 115 along a set of beamforming directions. Transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting the unicast transmission or a signal derived from the unicast transmission on each of the beamforming directions. The multicast transmission may be transmitted on multiple antenna arrays or a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 140 may receive transmissions from multiple UEs 115; may form an aggregate signal associated with the received transmissions; and may transmit (e.g., to a base station) a unicast transmission associated with the aggregate signal. Multiple UE transmissions may be received on multiple antenna arrays or on a single antenna array associated with a Butler matrix.

[0103] In some examples, wireless repeater 140 can switch between a downlink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving unicast transmissions and transmitting multicast transmissions (such as transmitting to multiple UEs 115)) and an uplink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving transmissions from multiple sources (such as multiple UEs 115) and transmitting unicast transmissions). In other examples, wireless repeater 140 can be configured to assist in downlink and uplink operations simultaneously. For example, wireless repeater 140 can be configured to simultaneously receive unicast transmissions and transmissions from multiple UEs 115, or to simultaneously transmit unicast transmissions and multicast transmissions. Alternatively, wireless repeater 140 can be configured to simultaneously receive unicast transmissions and transmit unicast transmissions.

[0104] Figure 2 An example of a block diagram 200 of a wireless repeater 205 (which may also be referred to as a wireless repeater 205) is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, Figure 2 The devices may implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, and the wireless repeater 205 may be as described with reference to Figure 1 An example of a wireless repeater 140 described. Block diagram 200 may include a base station 105 and a UE 115. The wireless repeater 205 may include antenna arrays 225 and 230. Antenna array 225 may perform communication with the base station 105 and antenna array 230 may perform communication with the UE 115. Antenna arrays 225 and 230 may include metamaterial antennas. In some cases, antenna arrays 225 and 230 may be the same set of dipole antennas that act as first and second polarizations for transmission and reception. In some cases, antenna array 230 may be replaced by an antenna array set for communicating with UE 115, wherein each antenna array in the antenna array set may communicate with a different UE in each UE 115. Alternatively, antenna array 225 may be communicating with a UE 115 and / or antenna array 230 may be communicating with one or more base stations 105 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0105] The wireless repeater 205 may further include a beam controller 210 and a signal processing chain 215, which may include various circuit systems including one or more PAs, LNAs, phase shifters, frequency dividers, and / or combiners. The signal processing chain may include various analog / RF domain components and may be implemented as an RFIC (e.g., a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC)). The beam controller 210 (e.g., a beam former) may use the phase shifters of the signal processing chain 215 to control the beam direction and width of the antenna array 225 to improve or maintain the isolation between the various receive beams and the transmit beam. In some cases, the beam controller 210 using the phase shifters may control the beam direction to ensure that the target receive beam and / or transmit beam is sufficiently dispersed to avoid interference. In addition, the beam controller 210 may adjust the beam width using antenna adjustments, such as specific amplitude and phase offsets for signals carried by the antenna elements of the antenna array 225. In some cases, adjustments associated with antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with antenna array 225 .

[0106] If each UE 115 is performing communication with a separate antenna array 230 of the wireless repeater 205 (e.g., the first UE 115 is in contact with the first antenna array of the wireless repeater 205 and the second UE 115 is in contact with the second antenna array of the wireless repeater 205), then as described above, the beam controller 210 can control the beam direction and width of each antenna array 230. However, if a single antenna array 230 is communicating with multiple UEs 115, the beam controller 210 can determine the set of beam directions by selecting a set of signal paths corresponding to each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions and feeding the signal carried by each signal path into the beamforming network.

[0107] In some cases, the beam configuration (e.g., width and direction) and gain adjustment can be controlled by the base station 105 via a side control channel. For example, the beam controller 210 can be controlled by the base station 105 via a side channel implemented as a Bluetooth channel, an ultra-wideband channel, a wireless LAN channel, etc. The transmission of the side channel can be received by the RF component 245 (e.g., a sub-6GHz RF component). The RF component 245 can communicate with the SoC 235 of the wireless repeater 205 using a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) 240. The SoC 235 can provide the beam configuration to the wireless repeater 205. Accordingly, the wireless repeater 205 may include a circuit system for receiving and / or processing side channel communications to control the beam controller 210. The base station 105 can transmit the beamforming control configuration based on the operating environment, the location of the UE 115, and / or the configuration of the UE 115.

[0108] In some cases, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission from the base station 105 at the antenna array 225. Upon receiving the unicast transmission, the wireless repeater 205 may map the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions (e.g., via the signal processing chain 215). For example, the wireless repeater 205 may select a set of beamforming directions and may route the unicast transmission or a signal derived from the unicast transmission along a corresponding set of signal paths. Each signal path may be associated with one of the beamforming directions in the set of beamforming directions. Upon performing the mapping, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a multicast transmission along the set of beamforming directions. Transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting the unicast transmission or the unicast derived signal in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions. In one example, a unicast derived signal along a first signal path and a unicast derived signal along a second signal path may be transmitted at the antenna array 230. In such an example, the first signal path and the second signal path may be fed into a Butler matrix network 220, the output of which is coupled to the antenna array 230. In another example, each signal path may correspond to an antenna array along which a unicast transmission or a unicast derived signal may be transmitted. For example, a unicast derived signal along a first signal path may be transmitted at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater 205, and a unicast derived signal along a second signal path may be transmitted at a third antenna array of the wireless repeater 205.

[0109] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 can receive multiple transmissions from a set of UEs 115. For example, the wireless repeater 205 can receive a transmission from a first UE 115 in a first beamforming direction, and can receive a transmission from a second UE 115 in a second beamforming direction. In one case, both transmissions can be received by an antenna array 230. Each antenna element of the antenna array 230 can be fed into a Butler matrix network 220, and the output of the Butler matrix network 220 can be coupled with a signal aggregator (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner). The output can be a signal path and can each contain a signal derived from a transmission from the first and second UEs 115. For example, a first signal path can contain an approximation of a transmission from a first UE, and a second signal path can contain an approximation of a transmission from a second UE. These approximations can be combined via a signal aggregator to form an aggregated signal. In another case, each transmission can be received by a different antenna array. For example, a first antenna array may receive a transmission from a first UE 115, and a second antenna array may receive a transmission from a second UE 115. The transmission from the first UE 115 and the transmission from the second UE 115 may be combined via a signal aggregator to form an aggregated signal. In either case, the aggregated signal may be carried to the antenna array 225, which may transmit a unicast transmission derived from the aggregated signal or the aggregated signal itself to the base station 105.

[0110] When the wireless repeater 205 is assisting TDD operation, the wireless repeater 205 can switch between a downlink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving unicast transmissions and transmitting multicast transmissions) and an uplink configuration (e.g., a configuration for receiving transmissions from multiple UEs 115 and transmitting unicast transmissions). In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 can perform switching so that signals associated with the uplink configuration and signals associated with the downlink configuration pass through the same set of power components (e.g., LNA, PA driver, PA, or a combination thereof). In other examples, the wireless repeater 205 can perform switching so that signals associated with the first configuration pass through a first set of power components, and signals associated with the second configuration pass through a second set of power components.

[0111] When the wireless repeater 205 is assisting in FDD operation, the wireless repeater 205 may be configured to perform uplink and downlink operations simultaneously. In one embodiment, the wireless repeater 205 may receive unicast transmissions, transmit corresponding multicast transmissions, or otherwise perform downlink processing associated with unicast transmissions and / or multicast transmissions at a time that at least partially overlaps with receiving transmissions from multiple UEs 115, transmitting corresponding unicast transmissions, or otherwise performing uplink processing associated with transmissions from multiple UEs 115 and / or unicast transmissions to be transmitted. In another embodiment (e.g., when the wireless repeater 205 is assisting in SFDD operation), the wireless repeater 205 may receive unicast transmissions from the UE 115 or otherwise perform downlink processing associated with the received unicast transmissions at a time that at least partially overlaps with transmitting unicast transmissions to the UE 115 or otherwise performing uplink processing associated with the unicast transmissions to be transmitted.

[0112] Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network solution 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the Butler Matrix network solution 300 may implement Figure 2 For example, the Butler matrix network scheme 300 may include a Butler matrix network 310, which may be as described with reference to Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network 220 is described. Additionally, the antenna array 230-a may be as described with reference to Figure 3 An example of antenna array 230 is depicted. Signal paths 305-a, 305-b, 305-c, and 305-d may correspond to beams 325-a, 325-b, 325-c, and 325-d, respectively. Butler matrix network 310 may perform a spatial fast Fourier transform (FFT) in one direction (e.g., from left to right) and may perform a spatial inverse FFT (IFFT) in another direction.

[0113] The Butler matrix network 310 may include a quadrature coupler 315 (which may also be referred to as a branch coupler) and a phase shifter 320. At high frequencies (such as SHF, EHF, and / or mmW bands and above), it should be understood that the signal path 305—as well as other signal paths connecting the quadrature coupler 315, the phase shifter 320, and the antenna element 322—may include transmission lines and / or waveguides. In some cases, the Butler matrix network 310 may be divided into a number of stages equal to log2(N), where N may be the number of inputs into the Butler matrix network 310. Each stage may have orthogonal couplers 315. Additionally, each stage except the last stage may have phase shifters 320. Thus, each Butler matrix network 310 may have A quadrature coupler 315 and phase shifter 320. Typically, N can be equal to 2 j , where j is a positive integer. In this example, j can be equal to 2 and N can be equal to 4. Thus, this example can include 2 stages. The first stage (i.e., stage 0) can include 2 orthogonal couplers 315 (e.g., orthogonal couplers 315-a and 315-b) and 2 phase shifters 320 (e.g., phase shifters 320-a and 320-b), and the second stage (i.e., stage 1) can include 2 orthogonal couplers 315 (e.g., orthogonal couplers 315-c and 315-d). The orthogonal couplers 315 in each stage can be associated with a level. For example, orthogonal couplers 315-a and 315-c can be associated with the first level, while orthogonal couplers 315-b and 315-d can be associated with the second level. Generally, there can be 1 or more or less orthogonal couplers 315 in each stage. level.

[0114] Additionally, each quadrature coupler 315 can have two inputs and two outputs. In some cases, based on the signal direction, the two input terminals become two outputs, and vice versa. For example, if the signal enters from the signal path 305, the two left terminals of the quadrature coupler 315 can be input terminals, and the two right terminals can be output terminals of the quadrature coupler 315. However, if the signal enters from the antenna element 322, the right terminal of the quadrature coupler can be an input terminal, and the two left terminals can be output terminals. In some cases, the signal entering the phase shifter 320 or the quadrature coupler 315 from one side may shift their phases to the opposite amount when the signal enters the phase shifter 320 or the quadrature coupler 315 on the other side. For example, if the signal is shifted to 45 degrees or 90 degrees when entering from one side, the signal can be shifted to -45 degrees or -90 degrees when entering from the other side.

[0115] Except for the first stage, one input into quadrature coupler 315 may be from the same level, while the other input may be from a different level (e.g., one input to quadrature coupler 315-c may be from quadrature coupler 315-a, while the other input may be from quadrature coupler 315-b). Inputs from the same level may have been passed through phase shifter 320. In general, inputs from different levels may be from two phases apart. i-1 where i may be equal to the stage of quadrature coupler 315. For example, quadrature coupler 315-c (which may be in stage 1 when viewed from left to right) may have two 0 = 1 level of input (e.g., from quadrature coupler 315-b). Alternatively, quadrature coupler 315-a (which may be in stage 1 when viewed from right to left) may have inputs from two0 = 1 level of input (eg, from quadrature coupler 315-d).

[0116] Additionally or alternatively, except for the final stage, one output into quadrature coupler 315 may go to the same level and one output may go to a different level (e.g., one output of quadrature coupler 315-a may go to quadrature coupler 315-b and the other output may go to quadrature coupler 315-b). Outputs going to the same level may pass through a phase shifter. Typically, outputs to different levels may go to a quadrature coupler 315 that is 2 i For example, quadrature coupler 315-a (which may be in stage 0 when viewed from left to right) may have a gate to gate 2 0 = 1 level (eg, to quadrature coupler 315-d). Alternatively, quadrature coupler 315-c (which may be in stage 0 when viewed from right to left) may have outputs to two stages apart. 0 = output of 1 level (eg, to quadrature coupler 315 - b ).

[0117] Typically, the orthogonal coupler 315 can receive two input signals at two inputs and can output the difference of the input signals at two outputs. In some cases, one of the outputs can be 90 degrees out of phase with the signal formed by the difference of the input signals. For example, the first output signal at the first output can be directly in phase with the signal formed by the difference of the input signals, and the second output signal can be 90 degrees out of phase with the signal formed by the difference of the input signals. The first output can be coupled to the phase shifter 320 and the orthogonal coupler 315 at the same level, while the second output can be coupled to the orthogonal coupler 315 at different levels. Alternatively, the two outputs of each orthogonal coupler 315 can be coupled to the signal path 305 (for example, when the orthogonal coupler 315 is in the innermost stage) or coupled to the antenna element 322 of the antenna array 230-a (for example, when the orthogonal coupler 315 is in the outermost stage). In one example, a first output of quadrature coupler 315-a may be coupled to signal path 305-a, and a second output of quadrature coupler 315-a may be coupled to signal path 305-b. In another example, a first output of quadrature coupler 315-c may be coupled to antenna element 322-a, and a second output of quadrature coupler 315-c may be coupled to antenna element 322-b.

[0118] In one example, a first signal may enter the quadrature coupler 315-a via signal path 305-a, a second signal may enter the quadrature coupler 315-a via signal path 305-b, and a third signal may enter the quadrature coupler 315-b via signal path 305-c. The quadrature coupler 315-a may output a first output signal at a first output terminal that is a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, and may pass the first output signal to the phase shifter 320-a. The phase shifter 320-a may shift the phase of the first output signal by a predetermined amount (e.g., 45 degrees) and may pass the resulting phase-shifted first output signal to the quadrature coupler 315-c. Additionally, the quadrature coupler 315-a may output a second output signal that is a 90 degree phase difference between the first signal and the second signal and may pass the second output signal to the quadrature coupler 315-d. At the same time, the orthogonal coupler 315-b can output a third output signal that is an in-phase version of the third signal and can pass the third output signal to the phase shifter 320-b. The phase shifter 320-b can shift the phase of the third output signal by a predetermined amount (e.g., 45 degrees) and can pass the resulting phase-shifted third output signal to the orthogonal coupler 315-d. Additionally, the orthogonal coupler 315-a can output a fourth output signal that is a 90-degree out-of-phase version of the third signal and can pass the fourth output signal to the orthogonal coupler 315-c. In some cases, the first output signal may be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-d, and the second output signal may be passed to the phase shifter 320-a. Additionally or alternatively, the third output signal may be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-a, and the fourth output signal may be passed to the phase shifter 320-b.

[0119] The orthogonal coupler 315-c can output the in-phase difference of the phase-shifted first output signal and the third output signal to the antenna element 322-a. Additionally, the orthogonal coupler 315-c can output the difference of the phase-shifted first output signal and the third output signal to the antenna element 322-b by 90 degrees out of phase. At the same time, the orthogonal coupler 315-d can output the in-phase difference of the second output signal and the phase-shifted version of the fourth output signal to the antenna element 322-c. Additionally, the orthogonal coupler 315-d can output the difference of the second output signal and the phase-shifted fourth output signal to the antenna element 322-d by 90 degrees out of phase. As the orthogonal couplers 315-c and 315-d output their corresponding signals, the first signal can be transmitted along the beam 325-a, the second signal can be transmitted along the beam 325-b, and the third signal can be transmitted along the beam 325-c.

[0120] In another example, antenna array 230-a may receive transmissions along beams 325-a, 325-b, and 325-c. Antenna elements 322-a and 322-b may pass the first signal and the second signal to orthogonal coupler 315-c, respectively. Antenna elements 322-c and 322-d may pass the third signal and the fourth signal to orthogonal coupler 315-d, respectively. Orthogonal coupler 315-c may output a first output signal that is a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, and may pass the first output signal to phase shifter 320-a. Phase shifter 320-a may shift the phase of the first output signal by a predetermined amount (e.g., 45 degrees), and may pass the phase-shifted first output signal to orthogonal coupler 315-a. Additionally, the orthogonal coupler 315-c can output a second output signal that is 90 degrees out of phase as the difference between the first signal and the second signal, and the second output signal can be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-b. The orthogonal coupler 315-d can output a third output signal that is the in-phase difference between the third signal and the fourth signal, and the third output signal can be passed to the phase shifter 320-b. The phase shifter 320-b can shift the phase of the third output signal by up to 45 degrees, and the phase-shifted third output signal can be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-b. In some cases, the first output signal can be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-b, and the second output signal can be passed to the phase shifter 320-a. Additionally or alternatively, the third output signal can be passed to the orthogonal coupler 315-a, and the fourth output signal can be passed to the phase shifter 320-b.

[0121] The orthogonal coupler 315-a can output the in-phase difference of the phase-shifted first output signal and the third output signal to the signal path 305-a. The signal output along the signal path 305-a can be an approximation of the signal received from the beam 325-a. Additionally, the orthogonal coupler 315-a can output the 90-degree out-of-phase difference between the phase-shifted first output signal and the third output signal to the signal path 305-b. The signal output along the signal path 305-b can be an approximation of the signal received from the beam 325-b. At the same time, the orthogonal coupler 315-b can output the in-phase difference of the second output signal and the phase-shifted version of the fourth output signal to the signal path 305-c. The signal output along the signal path 305-c can be an approximation of the signal received from the beam 325-c.

[0122] Figure 4 An example of a signal processing chain 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 400 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 400 is referenced Figure 2An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - a may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network 310 is described.

[0123] An antenna array including antenna elements 405-a and 405-b may receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array may pass the signal at each antenna through an LNA 410 and a phase shifter 415. For example, antenna element 405-a may pass a first signal to LNA 410-a, which may pass an amplified first signal to phase shifter 415-a, while antenna element 405-b may pass a second signal to LNA 410-b, which may pass an amplified second signal to phase shifter 415-b. The amount by which phase shifter 415 shifts the phase of the signal passed through may be controlled by a receive (Rx) beam controller 420 and may correspond to an intended direction from which a transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase-shifted signal may be aggregated by a signal aggregator 425 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner).

[0124] The aggregate signal may arrive at a single pole no throw (SPNT) switch 430. The SPNT switch 430 may select a signal path terminal 435 from a set of signal path terminals 435. Although four signal path terminals 435 are depicted in this example, it should be understood that more signal path terminals 435 may be present without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The SPNT switch 430 may determine which signal path terminal 435 to select under the guidance of a transmit (Tx) beam controller 440. The Tx beam controller 440 may select a signal path terminal 435 based on a beam direction associated with the signal path terminal 435. In this example, the Tx beam controller 440 may direct the SPNT switch 430 to select the signal path terminal 435-b.

[0125] The aggregate signal may be passed to the signal path terminal 435-b and fed to the Butler matrix network 310-a. The Butler matrix network 310-a may perform operations on the aggregate signal (eg, via Figure 3) and can output a set of output signals fed into a PA driver 445. The number of terminals to which the Butler matrix network 310-a can output can be equal to the number of signal path terminals 435 (for example, if there are four signal path terminals 435, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third, and fourth output signals can be fed into PA drivers 445-a, 445-b, 445-c, and 445-d, respectively. The PA driver can pass the first, second, third, and fourth output signals to PA 450-a, 450-b, 450-c, and 450-d, respectively. PA drivers 445 and PA 450 can apply gain to the signals passed through. In some cases, each PA driver 445 can have the same gain and each PA 450 can have the same gain. The amplified output signal can be passed to an antenna element 455, and the antenna element 455 can output a unicast transmission. For example, in this example, the amplified first, second, third, and fourth output signals may be delivered to antenna elements 455-a, 455-b, 455-c, and 455-d, respectively, and a unicast transmission may be transmitted. The transmission transmitted from antenna element 455 may correspond to the beamforming direction associated with selected signal path terminal 435. For example, in this example, the beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path terminal 435-b. The transmission may be received by UE 115 or base station 105.

[0126] Figure 5 An example of a signal processing chain 500 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 500 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 500 is referenced Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - b may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network 310 is described.

[0127] An antenna array including antenna elements 505-a and 505-b may receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array may pass the signal at each antenna through an LNA 510 and a phase shifter 515. For example, antenna element 505-a may pass a first signal to LNA 510-a, which may pass an amplified first signal to phase shifter 515-a, and antenna element 505-b may pass a second signal to LNA 510-b, which may pass an amplified second signal to phase shifter 515-b. The amount by which phase shifter 515 shifts the phase of the signal passed through may be controlled by Rx beam controller 520 and may correspond to an expected direction from which a transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shift, the phase-shifted signal may be aggregated by a signal aggregator 525 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner).

[0128] The aggregate signal may be passed through a variable gain amplifier 530, which may be an amplifier whose gain may vary depending on a control signal. The variable gain amplifier 530 may pass the amplified aggregate signal to a signal aggregator / divider 535. In this example, the signal aggregator / divider 535 may pass the amplified aggregate signal to a signal path switch 540. Each signal path switch 540 may be associated with a different beamforming direction and may be controlled by a Tx beam controller 545. The Tx beam controller 545 may determine which of the signal path switches 540 may be opened and which of the signal path switches may be closed. In this example, signal path switches 540-a and 540-c may be opened and signal path switches 540-b and 540-d may be closed. Although four signal path switches 540 may be depicted in this example, it should be understood that different numbers of signal path switches 540 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] Signal path switches 540-b and 540-d may pass the amplified aggregate signal to Butler matrix network 310-b. Butler matrix network 310-b may perform operations on the aggregate signal (eg, via Figure 3) and can output a set of output signals fed into the PA driver 550. The number of terminals to which the Butler matrix network 310-b can output can be equal to the number of signal path switches 540 (for example, if there are four signal path switches 540, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third, and fourth output signals can be fed into PA drivers 550-a, 550-b, 550-c, and 550-d, respectively. Each PA driver 550 can pass the first, second, third, and fourth output signals to PA 555-a, 550-b, 555-c, and 555-d, respectively. PA drivers 550 and PA 555 can apply gain to the signals passed through. In some cases, each PA driver 550 can have the same gain, and each PA 555 can have the same gain. The amplified output signal can be passed to the antenna element 560, and the antenna element 560 can output a multicast transmission. For example, in this example, the amplified first, second, third and fourth output signals may be passed to antenna elements 560-a, 560-b, 560-c and 560-d, respectively, and a multicast transmission may be transmitted. The transmission emitted from antenna element 560 may correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected signal path switch 540. For example, in this example, the first beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 540-b, and the second beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 540-d. The first UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the first beam, and the second UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the second beam. In some cases, the Tx beam controller 545 may only close a single signal path switch 540 and the resulting transmission may be unicast. In some cases, the Butler matrix network 310-b may be omitted and each signal path switch 540 may be coupled to the antenna array.

[0130] Figure 6 An example of a signal processing chain 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 600 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 600 is a reference Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - c may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network 310 is described.

[0131] Signal processing chain 600 may alternate between processing transmissions received by antenna element 605 (e.g., downlink transmissions) and transmissions received by antenna element 675. Signal processing chain 600 may switch double pole double throw (DPDT) switch 630 when signal processing chain 600 alternates from receiving transmissions and retransmitting received transmissions at a first antenna array (e.g., an array including antenna element 605) to receiving and retransmitting transmissions at a second antenna array (e.g., antenna element 675) or a set of antenna arrays (e.g., in a case where each signal path switch 665 is connected to an antenna array rather than Butler matrix network 310-c). For example, when receiving and retransmitting transmissions at antenna element 605, signal processing chain 600 may switch DPDT switch 630 to configuration 632-a, and when receiving and retransmitting transmissions from antenna element 675 or a set of antenna arrays as described herein, signal processing chain 600 may switch DPDT switch 630 to configuration 632-b. Which configuration 632 the DPDT switch 630 is in can be controlled by a transmit switch controller 635. In this way, the signal processing chain 600 can be used for TDD operation.

[0132] In one example, an antenna array including antenna elements 605-a and 605-b can receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array can pass the signal at each antenna to a phase shifter 615. For example, antenna element 605-a can pass a first signal to phase shifter 615-a, while antenna element 605-b can pass a second signal to phase shifter 615-b. The amount by which phase shifter 615 shifts the phase of the signal passed through can be controlled by unicast beam controller 620 and can correspond to an expected direction from which a transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase-shifted signal can be aggregated by a signal aggregator / divider 625 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner / divider).

[0133] The aggregate signal may be passed through the DPDT switch 630 in configuration 632-a and may be fed into the LNA 640, the PA driver 645 (e.g., whose gain may be controlled by the controller 650), and the PA 655. The amplified aggregate signal may be passed through the DPDT switch 630 in configuration 632-a to a signal aggregator / divider 660 (e.g., a Wilkinson divider). The signal aggregator / divider 660 may pass the amplified aggregate signal to a signal path switch 665. Each signal path switch 665 may be associated with a different beamforming direction and may be controlled by a multicast beam controller 670. The multicast beam controller 670 may determine which of the signal path switches 665 may be opened and which may be closed. In this example, the signal path switches 665-a and 665-c may be opened, and the signal path switches 665-b and 665-d may be closed. While four signal path switches 665 may be depicted in the present example, it should be appreciated that a different number of signal path switches 665 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] Signal path switches 665-b and 665-d may pass the resulting signals to Butler matrix network 310-c. Butler matrix network 310-c may perform operations on the aggregated signals (e.g., via Figure 3 ) and can output a set of output signals fed into the antenna element 675. The number of terminals to which the Butler matrix network 310-c can output can be equal to the number of signal path switches 665 (for example, if there are four signal path switches 665, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third, and fourth output signals can be fed into the antenna elements 675-a, 675-b, 675-c, 675-d, which can output a multicast transmission. The transmission transmitted from the antenna element 675 can correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected signal path switch 665. For example, in this example, the first beam along which the transmission is transmitted can correspond to the signal path switch 665-b, and the second beam along which the transmission is transmitted can correspond to the signal path switch 665-d. The first UE 115 or base station 105 can receive the transmission from the first beam, and the second UE 115 or base station 105 can receive the transmission from the second beam. In some cases, the multicast beam controller 670 closes only a single signal path switch 665 and the resulting transmission may be unicast. In some cases, the Butler matrix network 310-c may be omitted and each signal path switch.

[0135] In another example, an antenna array including antenna elements 675 (e.g., antenna elements 675-a, 675-b, 675-c, and 675-d) can receive a first transmission from a first UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 665-b, and can receive a second transmission from a second UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 665-d. The antenna array can pass a signal from each antenna element to a Butler matrix network 310-c. The Butler matrix network 310-c can output a signal to the signal path switch 665. In this example, a first signal approximating a first transmission can be output to the signal path switch 665-b, and a second signal approximating a second transmission can be output to the signal path switch 665-d. Alternatively, the Butler matrix network 310-c can be omitted and each signal path switch 665 can be coupled to the antenna array. In such a case, the antenna array associated with the signal path switch 665-b can receive the first transmission, while the antenna array associated with the signal path switch 665-d can receive the second transmission. In this example, the signal path switches 665-b and 665-d can be closed. In other examples, the signal path switch 665-b or 665-d may be open (e.g., under the command of the multicast beam controller 670) and may not receive the transmission received along the corresponding beam direction. The signal passed through the signal path switch 665 can be aggregated by the signal aggregator / divider 660.

[0136] The aggregate signal may be passed through the DPDT switch 630 in configuration 632-b and may be fed into the LNA 640, the PA driver 645 (e.g., whose gain may be controlled by the controller 650), and the PA 655. The amplified aggregate signal may be passed through the DPDT switch 630 in configuration 632-a to the signal aggregator / divider 625 (e.g., a Wilkinson divider). The signal aggregator / divider 625 may divide the amplified aggregate signal and may pass the divided portions of the signal to the phase shifter 615. The phase shifter 615 may pass the signal to 605-a and the aggregated unicast transmission may be sent to the base station 105 or the UE 115.

[0137] Figure 7 An example of a signal processing chain 700 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 700 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 700 is a reference Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - d may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 An example of a Butler Matrix network 310 is described.

[0138] Signal processing chain 700 may alternate between processing transmissions received by antenna element 705 (e.g., downlink transmissions) and transmissions received by antenna element 755. Signal processing chain 700 may switch each double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch 760 when signal processing chain 700 alternates from receiving transmissions and retransmitting received transmissions at a first antenna array (e.g., an array including antenna element 705) to receiving and retransmitting transmissions at a second antenna array (e.g., antenna element 775) or a set of antenna arrays (e.g., in the case where each signal path switch 665 is connected to an antenna array instead of Butler Matrix network 310-d). For example, signal processing chain 700 may switch each DPDT switch 760 to configuration 762-a when receiving and retransmitting transmissions at antenna element 705, and may switch DPDT switch 760 to configuration 762-b when receiving and retransmitting transmissions from antenna element 755 or a set of antenna arrays as described herein. Which configuration 762 the DPDT switch 760 is in can be controlled by a transmit switch controller 765. In this way, the signal processing chain 700 can be used for TDD operation.

[0139] In one example, each DPDT switch 760 can be in configuration 762-a. An antenna array including antenna elements 705-a and 705-b can receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array can pass a signal at each antenna to an LNA 710 through a DPDT switch 760, which can pass the signal to a phase shifter 725 through another DPDT switch 760. For example, antenna element 705-a can pass a first signal to LNA 710-a through DPDT switch 760-a, which can pass the amplified first signal to phase shifter 725-a through DPDT switch 760-c. Additionally, antenna element 705-b can pass a second signal to LNA 710-b through DPDT switch 760-b, which can pass the amplified second signal to phase shifter 725-b through DPDT switch 760-d. The amount by which the phase shifter 515 shifts the phase of the signal passed through may be controlled by the unicast beam controller 730 and may correspond to the intended direction from which the transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase shifted signal may be aggregated by a signal aggregator / divider 735 (eg, a Wilkinson combiner).

[0140] The aggregated signal may be passed to the signal aggregator / divider 740. In some cases, the aggregated signal may first be passed through a variable gain amplifier (VGA). The signal aggregator / divider 535 may pass the aggregated signal to a signal path switch 745. Each signal path switch 745 may be associated with a different beamforming direction and may be controlled by a multicast beam controller 750. The multicast beam controller 750 may determine which of the signal path switches 745 may be opened and which of the signal path switches may be closed. In this example, signal path switches 745-a and 745-c may be opened and signal path switches 745-b and 745-d may be closed. Although four signal path switches 745 may be depicted in this example, it should be understood that a different number of signal path switches 745 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0141] Signal path switches 745-b and 745-d may pass the aggregated signal to Butler matrix network 310-d. Butler matrix network 310-d may perform operations on the aggregated signal (e.g., via Figure 3) and can output a set of output signals fed into the PA driver 715 through the DPDT switch 760. The number of terminals to which the Butler matrix network 310-d outputs can be equal to the number of signal path switches 745 (for example, if there are four signal path switches 745, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third, and fourth output signals can be fed into the PA drivers 715-c, 715-d, 715-e, and 715-f through the DPDT switches 760-e, 760-f, 760-g, and 760-h, respectively. Each PA driver 715 can pass the first, second, third, and fourth output signals to PA 720-a, 720-b, 720-c, and 720-d, respectively. The PA driver 715 and the PA 720 can apply gain to the signals passed through. In some cases, each PA driver 715 can have the same gain, and each PA 720 can have the same gain. The amplified output signal may be passed to antenna element 755 via DPDT switch 760, and antenna element 755 may output a multicast transmission. For example, in this example, the amplified first, second, third, and fourth output signals may be passed to antenna elements 755-a, 755-b, 755-c, and 755-d via DPDT switches 760-i, 760-j, 760-k, and 760-l, respectively, and a multicast transmission may be transmitted. The transmission transmitted from antenna element 755 may correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected signal path switch 745. For example, in this example, the first beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 745-b, and the second beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 745-d. The first UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the first beam, and the second UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the second beam. In some cases, the multicast beam controller 750 may close only a single signal path switch 745 and the resulting transmission may be unicast.In some cases, the Butler matrix network 310-d may be omitted and each signal path switch 745 may be coupled to an antenna array.

[0142] In another example, each DPDT switch 760 can be in configuration 762-b. An antenna array including antenna elements 755 (e.g., antenna elements 755-a, 755-b, 755-c, and 755-d) can receive a first transmission from a first UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 745-b, and can receive a second transmission from a second UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 745-d. The antenna array can pass a signal from each antenna element through the DPDT switch 760 to the LNA 710. For example, antenna elements 755-a, 755-b, 755-c, and 755-d can pass corresponding signals to LNAs 710-c, 710-d, 710-e, and 710-f through DPDT switches 760-i, 760-j, 760-k, and 760-l, respectively. LNA 710 may pass the resulting signal to Butler matrix network 310-d via DPDT switch 760. For example, LNAs 710-c, 710-d, 710-e, and 710-f may pass their respective output signals to Butler matrix network 310-d via DPDT switches 760-e, 760-f, 760-g, and 760-h, respectively.

[0143] Butler matrix network 310-d can output a signal to signal path switch 745. In this example, a first signal approximating a first transmission can be output to signal path switch 745-b, and a second signal approximating a second transmission can be output to signal path switch 745-d. Alternatively, Butler matrix network 310-d can be omitted and each signal path switch 745 can be coupled to an antenna array. In such a case, an antenna array associated with signal path switch 745-b can receive a first transmission, and an antenna array associated with signal path switch 745-d can receive a second transmission. In this example, signal path switches 745-b and 745-d can be closed. In other examples, signal path switch 745-b or 745-d can be open (e.g., under the command of multicast beam controller 750), and may not be able to receive a transmission received along the corresponding beam direction. The first signal and the second signal can be fed into signal aggregator / divider 740.

[0144] The aggregated signal may be passed to a signal aggregator / divider 735. In some cases, the aggregated signal may first be passed through a VGA. The signal aggregator / divider 735 may divide the aggregated signal and may pass each divided portion of the signal to a phase shifter 725 (e.g., to phase shifters 725-a and 725-b), each of which may be controlled by a unicast beam controller 730. Each phase shifter 725 may output a phase-shifted signal to a PA driver 715 via a DPDT switch 760. For example, phase shifter 725-a may output a phase-shifted signal to a PA driver 715-a via a DPDT switch 760-c, and phase shifter 725-b may output a phase-shifted signal to a PA driver 715-b via a DPDT switch 760-d. Each PA driver 715 and PA 720 may amplify the phase-shifted signal and may pass the amplified phase-shifted signal to an antenna element 705 via a DPDT switch 760. For example, in this example, PA 720-a can pass the corresponding amplified phase-shifted signal to antenna element 705-a through DPDT switch 760-a, and PA 720-b can pass the corresponding amplified phase-shifted signal to antenna element 705-b through DPDT switch 760-b.

[0145] Figure 8 An example of a signal processing chain 800 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 800 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 800 is a reference Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail below. Additionally, the Butler matrix networks 310-e and 310-f may be as described with reference to Figure 3 An example of a Butler matrix network 310 is described. Signal processing chain 800 may be capable of processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a second antenna array (e.g., antenna element 860) or set of antenna arrays (e.g., in the case where each signal path switch 850 and 865 is coupled to an antenna array rather than Butler matrix network 310-d) simultaneously with processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a first antenna array (e.g., an array including antenna element 805). As such, signal processing chain 800 may be used for FDD operation.

[0146] In one example, an antenna array including antenna elements 805-a and 805-b may receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array may pass a signal at each antenna to an LNA 815 through a duplexer 810, which may pass the signal to a phase shifter 830. For example, antenna element 805-a may pass a first signal to LNA 815-a through a duplexer 810-a, which may pass an amplified first signal to phase shifter 830-a. Additionally, antenna element 805-b may pass a second signal to LNA 815-b through a duplexer 810-b, which may pass an amplified second signal to phase shifter 830-b. The amount by which the phase shifter 830 shifts the phase of the signal passed through may be controlled by the unicast Rx beam controller 835 and may correspond to the intended direction from which the transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase-shifted signal may be aggregated by a signal aggregator / divider 840 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner).

[0147] The aggregate signal may be passed to a VGA 845, which may amplify the aggregate signal. The amplified aggregate signal may be passed to a signal aggregator / divider 847. The signal aggregator / divider 847 may divide the aggregate signal and may pass the divided aggregate signal to a signal path switch 850. Each signal path switch 850 may be associated with a different beamforming direction and may be controlled by a multicast beam controller 855. The multicast beam controller 855 may determine which of the signal path switches 850 may be opened and which may be closed. In this example, signal path switch 850-a may be opened and signal path switches 850-b and 850-c may be closed. Although three signal path switches 850 may be depicted in this example, it should be understood that a different number of signal path switches 850 (e.g., 2 j switches, where j=0, 1, 2, 3, ...) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0148] The signal path switches 850-b and 850-c may pass the aggregated signal to the Butler matrix network 310-e. The Butler matrix network 310-e may perform operations on the aggregated signal (eg, via Figure 3) and can output a set of output signals that are fed to the PA driver 820. The number of terminals to which the Butler matrix network 310-e outputs can be equal to the number of signal path switches 850 (for example, if there are four signal path switches 850, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, and third output signals can be fed to the PA drivers 820-c, 820-d, and 820-e, respectively. Each PA driver 820 can pass the first, second, and third output signals to PA 825-a, 825-b, and 825-c, respectively. The PA driver 820 and the PA 825 can apply gain to the signals passed through. In some cases, each PA driver 820 can have the same gain and each PA 825 can have the same gain. The amplified output signal can be passed to the antenna element 860 through the duplexer 810 and the antenna element 860 can output a multicast transmission. For example, in this example, the amplified first, second, and third output signals may be passed to antenna elements 860-a, 860-b, and 860-c, respectively, through duplexers 810-c, 810-d, 810-e, and a multicast transmission may be transmitted. The transmission transmitted from antenna element 860 may correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected signal path switch 850. For example, in this example, the first beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 850-b, and the second beam along which the transmission is transmitted may correspond to signal path switch 850-c. The first UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the first beam, and the second UE 115 or base station 105 may receive the transmission from the second beam. In some cases, the multicast beam controller 855 may close only a single signal path switch 850 and the resulting transmission may be unicast. In some cases, the Butler matrix network 310 - e may be omitted and each signal path switch 850 may be coupled to an antenna array (eg, the signal path switch may be coupled to the phase shifter 830 and the duplexer 810 ).

[0149] Additionally or alternatively, an antenna array including antenna elements 860 (e.g., antenna elements 860-a, 860-b, and 860-c) may receive a first transmission from a first UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 865-a, and may receive a second transmission from a second UE 115 or base station 105 in a beamforming direction associated with a signal path switch 865-b. The antenna array may pass a signal from each antenna element 860 through a duplexer 810 to an LNA 815. For example, antenna elements 860-a, 860-b, and 860-c may pass corresponding signals to LNAs 815-c, 815-d, and 815-e, respectively, through duplexers 810-c, 810-d, and 810-e. LNA 815 may pass the resulting signal to a Butler matrix network 310-f. For example, LNAs 815 - c , 815 - d , and 815 - e may pass their respective output signals to Butler matrix network 310 - f .

[0150] Butler matrix network 310-f can output a signal to signal path switch 865. In this example, a first signal approximating a first transmission can be output to signal path switch 865-a, and a second signal approximating a second transmission can be output to signal path switch 865-b. Alternatively, Butler matrix network 310-c can be omitted and each signal path switch 865 can be coupled to an antenna array (e.g., each signal path switch 865 can be coupled to phase shifter 830, LNA 815, and duplexer 810). In such a case, an antenna array associated with signal path switch 865-a can receive a first transmission, while an antenna array associated with signal path switch 865-b can receive a second transmission. In this example, signal path switches 865-a and 865-b can be closed. In other examples, signal path switch 865-a or 865-b can be open (e.g., under the command of signal aggregation controller 870), and may not receive a transmission received along the corresponding beam direction. The first signal and the second signal may be fed into a signal aggregator / divider 875 .

[0151] The aggregate signal may be passed through a VGA 880, which may pass the amplified aggregate signal to a signal aggregator / divider 885. The signal aggregator / divider 885 may divide the aggregate signal and may pass each divided portion of the signal to a phase shifter 830 (e.g., to phase shifters 830-c and 830-d), each of which may be controlled by a unicast Tx beam controller 890. Each phase shifter 830 may output a phase shifted signal to a PA driver 820. For example, phase shifter 830-c may output a phase shifted signal to a PA driver 820-b, and phase shifter 830-d may output a phase shifted signal to a PA driver 820-a. Each PA driver 820 and PA 825 may amplify the phase shifted signal and may pass the amplified phase shifted signal to an antenna element 805 through a duplexer 810. For example, in this example, PA 825-a can pass the corresponding amplified phase-shifted signal to antenna element 805-a through multiplexer 810-a, and PA 825-b can pass the corresponding amplified phase-shifted signal to antenna element 805-b through multiplexer 810-b.

[0152] Fig. 9 An example of a signal processing chain 900 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 900 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 900 is a reference Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - g may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 An example of a Butler matrix network 310 described. Signal processing chain 900 may be capable of processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a second antenna array (e.g., antenna element 960) or antenna array set (e.g., in a case where each duplexer 925 is coupled to an antenna array rather than a Butler matrix network 310-g) simultaneously with processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a first antenna array (e.g., an array including antenna element 905). In some cases, a single duplexer path may be selected at a time. In this way, signal processing chain 800 may be used for SFDD operation.

[0153] The signal processing chain 900 may include a Tx beam switch 945-a and an Rx beam switch 945-b. Both the Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b may be SPNT switches. The Tx beam switch 945-a may be coupled to one of the sets of signal path terminals 950 (e.g., signal paths 950-a, 950-b, 950-c, and 950-d), and the Rx beam switch 945-b may be coupled to one of the sets of signal path terminals 955 (e.g., signal path terminals 955-a, 955-b, 955-c, and 955-d). The Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b may be controlled by a Tx beam controller 947 and an Rx beam controller 948, respectively. Alternatively, both the Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b may be controlled by the same beam controller. In some cases, the Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b can select the signal path terminals 950 and 955 so that the Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b are coupled to the same duplexer 925-b. For example, in this example, the Tx beam switch 945-a can select the signal path terminal 950-a (which can be coupled to the duplexer 925-b), and the Rx beam switch 945-b can select the signal path terminal 955-a (which can also be coupled to the duplexer 925-b). There may also be a situation where the Tx beam switch 945-a and the Rx beam switch 945-b select the signal path terminals 950 and 955 associated with separate duplexers 925.

[0154] An antenna array including antenna elements 905-a and 905-b can receive transmissions (e.g., unicast transmissions) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array can pass signals at each antenna to a phase shifter 910. For example, antenna element 905-a can pass a first signal to phase shifter 910-a, and antenna element 905-b can pass a second signal to phase shifter 910-b. The amount by which phase shifter 910 shifts the phase of the signal passed through can be controlled by a unicast beam controller 915 and can correspond to an expected direction from which a transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase-shifted signals can be aggregated by a signal aggregator / divider 920 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner / divider).

[0155] The aggregate signal may be passed to LNA 930-a via duplexer 925-a. LNA 930-a may pass the aggregate signal to PA driver 935-a, which may pass the aggregate signal to PA 940-a. LNA 930-a, PA driver 935-a, and PA 940-a may amplify the aggregate signal. The amplified aggregate signal may be passed to duplexer 925-b via Tx beam switch 945-a, which may pass the amplified aggregate signal to Butler matrix network 310-g.

[0156] Butler matrix network 310-g may perform operations on the amplified aggregate signal (eg, via Figure 3 ) and can output a set of output signals fed into antenna element 960. The number of terminals to which Butler matrix network 310-g can output can be equal to the number of signal path terminals 950 or 955 (for example, if there are four signal path terminals 950 and / or four signal path terminals 955, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third and fourth output signals can be fed into antenna elements 960-a, 960-b, 960-c and 960-d, respectively, which can output a unicast transmission. The transmission transmitted from antenna element 960 can correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected signal path terminal 950. For example, in this example, the beam along which the transmission is transmitted can correspond to signal path terminal 950-a. The first UE 115 or base station 105 can receive a transmission from the beam. In some cases, Butler matrix network 310-g can be omitted and the duplexer 925 associated with each signal path terminal 950 can be coupled to the antenna array.

[0157] Additionally or alternatively, the first UE 115 or base station 105 can transmit transmission along the same beam.An antenna array including antenna elements 960 (e.g., antenna elements 960-a, 960-b, 960-c and 960-d) can receive transmission.An antenna array can pass signals from each antenna element 960 to Butler matrix network 310-g.Butler matrix network 310-g can output signals to duplexer 925 associated with signal path terminal 955.In this example, the signal approximating the transmission can be output to duplexer 925-b.Alternately, Butler matrix network 310-g can be omitted and each duplexer 925 associated with signal path terminal 955 can be coupled with antenna array.In such cases, the antenna array associated with duplexer 925-b can receive transmission and can transmit the transmission to duplexer 925-b.In this example, signal path terminal 955-b may not be connected with Rx beam switch 945-b. As such, transmissions from the beam direction associated with the duplexer 925-c may not be received. The signal passed through the duplexer 925-b may be passed to the LNA 930-b. The LNA 930-b may pass the signal to the PA driver 935-b, which may pass the signal to the PA 940-b. The LNA 930-b, the PA driver 935-b, and the PA 940-b may amplify the signal. The amplified signal may be passed to the signal aggregator / divider 920 via the duplexer 925-a.

[0158] Signal aggregator / divider 920 may divide the amplified signal and may pass the divided portions to phase shifters 910. Each phase shifter 910 may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 905. For example, phase shifter 910-a may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 905-a, and phase shifter 910-b may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 905-b.

[0159] Fig.10 An example of a signal processing chain 1000 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the signal processing chain 1000 may implement Figure 2 and 3 For example, the signal processing chain 1000 is a reference Figure 2 An example of a signal processing chain 215 is described in detail in FIG. 3. Additionally, the Butler matrix network 310 - h may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 3An example of a Butler matrix network 310 described. The signal processing chain 1000 may be capable of processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a second antenna array (e.g., antenna element 1075) or a set of antenna arrays (e.g., in a case where each duplexer 1025 is coupled to an antenna array rather than a Butler matrix network 310-h) simultaneously with processing and retransmitting transmissions received at a first antenna array (e.g., an array including antenna element 1005). In some cases, a single or multiple duplexer paths may be selected at a time. In this way, the signal processing chain 800 may be used for SFDD or FDD operation.

[0160] The signal processing chain 1000 may include a Tx beam switch 1055 and an Rx beam switch 1065. The Tx beam switch 1055 and the Rx beam switch 1065 may be coupled to one or more duplexers 1025 (e.g., duplexers 1025-b, 1025-c, 1025-d, and 1025-e). The Tx beam switch 1055 and the Rx beam switch 1065 may be controlled by a Tx beam controller 1060 and an Rx beam controller 1070, respectively. Alternatively, both the Tx beam switch 1055 and the Rx beam switch 1065 may be controlled by the same beam controller. In some cases, the Tx beam controller 1060 and the Rx beam controller 1070 and the Rx beam switch 945-b can selectively close and open the Tx beam switch 1055 and the Rx beam switch 1065 so that the same duplexer can be coupled to the signal concentrator / divider 1045 and the signal concentrator / divider 1050. For example, in this example, the Tx beam switch 1055-a and the Rx beam switch 1065-a and the Tx beam switches 1055-c and 1065-c can be closed. There may also be a situation where the Tx beam switch 1055 associated with the duplexer 925 is closed and the Rx beam switch 1065 associated with the duplexer 925 is open, and vice versa.

[0161] In one example, an antenna array including antenna elements 1005-a and 1005-b can receive a transmission (e.g., a unicast transmission) from a base station 105 or a UE 115. The antenna array can pass the signal at each antenna to a phase shifter 1010. For example, antenna element 1005-a can pass a first signal to phase shifter 1010-a, while antenna element 1005-b can pass a second signal to phase shifter 1010-b. The amount by which phase shifter 1010 shifts the phase of the signal passed through can be controlled by a unicast beam controller 1015 and can correspond to an expected direction from which a transmission is to be received. Upon undergoing phase shifting, the phase-shifted signal can be aggregated by a signal aggregator / divider 1020 (e.g., a Wilkinson combiner / divider).

[0162] The aggregated signal may be passed to LNA 1030-a through duplexer 1025-a. LNA 1030-a may pass the aggregated signal to PA driver 1035-a, which may pass the aggregated signal to PA 1040-a. LNA 1030-a, PA driver 1035-a, and PA 1040-a may amplify the aggregated signal. The amplified aggregated signal may be fed to signal aggregator / divider 1045, which may divide the signal and pass the signal to one or more Tx beam switches 1055. In this example, the divided signal may be passed through Tx beam switches 1055-a and 1055-c and fed into Butler matrix network 310-h.

[0163] Butler matrix network 310-h may perform operations on the amplified aggregate signal (eg, via Figure 3 ) and can output a set of output signals that are fed into antenna element 1075. The number of terminals to which Butler matrix network 310-h can output can be equal to the number of Tx beam switches 1055 and / or the number of Rx beam switches 1065 (for example, if there are four Tx beam switches 1055 and / or four Rx beam switches 1065, there may be four output terminals). In one example, the first, second, third, and fourth output signals can be fed into antenna elements 1075-a, 1075-b, 1075-c, and 1075-d, respectively, which can output a unicast transmission. The transmission transmitted from antenna element 1075 can correspond to the beamforming direction associated with the selected Tx beam switch 1055. For example, in this example, the first beam along which the transmission is transmitted can correspond to Tx beam switch 1055-a, and the second beam along which the transmission is transmitted can correspond to Tx beam switch 1055-c. A first UE 115 or base station 105 may receive transmissions from the first beam, while a second UE 115 or base station 105 may receive transmissions from the second beam. In some cases, the Butler Matrix network 310-h may be omitted and the duplexer 1025 associated with each Tx beam switch 1055 may be coupled to the antenna array.

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, the first UE 115 or base station 105 and the second UE 115 or base station 105 can transmit a transmission along the first and second beam directions. An antenna array including antenna elements 1075 (e.g., antenna elements 1075-a, 1075-b, 1075-c, and 1075-d) can receive the transmission. The antenna array can pass a signal from each antenna element 1075 to a Butler matrix network 310-h. The Butler matrix network 310-h can output a signal to a duplexer 1025 associated with the Rx beam switch 1065. In this example, a signal approximating a transmission from the first UE 115 or base station 105 can be output to the duplexer 1025-b, while a signal approximating a transmission from the second UE 115 or base station 105 can be output to the duplexer 1025-d. Alternatively, the Butler matrix network 310-h can be omitted and each duplexer 1025 associated with the Rx beam switch 1065 can be coupled to an antenna array. In such a case, the antenna array associated with the duplexer 1025-b can receive a transmission from the first UE 115 or base station 105 and can pass the transmission to the duplexer 1025-b, while the antenna array associated with the duplexer 1025-d can receive a transmission from the second UE 115 or base station 105 and can pass the transmission to the duplexer 1025-d. In this example, the Rx beam switch 1065-b can be open. In this way, the transmission from the beam direction associated with the duplexer 1025-c may not be received. The signal passed through the duplexer 1025-b and the signal passed through the duplexer 1025-d can be passed to the signal aggregator / divider 1050.

[0165] The signal aggregator / divider 1050 may output an aggregate signal and may output the aggregate signal to the LNA 1030-b. The LNA 1030-b may pass the aggregate signal to the PA driver 1035-b, which may pass the aggregate signal to the PA 1040-b. The LNA 1030-b, the PA driver 1035-b, and the PA 1040-b may amplify the aggregate signal. The amplified aggregate signal may be passed to the signal aggregator / divider 1020 via the duplexer 1025-a.

[0166] Signal aggregator / divider 1020 may divide the amplified aggregate signal and may pass the divided portions to phase shifters 1010. Each phase shifter 1010 may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 1005. For example, phase shifter 1010-a may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 1005-a, while phase shifter 1010-b may output a phase-shifted signal to antenna element 1005-b.

[0167] Fig.11An example of a process flow 1100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the process flow 1100 may implement Figure 1 and 2 For example, process flow 1100 may include base station 105-a (which may be as described in reference Figure 1 105) and may include a wireless repeater (which may be as described in reference to Figure 2 It should be noted that the base station 105-a may be replaced by a UE 115 and / or a set of UEs 115 may be replaced by base stations 105 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0168] The base station 105-a may transmit a unicast transmission at 1105. The wireless repeater 205-a may receive the unicast transmission at a first antenna array.

[0169] At 1110, the wireless repeater 205-a may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions. For example, the wireless repeater 205-a may route a signal received via a unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater 205-a. The first signal path may be associated with a first beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions, and the second signal path may be associated with a second signal path in the set of beamforming directions. Additionally, the wireless repeater 205-a may feed the signal into a beamforming network based on a Butler matrix and coupled to at least two signal paths. The signal from the first signal path may be routed to a first orthogonal coupler, and the signal from the second path may be routed to a second or first orthogonal coupler.

[0170] At 1115, the wireless repeater 205-a may use at least a second antenna array to transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs 115. The multicast transmission may be based on a unicast transmission and a plurality of beamforming directions. For example, transmitting the multicast transmission may involve retransmitting a signal received via the unicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions. Each UE 115 in the set of UEs 115 may receive the multicast transmission. For example, the multicast transmission may be transmitted via separate antenna arrays (e.g., a first antenna array corresponding to a first signal path and a second antenna array corresponding to a second signal path). Alternatively, the multicast transmission may be transmitted by a single antenna array coupled to a Butler matrix network.

[0171] The wireless repeater 205-a may switch from the downlink configuration to the uplink configuration at 1120. For example, the wireless repeater 205-a may switch a signal path within the wireless repeater 205-a from the downlink configuration to the uplink configuration.

[0172] At least a subset of the set of UEs 115 may transmit a transmission at 1125. For example, a first UE 115 in the set of UEs 115 may transmit a first transmission along a first beam direction, and a second UE 115 in the set of UEs 115 may transmit a second transmission along a second beam direction. The wireless repeater 205-a may receive transmissions from the set of UEs 115.

[0173] At 1130, the wireless repeater 205-a may aggregate a first signal received via a first transmission and a second signal received via a second transmission to form an aggregated signal. The first signal may be received from a second antenna array of the wireless repeater 205-a, and the second signal may be received from a third antenna array of the wireless repeater 205-a. Alternatively, the first signal and the second signal may be received by routing the signal from a single antenna array into a Butler Matrix network. The output of the Butler Matrix network may include the first signal and the second signal.

[0174] At 1135, the wireless repeater 205-a may transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater 205-a. The unicast transmission may be received by the base station 105-a. In some implementations, any combination of transmissions 1105, 1115, 1125, and 1135 may be any of SHF, EHF, and / or mmW transmissions.

[0175] Fig.12 A block diagram 1200 of a device 1205 supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1205 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 1205 may include a receiver 1210, a communication manager 1215, and a transmitter 1220. The device 1205 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0176] The receiver 1210 may receive information, such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beamforming multicast relays, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1205. The receiver 1210 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0177] The communication manager 1215 can receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of a wireless repeater, map the unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater, and use at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs on the set of beamforming directions, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission. The communication manager 1215 can also use at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to receive a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction, aggregate a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregated signal, and use the first antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal.

[0178] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0179] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be physically located at various locations, including being distributed such that portions of functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components (including, but not limited to, input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof).

[0180] The transmitter 1220 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 1205. In some examples, the transmitter 1220 may be co-located in a transceiver module with the receiver 1210. The transmitter 1220 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0181] Fig.13A block diagram 1300 of a device 1305 supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of aspects of the device 1205 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 1305 may include a receiver 1310, a communication manager 1315, and a transmitter 1350. The device 1305 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0182] The receiver 1310 may receive information, such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beamforming multicast relays, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1305. The receiver 1310 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0183] The communication manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215 as described herein. The communication manager 1315 may include a unicast transmission receiver 1320, a unicast transmission mapper 1325, a multicast transmission transmitter 1330, a UE transmission receiver 1335, a signal aggregator 1340, and a unicast transmission transmitter 1345.

[0184] The unicast transmission receiver 1320 may receive the unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0185] The unicast transmission mapper 1325 may map unicast transmissions to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater.

[0186] The multicast transmission transmitter 1330 may transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs in a set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission.

[0187] The UE transmission receiver 1335 may use at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to receive a first transmission from a first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction.

[0188] The signal aggregator 1340 may aggregate a first signal received via a first transmission and a second signal received via a second transmission to form an aggregate signal.

[0189] The unicast transmission transmitter 1345 may use the first antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal.

[0190] The transmitter 1350 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device 1305. In some examples, the transmitter 1350 may be co-located in a transceiver module with the receiver 1310. The transmitter 1350 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0191] Fig.14 A block diagram 1400 of a communication manager 1405 supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1405 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215 or the communication manager 1315. The communication manager 1405 may include a unicast transmission receiver 1410, a unicast transmission mapper 1415, a multicast transmission transmitter 1420, a UE transmission receiver 1425, a signal aggregator 1430, a unicast transmission transmitter 1435, a signal path switching component 1440, a signal processing component 1445, and a Butler matrix component 1450. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0192] The unicast transmission receiver 1410 may receive the unicast transmission via directional beamforming at the first antenna array of the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission receiver 1410 may receive additional unicast transmissions including control information at a lower frequency than the unicast transmission at the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission receiver 1410 may receive a second unicast transmission via directional beamforming at the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0193] The unicast transmission mapper 1415 can map the unicast transmission to a beamforming direction set for transmission by the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the signal received via the unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can feed the signal into a beamforming network based on a Butler matrix and coupled with at least two signal paths. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the signal from the first signal path to the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the signal from the second signal path to the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the signal from the second signal path to the second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the signal received via the unicast transmission through the first beamforming network within the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the first signal and the second signal through a second beamforming network within the wireless repeater, wherein both the first beamforming network and the second beamforming network are based on a Butler matrix. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the first signal through a first duplexer within the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can route the second signal through a second duplexer within the wireless repeater. In some examples, the unicast transmission mapper 1415 can map the second unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions including a first beamforming direction and a second beamforming direction for transmission by the wireless repeater.

[0194] The multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may use at least a second antenna array of a wireless repeater to transmit a multicast transmission to a UE set on a beamforming direction set, the multicast transmission being based on a unicast transmission. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may retransmit a signal received via a unicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the beamforming direction set. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission on a beamforming direction set based on the output of a first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission on a beamforming direction set based on routing a signal from a second signal path to a first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission on a beamforming direction set based on a second output of the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission on a beamforming direction set based on the output of a second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission on a set of beamforming directions based on a second output of the first orthogonal coupler and a second output of the second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may use a second antenna array of a wireless repeater to transmit a first portion of the multicast transmission in a first beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may use a third antenna array of a wireless repeater to transmit a second portion of the multicast transmission in a second beamforming direction in a set of beamforming directions. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may transmit a multicast transmission based on control information. In some examples, the multicast transmission transmitter 1420 may use at least a second antenna array of a wireless repeater to transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs including a first UE and a second UE, the multicast transmission being based on a second unicast transmission and on a set of beamforming directions. In some cases, a first time period between receiving a unicast transmission and transmitting a multicast transmission overlaps at least partially with a second time period between receiving a first transmission and transmitting a second unicast transmission. In some cases, the second antenna array has the same number of antennas as the first antenna array and outputs a multicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions.

[0195] The UE transmission receiver 1425 may use at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to receive a first transmission from the first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from the second UE along a second beamforming direction. In some examples, the UE transmission receiver 1425 may receive a first transmission from a first UE in the UE set along a first beamforming direction in the set at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater. In some examples, the UE transmission receiver 1425 may receive a second transmission from a second UE in the UE set along a second beamforming direction in the set at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater. In some cases, the first transmission from the first UE and the first transmission from the second UE are received at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater. In some cases, the transmission from the first UE is received at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater, and the transmission from the second UE is received at the third antenna array of the wireless repeater.

[0196] The signal aggregator 1430 may aggregate a first signal received via a first transmission and a second signal received via a second transmission to form an aggregated signal. In some examples, the signal aggregator 1430 may aggregate a first signal received via a first transmission and a second signal received via a second transmission to form an aggregated signal. In some examples, the signal aggregator 1430 may aggregate the first signal and the second signal based on routing the first signal to a first signal path and routing the second signal to a second signal path.

[0197] The unicast transmission transmitter 1435 may use the first antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal. In some examples, the unicast transmission transmitter 1435 may use the first antenna array of the wireless repeater to transmit a second unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal. In some examples, the unicast transmission transmitter 1435 may transmit a unicast transmission in a single beamforming direction.

[0198] The signal path switching component 1440 can switch a signal path within the wireless repeater from a downlink configuration to an uplink configuration, wherein switching the signal path occurs after transmitting the multicast transmission and before receiving the transmission from the first UE and the transmission from the second UE.

[0199] The signal processing component 1445 can process the aggregate signal and the signal received via unicast transmission using at least one of the same LNA, the same PA, or the same PA driver. In some examples, the signal processing component 1445 can process the signal received via unicast transmission based on a first set of LNA, PA, and PA driver. In some examples, the signal processing component 1445 can process the aggregate signal based on a second set of LNA, PA, and PA driver.

[0200] The Butler matrix component 1450 can generate a first signal and a second signal using a beamforming network based on a Butler matrix and coupled to a second antenna array. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can route a signal from a first antenna of the second antenna array to a first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can obtain a first signal associated with a first UE based on the output of the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can route a signal from a second antenna of the second antenna array to a first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can obtain a first signal associated with a first UE based on routing the signal from the second antenna to the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can obtain a second signal associated with a second UE based on a second output from the first orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can route a signal from a second antenna of the second antenna array to a second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can obtain a second signal associated with a second UE based on the output of the second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can obtain a first signal associated with the first UE based on the output from the second orthogonal coupler. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can route the first signal associated with the first UE to a first signal path within the wireless repeater. In some examples, the Butler matrix component 1450 can route a second signal associated with the second UE to a second signal path within the wireless repeater.

[0201] Fig.15 1 is a flow chart of a method 1500 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 1500 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0202] At 1505, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1505 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 2 1505 is performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1505 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0203] At 1510, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 1510 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 1510 is performed by the beam controller 210 and / or the signal processing chain 215 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1510 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0204] At 1515, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a multicast transmission to the set of UEs in a set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 1515 is performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1515 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0205] Fig.16 1 is a flow chart of a method 1600 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 1600 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0206] At 1605, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 2 1605 is performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1605 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0207] At 1610, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 1610 is performed by the beam controller 210 and / or the signal processing chain 215 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1610 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0208] At 1615, the wireless repeater 205 may retransmit the signal received via unicast transmission in each beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 1615 is performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1615 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0209] Fig.17 1 is a flow chart of a method 1700 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 1700 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0210] At 1705, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 2 1705 is performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1705 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0211] At 1710, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 1710 is performed by the beam controller 210 and / or the signal processing chain 215 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1710 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0212] At 1715, the wireless repeater 205 may route a signal received via a unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater. A first signal path of the at least two signal paths may be associated with a first beamforming direction of a plurality of beamforming directions, and a second signal path of the at least two signal paths may be associated with a second beamforming direction of a plurality of beamforming directions. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 1715 is performed by the signal processing chain 215 and / or the beam controller 210 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1715 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0213] At 1720, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs in a set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 1720 is performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1720 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0214] Fig.18 1 is a flow chart of a method 1800 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 1800 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0215] At 1805, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 2 The method of performing 1805 may be performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1805 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0216] At 1810, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 21810 is performed by the beam controller 210 and / or the signal processing chain 215 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1810 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0217] At 1815, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a first portion of the multicast transmission in a first beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions using a second antenna array of the wireless repeater 205. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1815 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0218] At 1820, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a second portion of the multicast transmission in a second beamforming direction in the set of beamforming directions using a third antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1820 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1820 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 1820 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0219] Fig.19 1 is a flow chart of a method 1900 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 1900 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0220] At 1905, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1905 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 A unicast transmission receiver as described or as referred to Figure 2 The method of performing 1905 may be performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1905 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0221] At 1910, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 1910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1910 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 The described beam controller 210 and / or signal processing chain 215 are performed. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1910 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0222] At 1915, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a multicast transmission to a set of UEs in a set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission. The operations of 1915 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1915 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 The method may be performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1915 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0223] At 1920, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a first transmission from a first UE in the set of UEs along a first beamforming direction in the set at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1920 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1920 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The UE transmission receiver described herein may be a UE transmission receiver as described herein. Figure 2The method 1920 may be performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1920 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0224] At 1925, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a second transmission from a second UE in the set of UEs at a second antenna array of the wireless repeater along a second beamforming direction in the set. The operations of 1925 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1925 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The UE transmission receiver described herein may be a UE transmission receiver as described herein. Figure 2 The method 1925 may be performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1925 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0225] At 1930, the wireless repeater 205 may aggregate a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregate signal. The operations of 1930 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1930 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The signal aggregator described or by reference to Figure 2 The signal processing chain 215 and / or the beam controller 210 described above are performed. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1930 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0226] At 1935, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a second unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 1935 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1935 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 The method 1935 may be performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 1935 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0227] Fig. 202000 is a flowchart of a method 2000 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 2000 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0228] At 2005, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 2005 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2005 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 2 The method 2005 may be performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2005 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0229] At 2010, the wireless repeater 205 may map a unicast transmission to a set of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater. The operations of 2010 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2010 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission mapper described or by reference to Figure 2 2010 is performed by the beam controller 210 and / or the signal processing chain 215 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2010 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0230] At 2015, the wireless repeater 205 may receive additional unicast transmissions including control information at the wireless repeater at a lower frequency than the unicast transmissions. The operations of 2015 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2015 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The unicast transmission receiver described herein or by referring to Figure 22015 is performed by the RF component 245 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2015 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0231] At 2020, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a multicast transmission to the set of UEs in a set of beamforming directions using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, the multicast transmission being based on the unicast transmission. The operations of 2020 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2020 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The multicast transmission transmitter described or by reference to Figure 2 The method of performing 2025 may be performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2025 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0232] Fig.21 2100 is a flowchart of a method 2100 for supporting a beamforming multicast relay according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2100 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2100 may be implemented by the wireless repeater 205 or its components as described herein. Figure 2 The beam controller 210, signal processing chain 215, antenna array 225, antenna array 230, or a combination thereof described herein may be performed. Additionally or alternatively, the operations of method 2100 may be performed by the method described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 In some examples, the wireless repeater 205 may execute instruction sets for controlling the functional elements of the wireless repeater 205 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless repeater 205 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0233] At 2105, the wireless repeater 205 may receive a first transmission from the first UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from the second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 2105 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2105 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The UE transmission receiver described herein may be a UE transmission receiver as described herein. Figure 2 2105 is performed by the antenna array 230 described above. Additionally or alternatively, means for performing 2105 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0234] At 2110, the wireless repeater 205 may aggregate a first signal received via a first transmission and a second signal received via a second transmission to form an aggregate signal. The operations of 2110 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2110 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 The signal aggregator described or by reference to Figure 2 The beam controller 210 and / or signal processing chain 215 described above may be performed. Alternatively, aspects of the operation of 2110 may be performed by a first antenna array associated with the first signal and a second antenna array associated with the second signal. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2110 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0235] At 2115, the wireless repeater 205 may transmit a unicast transmission based on the aggregated signal using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater. The operations of 2115 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2115 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 A unicast transmission transmitter as described or as referred to Figure 2 The method may be performed by the antenna array 225 described above. Additionally or alternatively, the means for performing 2115 may include, for example, the receiver 1210, the communication manager 1215, the transmitter 1220, the receiver 1310, the communication manager 1315, the transmitter 1350, or a combination thereof.

[0236] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. For example, some or all of the operations and steps described herein (including but not limited to Fig.11 and Figures 15 to 21 ) can in some cases be performed in a different order or at least partially concurrently (e.g., in parallel or otherwise during at least partially overlapping time periods). In addition, aspects from two or more methods can be combined.

[0237] As used herein, a metamaterial may refer to any material with a tunable (configurable, adjustable) dielectric constant or magnetic permeability. For example, a metamaterial may be artificial (not existing in nature), possibly using nanofabrication or similar manufacturing techniques. In some cases, metamaterials may be referred to interchangeably as left-handed materials, electrically single-negative (ENG) materials, double-negative materials, negative refractive index materials, or chiral materials. In some cases, one or more components described herein may be formed using (e.g., may include) one or more metamaterials (including but not limited to antennas, waveguides / transmission lines, switches, phase shifters, couplers, or duplexers (circulators), etc.). In some examples, reference is made to Figure 3 One or more components of a Butler matrix may include devices fabricated using metamaterials (e.g., waveguides / transmission lines, couplers (including orthogonal couplers), phase shifters, and / or antenna elements). In one specific example, at very high frequencies (e.g., at or above 50 GHz), some components of a Butler matrix and / or wireless repeaters (e.g., see Figure 2 Other components of the wireless repeater 205) can be manufactured using metamaterials due to their excellent high-frequency performance.

[0238] The technology described herein can be used in various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. CDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are generally referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is generally referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. TDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

[0239] OFDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro are versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for systems and radio technologies mentioned herein as well as for other systems and radio technologies. Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable to applications other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR applications.

[0240] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. A small cell may be associated with a lower power base station (compared to a macro cell), and the small cell may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency band as the macro cell. According to various examples, a small cell may include a pico cell, a femto cell, and a micro cell. A pico cell, for example, may cover a smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. A femto cell may also cover a smaller geographic area (e.g., a residence) and may provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in the residence, etc.). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or more (eg, two, three, four, etc.) cells and may also support communication using one or more component carriers.

[0241] The wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each base station may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each base station may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0242] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout this description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0243] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0244] Where appropriate, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted by a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. However, it should be understood that some aspects such as analog and / or RF blocks (components or groups of components) may not be implemented by software and may instead be implemented by hardware.

[0245] Computer-readable medium includes both non-transient computer storage medium and communication medium, and it includes any medium that facilitates computer program to transfer from one place to another.Non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable medium can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to carry or store instruction or data structure form of desired program code means and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor any other non-transient medium.Any connection is also properly referred to as computer-readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are just included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc as used herein include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0246] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0247] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference number regardless of the second reference number, or other subsequent reference numbers.

[0248] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or that fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "better than" or "better than other examples." This detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0249] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of a wireless repeater; mapping the unicast transmission to a plurality of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater by routing signals received via the unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater; feeding the signal into a beamforming network based at least in part on a Butler matrix and coupled to the at least two signal paths; as well as A multicast transmission is transmitted using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) in the plurality of beamforming directions, the multicast transmission being based at least in part on the unicast transmission.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the multicast transmission comprises: The signal received via the unicast transmission is retransmitted in each of the plurality of beamforming directions.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: A first signal path of the at least two signal paths is associated with a first beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions; and A second signal path of the at least two signal paths is associated with a second beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: routing the signal from the first signal path to a first quadrature coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The multicast transmission is transmitted in the plurality of beamforming directions based at least in part on an output of the first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: routing the signal from the second signal path to the first quadrature coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The multicast transmission is transmitted in the plurality of beamforming directions based at least in part on routing the signal from the second signal path to the first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: The multicast transmission is transmitted in the plurality of beamforming directions based at least in part on a second output of the first quadrature coupler of the beamforming network.

7. The method of claim 4, further comprising: routing the signal from the second signal path to a second quadrature coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The multicast transmission is transmitted in the plurality of beamforming directions based at least in part on an output of the second orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: The multicast transmission is transmitted in the plurality of beamforming directions based at least in part on a second output of the first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network and a second output of the second orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a first portion of the multicast transmission in a first beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions using the second antenna array of the wireless repeater; as well as A second portion of the multicast transmission is transmitted in a second beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions using a third antenna array of the wireless repeater.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater, a first transmission from a first UE of the plurality of UEs along a first beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions; receiving, at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater, a second transmission from a second UE of the plurality of UEs along a second beamforming direction of the plurality of beamforming directions; Aggregating a first signal received via the first transmission and a second signal received via the second transmission to form an aggregate signal; as well as A second unicast transmission based at least in part on the aggregated signal is transmitted using the first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: A signal path within the wireless repeater is switched from a downlink configuration to an uplink configuration, wherein switching the signal path occurs after transmitting the multicast transmission and before receiving a transmission from the first UE and a transmission from the second UE.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The aggregate signal and a signal received via the unicast transmission are processed using at least one of: a same low noise amplifier (LNA), a same power amplifier (PA), or a same PA driver.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: processing a signal received via the unicast transmission based at least in part on a first set of a low noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier (PA), and a PA driver; as well as The aggregate signal is processed based at least in part on a second set of LNAs, PAs, and PA drivers.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein a first time period between receiving the unicast transmission and transmitting the multicast transmission at least partially overlaps with a second time period between receiving the first transmission and transmitting the second unicast transmission.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The first signal and the second signal are routed through a second beamforming network based at least in part on the Butler matrix.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: routing the first signal through a first duplexer within the wireless repeater; as well as The second signal is routed through a second duplexer within the wireless repeater.

17. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater, a first transmission from a first user equipment UE along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction; obtaining a first signal approximating the received first transmission and a second signal approximating the received second transmission using a beamforming network based at least in part on a Butler matrix and coupled to the second antenna array; Aggregating the first signal and the second signal to form an aggregate signal; as well as A unicast transmission based at least in part on the aggregated signal is transmitted using a first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: routing a signal from a first antenna of the second antenna array to a first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The first signal is obtained based at least in part on an output of the first quadrature coupler of the beamforming network.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: routing a signal from a second antenna of the second antenna array to the first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The first signal is obtained based at least in part on routing the signal from the second antenna to the first orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: The second signal is obtained based at least in part on a second output from the first quadrature coupler of the beamforming network.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: routing a signal from a second antenna of the second antenna array to a second orthogonal coupler of the beamforming network; as well as The second signal is obtained based at least in part on an output of the second quadrature coupler of the beamforming network.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The first signal is obtained based at least in part on the output from the second quadrature coupler of the beamforming network.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein a first transmission from the first UE is received at the second antenna array of the wireless repeater, and a second transmission from the second UE is received at a third antenna array of the wireless repeater.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, at the first antenna array of the wireless repeater, a second unicast transmission via directional beamforming; mapping the second unicast transmission to a plurality of beamforming directions including the first beamforming direction and the second beamforming direction; as well as A multicast transmission is transmitted using at least the second antenna array of the wireless repeater to a plurality of UEs including the first UE and the second UE, the multicast transmission being based at least in part on the second unicast transmission and in the plurality of beamforming directions.

25. The method of claim 17, further comprising: routing the first signal to a first signal path within the wireless repeater; as well as routing the second signal to a second signal path within the wireless repeater, wherein Aggregating the first signal and the second signal includes aggregating the first signal and the second signal based at least in part on routing the first signal to the first signal path and routing the second signal to the second signal path.

26. A device for wireless communication, comprising: Processor for wireless repeater; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; as well as Instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to: receiving a unicast transmission via directional beamforming at a first antenna array of the wireless repeater; mapping the unicast transmission to a plurality of beamforming directions for transmission by the wireless repeater by routing signals received via the unicast transmission to at least two signal paths within the wireless repeater; feeding the signal into a beamforming network based at least in part on a Butler matrix and coupled to the at least two signal paths; as well as A multicast transmission is transmitted using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) in the plurality of beamforming directions, the multicast transmission being based at least in part on the unicast transmission.

27. A device for wireless communication, comprising: Processor for wireless repeater; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; as well as Instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to: receiving a first transmission from a first user equipment (UE) along a first beamforming direction and a second transmission from a second UE along a second beamforming direction using at least a second antenna array of the wireless repeater; obtaining a first signal approximating the received first transmission and a second signal approximating the received second transmission using a beamforming network based at least in part on a Butler matrix and coupled to the second antenna array; Aggregating the first signal and the second signal to form an aggregate signal; as well as A unicast transmission based at least in part on the aggregated signal is transmitted using a first antenna array of the wireless repeater.

Images