Network controlled repeater operation during beam recovery procedure for backhaul link

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device and method for a network control relay (NCR) device to detect, indicate, and recover from a backhaul failure. The method includes, by the NCR device: (i) communicating with the network device (s) via the first link or the second link, and communicating with the user equipment via the third link. A beam association of the first link and the second link is determined. The method includes determining that a first link is transmitted on a first beam of the network device (s) and a second link is transmitted on a second beam of the network device (s). In response, the method includes monitoring a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. The method includes sending a request for backhaul beam recovery on the first link in response to detecting an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 377,527, filed on September 28, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to relaying wireless communications using repeater devices. Background Art

[0004] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (including base stations), which may be referred to as eNodeB (eNB), next generation NodeB (gNB) or other suitable terms. Each network communication device (such as a base station) may support wireless communication of one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. A wireless communication system may utilize resources of a wireless communication system to support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices, such as time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, sub-time slots, mini-time slots, aggregated time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers). In addition, a wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, and other suitable radio access technologies other than 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)).

[0005] Coverage is a fundamental aspect of cellular network deployment. Mobile operators rely on different types of network nodes to provide comprehensive coverage in their deployments. Deploying conventional full-stack cells is an option, but may not always be technically or economically feasible. Therefore, new types of network nodes are believed to increase the flexibility of mobile operators' network deployments. For example, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) is a new type of network node that does not require a wired backhaul. Another type of network node is a radio frequency (RF) repeater, which simply amplifies and forwards any signal received by the RF repeater. RF repeaters have been widely deployed in 2G, 3G, and 4G to supplement the coverage provided by conventional full-stack cells. The 5G New Radio (NR) radio access technology (RAT) has RF and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for such RF repeaters for NR for both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2). Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to providing a method of providing a process and signaling for detecting, indicating and recovering from a beam failure of a backhaul link for a network controlled repeater (NCR) device. In particular, backhaul failure recovery is supported when the NCR device receives a first link such as a control link and a second link such as a backhaul link from different beams of at least one network device. In one or more embodiments, the NCR device.

[0007] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include a method for wireless communication at a repeater device. In one or more embodiments, the method may include, via at least one transceiver of the repeater device: (i) communicating with at least one network device of a network via (a) a first link or (b) a second link; and (ii) communicating with a user device via a third link. The method may include determining a beam association of a first link and a second link established via at least one transceiver. The method may include determining that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of at least one network device. In response, the method may include monitoring a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. The method may include sending a request for backhaul beam recovery on the first link in response to detecting an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system that enables a network controller repeater (NCR) device to relay wireless communications in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 2 A portion of a wireless communication system with a network device that uses different component carriers for a control link and a forward link to an NCR device to extend a coverage area to a user equipment (UE) according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 3 A portion of a wireless communication system with two transmit receive points (TRPs) is illustrated, which respectively provide a control link and a forward link to an NCR device to extend the coverage area to a UE in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 A block diagram of a device that performs relaying of wireless communications according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method performed by a user equipment according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated to support beam restoration of a backhaul of an NCR device when different beams are used for a control link and a forward link on the backhaul. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] While conventional RF repeaters provide a cost-effective method of extending network coverage to a communication system, RF repeaters have their limitations. RF repeaters simply perform amplification and forwarding operations without taking into account various factors that can improve performance. Such factors can include information about semi-static and / or dynamic downlink / uplink configurations, adaptive transmitter / receiver spatial beamforming, switch states, etc. A network controlled repeater (NCR) is an enhancement to a conventional RF repeater that is capable of receiving and processing side control information from the network. Side control information can include time division duplex (TDD) switching, timing information, power control, and public and user equipment (UE) specific spatial information for beamforming.

[0014] The NCR device includes two main components / functions: (i) an NCR mobile terminal (NCR-MT), which is responsible for receiving side control information via a control link (C-link); and (ii) an NCR forwarding component (NCR-Fwd), which is responsible for amplifying and forwarding both the uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) physical (PHY) channels / signals of the backhaul link with the network and the access link with the UE. The NCR-MT and NCR-Fwd can support multiple component carriers (different frequency bands), which may require the use of different beams. In one example, different beams may be required for the use of different component carriers for the forward link and the C-link. In another example, different beams may be required for the use of different transmit receive points (TRPs) or remote radio heads for the forward link and the C-link. Using different beams requires different processing for the beam recovery process. The recovery of the C-link can be handled by traditional processes. Although the NCR device and (multiple) TRPs are in fixed positions, the beam between (multiple) TRPs and the NCR device may be blocked. In one example, a mobile obstacle may be moved between TRP(s) and NCR devices.

[0015] In the present disclosure, a solution is provided for indicating / recovering and changing repeater operation when a beam failure occurs in a backhaul link. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a configuration of an NCR-MT for measuring beam failure recovery (BFR) channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) candidate beams for a backhaul forward link. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a configuration for reporting a beam failure recovery request for a backhaul forward link. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a new configuration for handling NCR-Fwd operations during a beam recovery process.

[0016] In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus and method for beam failure recovery are provided at an NCR device, which includes receiving, by the NCR device, a first configuration for beam recovery of a backhaul forward link from a network device such as a new radio base station (gNB). The NCR device receives a second configuration from the gNB for handling repeater operations during a beam recovery process. The NCR device configured by the first configuration and the second configuration sends an indication of beam failure detection and recovery to the network.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first configuration includes information about a reference signal sent on a backhaul forward link for beam recovery detection. In one or more embodiments, the first configuration includes a threshold for triggering a beam failure recovery request for the backhaul forward link. In one or more embodiments, the first configuration includes information for sending a beam failure request for recovering the backhaul forward link on the UL of the C link, and a configuration for receiving a gNB response for beam recovery. In one or more embodiments, the NCR device triggers a beam failure recovery request in response to detecting that one of the measurement candidate beams has a measurement value higher than a predefined threshold. In one or more embodiments, the NCR device sends a request including an identifier of the measured candidate beam having a measurement value higher than the predefined threshold, and including an identifier of the TRP for sending the identified candidate beam.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, when the quality of the serving backhaul beam is below a certain quality threshold, the second configuration includes an instruction to the NCR device to shut down access link transmission / reception during beam failure recovery of the forward link. In one or more embodiments, when the measured energy at the radio frequency (RF) circuit of the forward link is below a certain energy threshold, the NCR device receives an instruction from the network to shut down access link transmission / reception. In response, the repeater device is configured to indicate the shutdown state of the access link to the network.

[0019] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, which enables a network controller repeater (NCR) device to relay wireless communications. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network devices 102, one or more UEs 104, a core network 106, and a packet data network 109. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 5G network, such as a new radio (NR) network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies other than 5G, or other suitable radio access technologies, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. Additionally, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0020] One or more network devices 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the network devices 102 described herein may be, may include, or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a radio access network (RAN), a base transceiver station, an access point, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a network device, or other suitable terms. The network device 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a communication link 108, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, the network device 102 and the UE 104 may wirelessly communicate (e.g., receive signaling, send signaling) via a user-to-user (Uu) interface.

[0021] The network device 102 may provide a geographic coverage area 110, and the network device 102 may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area 110. For example, the network device 102 and the UE 104 may support wireless communications of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the network device 102 may be mobile, for example, a satellite 107 associated with a non-terrestrial network and communicating via a satellite link 111. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 110 may be associated with different network devices 102. The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0022] One or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout the geographic area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a remote unit, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, etc. Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc. In some implementations, UE 104 may be stationary in the wireless communication system 100. In some other implementations, UE 104 may be mobile in the wireless communication system 100.

[0023] One or more UEs 104 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some examples of UE 104 are illustrated in FIG. UE 104 can communicate with various types of devices, such as network device 102, other UEs 104, or network devices (e.g., core network 106, packet data network 109, relay device, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or another network device), such as Figure 1 Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 can support communications with other network devices 102 or UE 104 (which can act as a relay in wireless communication system 100).

[0024] UE 104a may also be capable of supporting wireless communications directly with other UE 104b via a communication link 112. For example, UE 104 may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular V2X deployments, communication link 112 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, UE 104a may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104b via a PC5 interface. PC5 refers to a reference point where UE 104a communicates directly with another UE 104b via a direct channel without the need to communicate with network device 102a.

[0025] The network device 102 may support communication with the core network 106, or with another network device 102, or both. For example, the network device 102 may interface with the core network 106 via one or more backhaul links 114 (e.g., via S1, N2, or another network interface). The network devices 102 may communicate with each other via the backhaul links 114 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or another network interface). In some implementations, the network devices 102 may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between the network devices 102). In some other implementations, the network devices 102 may communicate with each other indirectly (e.g., via the core network 106). In some implementations, one or more network devices 102 may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network sending entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or send receive points (TRPs).

[0026] In some implementations, the network entity or network device 102 may be configured in a decomposed architecture that may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more network entities or devices 102, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity or network device 102 may include one or more of the following: a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a service management and orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0027] The RU may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmit receive point (TRP). In a disaggregated RAN architecture, one or more components of a network entity or network device 102 may be collocated, or one or more components of a network entity or network device 102 may be located at a distributed location (e.g., a separate physical location). In some implementations, one or more network entities or network devices 102 of a disaggregated RAN architecture may be implemented as a virtual unit (e.g., a virtual CU (VCU), a virtual DU (VDU), a virtual RU (VRU)).

[0028] The functional split between CU, DU and RU can be flexible, and different functions can be supported according to the functions performed at the CU, DU or RU (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions and any combination thereof). For example, a functional split of a protocol stack can be adopted between a CU and a DU so that the CU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU can host upper protocol layer (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) functions and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). The CU can be connected to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs can host lower protocol layers, such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer) functions and signaling, and each can be at least partially controlled by the CU.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between the DU and the RU such that the DU may support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU may support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs). In some implementations, the functional split between the CU and the DU or between the DU and the RU may be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of the CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by different items of the CU, DU, or RU).

[0030] The CU may be further functionally split into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU may be connected to one or more DUs via a medium-range communication link (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and the DU may be connected to one or more RUs via a fronthaul communication link (e.g., an open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some implementations, the medium-range communication link or the fronthaul communication link may be implemented based on interfaces (e.g., channels) between layers of a protocol stack supported by a corresponding network entity or network device 102 communicating via such a communication link.

[0031] The core network 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connection, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management function (AMF)), and user plane entities that route packets or interconnections to external networks (e.g., serving gateway (S-GW), packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more network devices 102 associated with the core network 106.

[0032] The core network 106 may communicate with the packet data network 109 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network 109 may include an application server 118. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server 118. The UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, etc.) with the core network 106 via a network entity or network device 102. The core network 106 may use the established session (e.g., the established PDU session) to route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between the UE 104 and the application server 118. The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the core network 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the core network 106).

[0033] In the wireless communication system 100, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more digital technologies.

[0034] One or more digital technologies may be supported in the wireless communication system 100, and the digital technologies may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefixes. A first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, a first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second digital technology (e.g., μ = 1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third digital technology (e.g., μ = 2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth digital technology (e.g., μ = 3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth digital technology (e.g., μ = 4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0035] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame can have a duration, for example, a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame can include multiple subframes. For example, each frame can include 10 subframes, and each subframe can have a duration, for example, a duration of 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame can have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame can have the same duration.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more digital technologies supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, a first digital technology, a second digital technology, a third digital technology, a fourth digital technology, and a fifth digital technology (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with corresponding subcarrier spacings of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, and 240kHz may utilize one time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and 16 time slots per subframe, respectively. Each time slot may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots of a subframe may depend on the digital technology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a time slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., for a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12 symbols. For a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix, the relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame may depend on the digital technology. It should be understood that references to a first digital technology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0037] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided into various categories, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can support one or more operating frequency bands, such as frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz-24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz-114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz-71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz-300 GHz). In some implementations, the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 can perform wireless communications on one or more of these operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 can be used by the network entity or network device 102 and the UE 104 and other devices or apparatuses for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by network entities or network devices 102 and UEs 104 and other devices or apparatuses for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0038] FR1 may be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least three digital technologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with: a first digital technology (e.g., μ=0) including a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz; a second digital technology (e.g., μ=1) including a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz; and a third digital technology (e.g., μ=2) including a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz. FR2 may be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least 2 digital technologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with: a third digital technology (e.g., μ=2) including a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz; and a fourth digital technology (e.g., μ=3) including a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz.

[0039] A network controlled repeater (NCR) device 130 can enable network device 102a to communicate with UE 104c outside coverage area 110a. Network device 102a communicates with NCR device 130 via control link 132 and backhaul link 134. NCR device 130 relays uplink and downlink signals on backhaul link 134 on access link 140 with UE 104c. NCR device 130 efficiently extends network coverage in both uplink and downlink with the help of side control information from the network. This information may include time division duplex (TDD) switching, timing information, power control, and public and UE-specific spatial information for beamforming. Aspects of the present disclosure may be more generally applied to communication links referenced with different tags. In one or more embodiments, control link 132 may generally be a first link, backhaul link 134 may generally be a second link, and access link 140 may generally be a third link.

[0040] Figure 2 The figure shows a portion of a wireless communication system 100, which includes a network device 102a, an NCR device 130, and a coverage area 110a ( Figure 1) outside of the UE 104c. The wireless communication system 100 can extend the coverage area 110a of the network device 102a by including an NCR device 130 that can reach the UE 104c. The NCR device 130 communicates with the network device 102a via both a side control link 132 (which can be referred to as a "C-link") and a backhaul link 134. The side control link 132 terminates at the NCR device 130, which thus acts as an NCR mobile terminal (NCR-MT) 136. The NCR device 130 includes an NCR forwarding portion 138 that receives and amplifies DL radio frequency (RF) signals received via the backhaul link 134 and forwards the DL RF signals to the UE 104c via the access link 140 with minimal delay. Similarly, the NCR forwarding portion 138 receives and amplifies UL RF signals received via the access link 140 and forwards the UL RF signals to the network device 102a via the backhaul link with minimal delay. The network device 102a can configure the NCR forwarding portion 138 via configuration information sent to the NCR-MT 136 via the side control link 132 .

[0041] The network device 102a has the capability to support beams 217a to 217n, such as for supporting the control link 132 and the NCR-Fwd access link 134. The NCR device 130 has the capability to support beams 211a to 211n, such as for supporting the NCR-Fwd access link 140 of the UE 104c. In one example, beam 217a of the network device 102a carries a second component carrier (CC#2) for the backhaul link 134. Beam 217n of the network device 102a carries a first component carrier (CC#1) for the control link 132. Both beams 211a and 211n of the NCR device 130 carry a second component carrier (CC#2) for the NCR-Fwd access link 140. The network device 102a provides a single TRP. However, the different component carriers on beam 217a of the backhaul link 134 and beam 217n of the control link 132 pose a problem for backhaul beam recovery.

[0042] The NCR device 130 is connected to a single TRP (network device 102a) for both the control link 132 and the forward link 134, and the forward link 134 has a different component carrier than the control link 132. Although not always the case, the implication of using different component carriers is that the channel behavior may also be different for the two component carriers, resulting in the use of two different beams 217a and 217n. When the NCR device 130 is unable to listen to reference signals, at least the beam failure detection reference signal (BFD-RS) in the forward link, a beam failure of the backhaul forward link 134 cannot be identified.

[0043] Figure 3 The network device 102a to 102b, the NCR device 130 and the coverage area 110a ( Figure 1 ) other than UE 104c. The communication system 100a is similar to the communication system 100 ( Figure 2 ), except that the challenge of backhaul beam restoration stems from having two TRPs. Network device 102a as the first TRP provides beam 217a for backhaul link 134. Network device 102b as the second TRP provides beam 217n for control link 132.

[0044] When the NCR device 130 is connected to multiple TRPs (e.g., network devices 102a-102b), at least one of which has a control link 132 to the NCR device 130, due to the different spatial locations of the TRPs (102a-102b), the beam 217n used for the control link 132 from one TRP (102b) and the beam 217a used for the forward link 134 from another TRP (102a) are different. When the repeater cannot listen to the reference signal (at least the BFD-RS) of the forward link 134, the beam failure of the backhaul forward link 134 cannot be identified and cannot be recovered. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a configuration for the NCR device 130 to measure the beam failure of the backhaul forward link 134 when a different beam than the control link 132 is used for the forward link 134. The NCR device 130 with this configuration can send a beam failure to the serving cell (such as the network device 102a ( Figure 2 ) and network device 102b( Figure 3 ))Report failure of control link 132 in UL for beam recovery.

[0045] In a first embodiment (Embodiment 1), the present disclosure provides a configuration for beam recovery detection and indication of an NCR backhaul forward link. According to Embodiment 1, the NCR-MT 136 is configured by the network to measure a reference signal of the forward link for use in a beam recovery process of the forward backhaul link. The reference signal may be a BFR-CSI-RS of a candidate beam for beam recovery specific to the backhaul forward link. For different component carrier (CC) situations ( Figure 2), for example, in the case of carrier aggregation, the NCR-MT 136 may operate on one CC while the forward link works on a different CC. In this case, two beam recovery procedures are performed by the NCR-MT 136. For the control link 132, the NCR-MT follows the traditional beam detection and recovery procedures. For the backhaul link, the NCR-MT 136 follows the backhaul beam recovery configuration provided by the gNB. The NCR-MT 136 measures the BFD-RS of the forward link 134. The NCR device 130 is configured to simultaneously receive side control information on a first component carrier and switch to a second component carrier on a configured timeslot of the BFD-RS to measure another component carrier for the forward link 134. When the NCR device 130 detects that the serving backhaul forward link 134 is below a predefined threshold, the NCR device 130 starts measuring other candidate beams 217a-217n. If one of the measured candidate beams 217a-217n has a beam quality greater than a threshold, the NCR device 130 triggers a beam restoration request in the UL of the control link 132 without a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission.

[0046] Continue to refer Figure 3 , providing a similar backhaul beam restoration configuration for multiple TRPs, wherein at least one TRP (102b) is used to transmit the backhaul beam to the receiver via the control link 132 ( Figure 3 ) controls the NCR device 130, while the other TRP (102a) sends data (forward link 134) to be forwarded by the NCR device 130 to the UE 104c. In this scenario, the beam 217n applicable to the control link 132 and the beam 217a applicable to the forward link 134 may be different. Therefore, it is necessary to perform beam detection and beam failure indication on the control link 132 and the forward link 134 respectively. The network device 102b (such as a gNB) configures the BFR-CSI-RS of the connected TRP for the NCR device 130. The repeater is configured to measure the BFD-RS of the indicated beam candidate.

[0047] After detecting a failure in the backhaul forward link 134, the NCR device sends a beam failure recovery request to measure the candidate beam with the best quality of the forward backhaul link 134 in the UL of the control link 132 without PRACH transmission. The request may contain a new candidate beam and / or a TRP for sending the beam. The request may be sent on the uplink control information (UCI) via the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) / physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) of the control link 132. The network device 102b sends a response to the beam recovery request in the DL control of the control link 132 using RRC and / or DCI. The response includes information about the new beam configuration of the backhaul forward link 134.

[0048] In a second embodiment (Embodiment 2), the present disclosure provides a configuration for handling NCR-Fwd operations during a beam recovery process. According to Embodiment 2, the NCR-MT 136 is configured by the network with two thresholds, which are used for backhaul beam measurement and for handling indications of repeater operations during the backhaul beam recovery process. The NCR device 130 is configured with a first threshold (Thr1) for triggering a beam failure recovery request when the backhaul beam quality is below a threshold. The second threshold (Thr2) is used to handle forward link operations at the NCR device 130. The first threshold (Thr1) is greater than the second threshold (Thr2). The NCR device 130 is (pre)configured by the network device 102b to shut down access link transmission / reception in the event of a beam failure / radio link failure at the backhaul forward link 134. In one implementation, the NCR device 130 measures the RS of the serving beam and the candidate beam. When the NCR device 130 detects that all the measurement candidate beams of the backhaul forward link 134 do not meet the required threshold, the NCR device 130 automatically shuts down the access transmission / reception of the NCR forwarding part 138, thereby saving power and avoiding mutual interference. In addition, the NCR device 130 triggers a beam failure recovery request for the forward link 134 to the network device 102b in the control link 132. When the NCR device 130 detects that the quality of the backhaul forwarding service beam is lower than the second threshold (Thr2), the NCR device 130 can shut down the access link transmission / reception of the NCR forwarding part 138 until the backhaul link beam is restored.

[0049] In another implementation, when the NCR forwarding portion 138 is unable to listen to the reference signal sent on the backhaul forward link 134, or is not configured to listen to the reference signal for beam recovery of the backhaul forward link 134, the NCR forwarding portion 138 can receive energy detection information (NCR forwarding portion 138) from the RF circuit of the forward link. When the energy is below a certain predefined threshold, the repeater sends an indication of the failure of the backhaul forward link to the network. When the detected energy at the RF circuit is below another threshold (below the value required to forward the signal to (multiple) UEs 104c), the NCR device 130 shuts down the access link transmission / reception until the backhaul beam is recovered.

[0050] Figure 4 An example of a block diagram 400 of a device 402 supporting beam indication of an NCR device according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 402 may be a network entity or a network device 102 or a UE 104 ( Figure 1). Device 402 may support wireless communications with one or more network entities or network devices 102, UE 104, or any combination thereof. Device 402 may include components for bidirectional communications, including components for sending and receiving communications (such as processor 404, memory 406, transceiver 408, and I / O controller 410). These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0051] The processor 404, memory 406, transceiver 408, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. For example, the processor 404, memory 406, transceiver 408, or various combinations or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more operations described herein.

[0052] In some implementations, the processor 404, memory 406, transceiver 408, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit system). The hardware may include a 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, which is configured to or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. The controller 407 includes a processor 404 that configures the device 402 to perform the functions of the present disclosure. The processor 404 of the controller 407 is communicatively coupled to the memory 406 to execute program code. The controller 407 may include a dedicated memory that is a portion of the memory 406 that is accessible only by the processor 404. In some implementations, the processor 404 and the memory 406 coupled to the processor 404 (within the controller 407) may be configured to perform one or more functions as the controller 407, as described herein (e.g., the instructions stored in the memory 406 are executed by the processor 404). In one example, the processor 404 of the device controller 414 executes the NCR beam direction application 409 to act as an NCR-MT when determining beam direction for configuring the transceiver 408 of the device 402 to perform NCR forwarding.

[0053] The processor 404 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 404 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 404. The processor 404 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 406) to cause the device 402 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0054] The memory 406 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 406 may store computer-readable computer executable code, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 404, cause the device 402 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or another type of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executed by the processor 404, but may cause the computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 406 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0055] I / O controller 410 can manage input and output signals of device 402. I / O controller 410 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 402. In some implementations, I / O controller 410 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 410 can use an operating system, such as Or other known operating systems. In some implementations, I / O controller 410 can be implemented as part of a processor such as processor 404. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 402 via I / O controller 410 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 410.

[0056] In some implementations, the device 402 may include a single antenna 412. However, in some other implementations, the device 402 may have more than one antenna 412 (i.e., multiple antennas), including multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays, which are capable of concurrently sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 408 may communicate bidirectionally using one or more receivers 415 and one or more transmitters 417 via one or more antennas 412, wired or wireless links (as described herein). For example, the transceiver 408 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 408 may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 412 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 412.

[0057] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the device 402 may be an NCR device 130 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 The device 402 has at least one transceiver 408 including at least one receiver 415 and at least one transmitter 417 to enable the device 402 to communicate with a network entity or network device 102a and a network entity such as UE 104a ( Figure 1 ) and other user equipment. Specifically, at least one transceiver 408 enables the device 402 to: (i) communicate with the user equipment via (a) control link 132 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) or (b) backhaul link 134 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) and the wireless communication system 100( Figure 1 ) of at least one network device 102a ( Figure 1 ) communication; and (ii) via access link 140 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) and user equipment (UE 104a( Figure 1 )) communication. A controller 414 of device 402 is communicatively coupled to at least one transceiver 408. Controller 407 determines a beam association of a first link and a second link established via at least one transceiver 408. Controller 407 determines that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of at least one network device. In response, controller 407 monitors a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. In response to detecting an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link, controller 407 sends a request for backhaul beam restoration on the first link.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the controller 407 receives a first configuration for beam restoration of a second link on a first link. The controller 407 applies the first configuration to at least one transceiver to determine a beam association of the first link and the second link and monitor a reference signal received on the second link. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes information about monitoring the signal quality of a reference signal sent on the second link for beam restoration detection. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes a first threshold for comparing with a signal quality value of the reference signal to indicate a backhaul failure. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes information for sending a request for backhaul beam restoration on an uplink of the first link, and includes a beam restoration configuration for receiving a response to beam restoration via a downlink of the first link.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the controller 407 detects an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. In response, the controller 407 measures reference signals received from candidate beams respectively transmitted by at least one network device. The controller 407 compares the measured reference signals with a first threshold. The controller 407 further sends a request for backhaul beam recovery on the first link in response to identifying at least one candidate beam having a corresponding measured reference signal greater than the first threshold. In one or more specific embodiments, the controller 407 sends a corresponding beam identifier of at least one candidate beam and a corresponding identifier of a transmit receive point (TRP) for transmitting the at least one candidate beam within the request.

[0060] In one or more specific embodiments, the controller 407 receives a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration including a second threshold for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. The controller 407 compares the signal quality of the second link with the second threshold. In response to the signal quality being less than the second threshold, the controller 407 shuts down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link.

[0061] In one or more specific embodiments, the controller 407 receives a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration including a second threshold for handling repeater operation during the beam recovery process. The controller 407 monitors the radio frequency (RF) received energy of the second link. The controller 407 compares the RF received energy of the second link with the second threshold. In response to the RF received energy being lower than the second threshold, the controller 407 shuts down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link.

[0062] Figure 5A flow chart of a method 500 for wireless communication at a repeater device that detects, indicates, and recovers from beam failures of a backhaul link in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 500 may be implemented by a device or component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 500 may be implemented by a device such as NCR device 130 ( Figure 1-Figure 3 ) or device 402( Figure 4 ) is performed by a repeater device of the network device. In some implementations, the repeater device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the user device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0063] At 505, method 500 may include, via at least one transceiver of the relay device: (i) communicating with at least one network device of the network via (a) a first link or (b) a second link; and (ii) communicating with a user device via a third link. The operations of 505 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 505 may be described with reference to Figure 1-Figure 4 The device is used to perform the above.

[0064] At 510, method 500 may include determining a beam association of a first link and a second link established via at least one transceiver. The operations of 510 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 510 may be described with reference to Figure 1-Figure 4 The device is used to perform the above.

[0065] At 515, method 500 may include determining that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of at least one network device. The operations of 515 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 515 may be described with reference to Figure 1-Figure 4 The device is used to perform the above.

[0066] At 520, method 500 may monitor a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. The operations of 520 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 520 may be performed by reference to Figure 1-Figure 4 The device is used to perform the above.

[0067] At 525, method 500 may include sending a request for backhaul beam restoration on the first link in response to detecting an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. The operations of 525 may be performed according to examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 525 may be described with reference to Figure 1-Figure 4 The device is used to perform the above.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the method 500 may also include receiving a first configuration for beam restoration of the second link on the first link. The method 500 may also include applying the first configuration to at least one transceiver to determine the beam association of the first link and the second link and monitor the reference signal received on the second link. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes information about monitoring the signal quality of the reference signal sent on the second link for beam restoration detection. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes a first threshold for comparing with the signal quality value of the reference signal to indicate a backhaul failure. In one or more specific embodiments, the first configuration includes information for sending a request for backhaul beam restoration on the uplink of the first link, and includes a beam restoration configuration for receiving a response to beam restoration via the downlink of the first link.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, method 500 may further include detecting an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link. In response, method 500 may further include measuring reference signals received from candidate beams respectively transmitted by at least one network device. Method 500 may further include comparing the measured reference signals with a first threshold. Method 500 may further include sending a request for backhaul beam recovery on the first link in further response to identifying at least one candidate beam having a corresponding measured reference signal greater than the first threshold. In one or more specific embodiments, method 500 may further include sending a corresponding beam identifier for at least one candidate beam and a corresponding identifier for a transmit receive point (TRP) transmitting at least one candidate beam within the request.

[0070] In one or more specific embodiments, the method 500 may also include receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration including a second threshold for handling repeater operation during the beam recovery process, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. The method 500 may also include comparing the signal quality of the second link to the second threshold. The method 500 may also include shutting down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link in response to the signal quality being less than the second threshold.

[0071] In one or more specific embodiments, the method 500 may also include receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration including a second threshold for handling repeater operation during the beam recovery process. The method 500 may also include monitoring radio frequency (RF) receive energy of the second link. The method 500 may also include comparing the RF receive energy of the second link with the second threshold. The method 500 may also include shutting down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link in response to the RF receive energy being below the second threshold.

[0072] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, 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 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, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0073] 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 sent via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this 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, hard wiring, or any combination of these. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0074] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any medium that facilitates sending a computer program from one place to another. Non-transient storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer. As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable media can include RAM, 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 desired program code devices in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer, or any other non-transient medium of a general or special-purpose processor.

[0075] Any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is sent from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave), the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave) is included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disks and optical disks as used herein include CDs, laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0076] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") represents an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example 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." In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, a "set" may include one or more elements.

[0077] When referring to a network entity, the terms "send," "receive," or "transmit" may refer to any part of a network entity of a RAN (e.g., a base station, CU, DU, RU) that communicates with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities).

[0078] The descriptions described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "better than other examples." The detailed description includes specific details to facilitate understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusing the concepts of the described examples.

[0079] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A repeater device for wireless communication, the repeater device comprising: at least one transceiver to enable the repeater device to (i) communicate with at least one network device of the network via (a) the first link or (b) the second link; and (ii) communicating with the user equipment via a third link; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver and: determining a beam association of the first link and the second link established via the at least one transceiver; In response to determining that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of the at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of the at least one network device: monitoring a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link; as well as In response to detecting the indication of the backhaul failure of the second link, a request for backhaul beam restoration is sent on the first link.

2. The repeater device according to claim 1, wherein the controller: receiving, on the first link, a first configuration for beam recovery of the second link; The first configuration is applied to the at least one transceiver to determine the beam association of the first link and the second link and to monitor the reference signal received on the second link.

3. The repeater device according to claim 2, wherein the first configuration includes information about monitoring a signal quality of the reference signal for beam restoration detection transmitted on the second link.

4. The repeater device of claim 2, wherein the first configuration comprises a first threshold for comparison with a signal quality value of the reference signal to indicate the backhaul failure.

5. A repeater device according to claim 2, wherein the first configuration includes information for sending the request for return beam restoration on an uplink of the first link, and includes a beam restoration configuration for receiving a response to beam restoration via a downlink of the first link.

6. The repeater device according to claim 1, wherein the controller: In response to detecting an indication of the backhaul failure of the second link: measuring reference signals received from candidate beams respectively transmitted by the at least one network device; comparing the measured reference signal to a first threshold; as well as Further in response to identifying at least one candidate beam having a corresponding measurement reference signal greater than the first threshold, sending the request for backhaul beam restoration on the first link.

7. The repeater device of claim 6, wherein the controller sends within the request a corresponding beam identifier for the at least one candidate beam and a corresponding identifier for a transmit receive point (TRP) that sends the at least one candidate beam.

8. The repeater device according to claim 6, wherein the controller: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising a second threshold for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process, the second threshold being less than the first threshold; comparing the signal quality of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the signal quality being below the second threshold, shutting down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link.

9. The repeater device according to claim 6, wherein the controller: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising second thresholds for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process; monitoring a radio frequency (RF) reception energy of the second link; comparing the RF reception energy of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the RF received energy being below the second threshold, transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link are shut down.

10. A controller for wireless communication in a repeater device, the controller comprising: a memory having stored thereon program code for enabling backhaul beam recovery; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and: determining a beam association of a first link and a second link established via at least one transceiver, the at least one transceiver being communicatively coupled to the controller and enabling the repeater device to (i) communicate with at least one network device of a network via (a) the first link or (b) the second link; and (ii) communicating with the user equipment via a third link; as well as In response to determining that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of the at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of the at least one network device: monitoring a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link; as well as In response to detecting the indication of the backhaul failure of the second link, a request for backhaul beam restoration is sent on the first link.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the processor: receiving, on the first link, a first configuration for beam recovery of the second link; The first configuration is applied to the at least one transceiver to determine the beam association of the first link and the second link and to monitor the reference signal received on the second link.

12. The controller of claim 11, wherein the first configuration comprises one or more of: information about monitoring the signal quality of the reference signal sent on the second link for beam recovery detection; a first threshold for comparing with a signal quality value of the reference signal to indicate the backhaul failure; as well as The information is used to send the request for backhaul beam restoration on an uplink of the first link, the information including a beam restoration configuration for receiving a response to the beam restoration via a downlink of the first link.

13. The controller of claim 10, wherein the processor: In response to detecting an indication of the backhaul failure of the second link: measuring reference signals received from candidate beams respectively transmitted by the at least one network device; comparing the measured reference signal to a first threshold; as well as Further in response to identifying at least one candidate beam having a corresponding measurement reference signal greater than the first threshold, sending the request for return beam recovery on the first link, wherein the processor sends a corresponding beam identifier for the at least one candidate beam and a corresponding identifier for a transmit receive point (TRP) sending the at least one candidate beam within the request.

14. The controller of claim 13, wherein the processor: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising a second threshold for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process, the second threshold being less than the first threshold; comparing the signal quality of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the signal quality being below the second threshold, shutting down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link.

15. The controller of claim 13, wherein the processor: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising second thresholds for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process; monitoring a radio frequency (RF) reception energy of the second link; comparing the RF reception energy of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the RF received energy being below the second threshold, transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link are shut down.

16. A method for wireless communication at a repeater device, the method comprising: via at least one transceiver of the repeater device: (i) communicating with at least one network device of the network via (a) the first link or (b) the second link; and (ii) communicating with the user equipment via a third link; determining a beam association of the first link and the second link established via the at least one transceiver; as well as In response to determining that the first link is transmitted on a first beam of the at least one network device and the second link is transmitted on a second beam of the at least one network device: monitoring a reference signal received on the second link for an indication of a backhaul failure of the second link; as well as In response to detecting the indication of the backhaul failure of the second link, a request for backhaul beam restoration is sent on the first link.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving, on the first link, a first configuration for beam recovery of the second link; applying the first configuration to the at least one transceiver to determine the beam associations of the first link and the second link and to monitor the reference signal received on the second link; and The first configuration includes one or more of the following: information about monitoring the signal quality of the reference signal sent on the second link for beam recovery detection; a first threshold for comparing with a signal quality value of the reference signal to indicate the backhaul failure; as well as The information is used to send the request for backhaul beam restoration on an uplink of the first link, the information including a beam restoration configuration for receiving a response to the beam restoration via a downlink of the first link.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: In response to detecting an indication of the backhaul failure of the second link: measuring reference signals received from candidate beams respectively transmitted by the at least one network device; comparing the measured reference signal to a first threshold; as well as Further in response to identifying at least one candidate beam having a corresponding measurement reference signal greater than the first threshold, sending the request for return beam recovery on the first link, wherein the sending includes sending a corresponding beam identifier for the at least one candidate beam and a corresponding identifier for a transmit receive point (TRP) for sending the at least one candidate beam within the request.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising a second threshold for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process, the second threshold being less than the first threshold; comparing the signal quality of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the signal quality being below the second threshold, shutting down transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving a second configuration on the first link, the second configuration comprising second thresholds for handling repeater operation during a beam recovery process; monitoring a radio frequency (RF) reception energy of the second link; comparing the RF reception energy of the second link with the second threshold; as well as In response to the RF received energy being below the second threshold, transmission and reception by the repeater device on the third link are shut down.

Images