System and method for determining access

Abstract

The invention provides a system and a method for determining access. A second wireless communication node (e.g., a smart relay (SR)) determines access related information according to a first message received from a first wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS)) or according to a rule. The second wireless communication node may determine a third wireless communication node to access according to the access-related information. And if the third wireless communication node exists, the second wireless communication node can access the third wireless communication node. The second wireless communication node may be an intermediate wireless communication node type between the first wireless communication node and the fourth wireless communication node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for determining access. Background Technology

[0002] The standards organization 3GPP is currently specifying a new radio interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR) and a next-generation packet core network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will consist of three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core Network (5GC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the implementation of different data services and needs, the elements of the 5GC (also known as network elements) have been simplified, with some elements being software-based and others hardware-based, so that they can be adapted as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address problems related to one or more issues existing in the related art, as well as additional features that become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not as limiting, and that various modifications (e.g., including combining features from various disclosed examples, embodiments, and / or implementations) can be apparent to those skilled in the art who read this disclosure, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium that: A second wireless communication node (e.g., a smart relay (SR)) determines access-related information based on a first message received from a first wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS)) or according to rules. The second wireless communication node can determine a third wireless communication node to access based on the access-related information. The second wireless communication node can access a third wireless communication node (if any). The second wireless communication node can be an intermediate wireless communication node type between the first and fourth wireless communication nodes.

[0005] In some implementations, the access-related information in the received first message may include at least one of the following: whether the first wireless communication node supports access by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; whether the first wireless communication node is a candidate cell for access by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; a list of candidate access cells for the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; or parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type. The parameters in the parameter limitations may include at least one of the following: the number of reflective elements of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; or the reception quality of the signal received by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type from the first wireless communication node. If the parameters include the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, the second wireless communication node may determine whether the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node satisfies the parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type. If the parameters include the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, and the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node satisfies the parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type, the second wireless communication node may determine that the third wireless communication node is the first wireless communication node.

[0006] In some implementations, the first message may be system information. The second wireless communication node may send a second message to the first wireless communication node. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the corresponding received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The information reported in the second message may be shared by the first wireless communication node with at least one fifth wireless communication node (e.g., BS2).

[0007] In some implementations, the second wireless communication node may send a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node.

[0008] In response to receiving the first message, the second wireless communication node may send a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message may report information including the received power of one or more optimal signals received from at least one fifth wireless communication node. The information reported in the second message may be shared by the first wireless communication node with at least one fifth wireless communication node.

[0009] In some implementations, one or more optimal signals may each include a synchronization signal or a reference signal. This type of intermediate wireless communication node may support at least one of the following capabilities: reflecting a signal from a first wireless communication node to a fourth wireless communication node; reflecting a signal from a fourth wireless communication node to a first wireless communication node; refracting a signal from a first wireless communication node to a fourth wireless communication node; refracting a signal from a fourth wireless communication node to a first wireless communication node; power amplification; buffering; analog-to-digital conversion; or digital-to-analog conversion.

[0010] In some implementations, this type of intermediate wireless communication node can be at least one of the following: a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); a network control repeater (NCR); or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. The third wireless communication node can be the first wireless communication node. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only exemplary embodiments of this solution to facilitate the reader's understanding. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of this solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary cellular communication network in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown; Figure 2 Block diagrams of exemplary base stations and user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 3 A block diagram is shown of an exemplary network control repeater (NCR) configured to determine access according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 A block diagram is shown of an exemplary Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node configured to determine access according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 Exemplary processes configured to determine access according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; and Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a configuration for determining access according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication network and / or system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, is illustrated. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as "network 100". Such an exemplary network 100 includes base station 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS102"; also referred to as a wireless communication node) and user equipment 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104"; also referred to as a wireless communication device) capable of communicating with each other via communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and cell clusters 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. Figure 1 In this context, BS 102 and UE 104 are included within the respective geographical boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station that operates within its allocated bandwidth to provide sufficient radio coverage to its intended users.

[0014] For example, BS 102 can operate within the allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 can communicate via downlink radio frame 118 and uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that, in general, can practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of this solution, such communication nodes can be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0015] Figure 2A block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 200 configured to transmit and receive wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of this solution is shown. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating characteristics that do not need to be described in detail herein. In one exemplary embodiment, system 200 may be configured to, as described above... Figure 1 The wireless communication environment 100 is a wireless communication environment in which communication (e.g., transmission and reception) data symbols are used.

[0016] System 200 typically includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 220. UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected as needed via a data communication bus 240. BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand that system 200 may also include, in addition to Figure 2 Any number of modules other than those shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary functional blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various exemplary components, functional blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] According to some embodiments, UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as "uplink" transceiver 230, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) can selectively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as "downlink" transceiver 210, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch can selectively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to uplink antenna 232 to receive transmissions on radio transmission link 250, while the downlink transmitter is coupled to downlink antenna 212. Conversely, the operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time, such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 to receive transmissions on the wireless transmission link 250, while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232. In some embodiments, tight time synchronization exists, with a minimum guard time between full-duplex direction switching.

[0019] UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 in a suitable configuration capable of supporting specific wireless communication protocols and modulation schemes. In some exemplary embodiments, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, and similar standards. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and associated protocols in application. Instead, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0020] According to various implementations, for example, BS 202 may be an evolved Node B (eNB), serving eNB, target eNB, femtocell, or picocell. In some implementations, UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user equipment, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, wearable computing devices, etc. Processor module 214 and processor module 236 may be implemented or realized by a general-purpose processor, content-addressable memory, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof to perform the functions described herein. In this way, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, state machine, or similar. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0021] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or any actual combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory module 216 and memory module 234 may each include a cache memory configured to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor module 210 and processor module 230, respectively. Memory module 216 and memory module 234 may also each include non-volatile memory configured to store instructions to be executed by processor module 210 and processor module 230, respectively.

[0022] Network communication module 218 typically represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment (but not limited to), network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, allowing base station transceiver 210 to communicate with traditional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this way, network communication module 218 may include a physical interface configured to connect to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). The terms “configured for,” “configured as,” and variations thereof, as used herein with respect to a particular operation or function, refer to devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform a particular operation or function.

[0023] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communication used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven sub-components or layers, each representing a conceptual set of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines logical networks and efficiently describes computer packet transmission using different layer protocols. The OSI model can also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some implementations, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some implementations, the second layer may be the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. In some implementations, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some implementations, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some implementations, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some implementations, the sixth layer can be a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is another layer.

[0024] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the solution. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this solution after reading this disclosure. Therefore, this solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely exemplary. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this solution. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, this solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0025] 2. Determine the system and method of access. In wireless communication systems, relays can be configured to help base stations (BSs) extend their coverage. For relays in relay-assisted systems, when a relay attempts to access the network through a BS, it is important to determine whether the relay can provide service to the BS. Accurately determining whether a relay can provide service to a BS during the access period is significant in helping the network determine subsequent operations. For example, if the relay does not need to provide service to a BS, channel state information (CSI) estimation between a specific BS and a specific relay can be omitted. Another example is that if the relay realizes that no base station(s) currently require its service, the relay can disable certain functions to conserve energy. This disclosure provides a method to help a system determine which BS(s)(s) a relay(s) can serve during access.

[0026] According to the current protocol, the NR downlink synchronization channel and synchronization signal can be composed of several SS burstsets. Each SS burstset can contain several synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). The primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) can serve as the content of an SSB. When the BS attempts to send an SSB to the UE, especially in high-frequency scenarios, beamforming can be introduced into the wireless communication system to enhance cell coverage. The NR system can achieve SSB beam coverage by using SSB beam scanning, meaning that the BS sends one SSB beam in one direction at one time and another SSB beam in another direction at another time. When the UE attempts to access the network, it can accept SSB beams and select / choose the beam with the best performance. The UE can successfully notify the BS which SSB beam it has selected by sending a specific preamble at a specific random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) corresponding to its selected SSB beam.

[0027] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary network controlled repeater (NCR) for determining access, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. The network controlled repeater (NCR) can be modeled as... Figure 3 The structure shown includes the NCR Mobile Terminal Unit (NCR-MT) and the NCR Forwarding Unit (NCR-Fwd). The NCR-MT can be defined as a functional entity that communicates with the gNB via a control link (C-link) to exchange control information (e.g., at least side-line control information for NCR-Fwd control). The C-link can be based on the NR Uu interface.

[0028] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) can implement radio relay in NG-RAN. A relay node, referred to as an IAB node, can support access and backhaul via New Radio (NR). An IAB node can have a Mobile Terminal (MT) portion and a Distributed Unit (DU) portion. The MT portion can be configured to connect to a parent DU (which can be a donor DU or the DU portion of another IAB node), while the DU portion of the IAB node is configured to serve a UE or the MT portion of a child IAB node. In many respects, the MT portion of the IAB node can behave like a UE because its communication with the parent DU is very similar to that of a UE. The parent-child node relationship of the IAB node is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0029] The aforementioned NCR and IAB nodes are both relays used in wireless communication systems. They both possess a MT (Mean Transmission Unit) component, meaning they can operate under the control of the BS (Base Station) they serve and communicate with the BS like a UE (User Equipment). This characteristic allows them to better extend the BS's coverage compared to traditional relays that lack an MT component and control link.

[0030] There may be many new types of relays similar to NCR and IAB nodes, controlled by their serving BS, such as Reconfigurable Smart Surfaces (RIS). The control link between the relay and the UE can be based on the NR Uu interface. These relays can be called smart relays. These smart relays can help the BS they serve extend coverage. Before that, it is necessary to answer the question of which smart relays can serve which base stations. The quality of the communication link between the BS and the relay is one of the important factors affecting the answer to this question. There are also other factors that may affect the answer to this question (e.g., the capabilities of the smart relay). These capabilities may include RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) / digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Another example is whether the BS has the capability to support smart relays, and whether the BS is on the approved list of smart relays (which includes BSs that allow smart relay services), which is also essential for determining whether a smart relay can serve a BS.

[0031] Example 1: The BS notifies the smart relay of the received power threshold of the optimal SSB beam. If the BS can support smart relay, the BS can notify the smart relay of the receive power threshold of the optimal SSB beam in the Master Information Block (MIB) / System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1).

[0032] Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times / timings to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. After obtaining information that BS1 and BS2 support smart relay, Smart Relay 1 calculates the received power of the received SSB beams to determine / determine that the BS1-SSB1 beam and the BS2-SSB5 beam are the optimal SSB beams for BS1 and BS2. If Smart Relay 1 obtains information that either BS1 or BS2 does not support a smart repeater, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access that base station. Smart Relay 1 obtains the received power thresholds for the optimal SSB beams of BS1 and BS2, namely threshold 1 and threshold 2. If the received power of BS1-SSB1 is less than threshold 1, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access BS1. If the received power of BS2-SSB5 is less than threshold 2, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access BS2.

[0033] BS1 and BS2 can be notified of the received power threshold of their optimal SSB beams in MIB / SIB1 or other messages. Smart Relay 1 can determine / determine which BSs it can connect to and serve based on the received power of BS1 and BS2's optimal SSB beams, threshold 1, threshold 2, their load, their capabilities, and other factors. These functions may include RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, ADC / DAC, and other factors.

[0034] Example 2: Intelligent relay obtains a list of base stations that can be connected to and served from the base station. The BS can notify the smart relay of the list of BSs that the smart relay can serve and the receive power threshold of the best SSB beam in the MIB / SIB1.

[0035] Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. By calculating the received power of the received SSB beams, Smart Relay 1 can determine / identify that the BS2-SSB5 beam is the optimal SSB beam for BS2. Smart Relay 1 can obtain / acquire the received power threshold of the optimal SSB beam for BS2, i.e., threshold 2. BS1 can notify Smart Relay 1 of the list of BSs that Smart Relay can serve in the MIB / SIB1.

[0036] If BS2 is on the list, Smart Relay 1 can determine whether to connect to and serve BS2 based on the received power of BS2's optimal SSB beam, threshold 2, its load, its capabilities, and other factors. These functions may include RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, ADC / DAC, and other factors. If BS2 is not on the list, BS2 may not attempt to connect to BS2.

[0037] Example 3: The intelligent relay obtains a list of base stations that can be connected to and served from the upper layer. A smart trunk can obtain / retrieve a list of BSs it can connect to and serve from the upper layer. If a BS is not in the list, the smart trunk can stop attempting to connect to it. Based on its list of serveable BSs and other factors, the smart trunk can determine / definite which BSs it can connect to and serve.

[0038] Example 4: The BS notifies the smart trunk in MIB / SIB1 whether it can support smart trunks. The BS can notify the smart trunk in the MIB / SIB1 whether it supports smart trunks.

[0039] Example 5: Smart relay reports information to the corresponding base station during the access phase - Scheme 1 Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. After obtaining information that BS1 and BS2 support smart relay, Smart Relay 1 can determine / determine that the BS1-SSB1 beam and the BS2-SSB5 beam are the optimal SSB beams for BS1 and BS2, and that the BS1-SSB1 beam is superior to the BS2-SSB5 beam, by calculating the received power of the received SSB beams. If Smart Relay 1 obtains information that either BS1 or BS2 does not support the smart repeater, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access that base station.

[0040] By sending a specific preamble at a specific RO corresponding to the BS1-SSB1 beam, Smart Relay 1 can successfully notify BS1 which SSB beam it has selected. Smart Relay 1 can synchronize with BS1 and access the network through BS1.

[0041] Smart Relay 1 can report the received power of the BS1-SSB1 and BS2-SSB5 beams to BS1. Smart Relay 1 can report how many BSs are connected to it, and the load from the BSs connected to BS1. Smart Relay 1 can report its capabilities to BS1. These capabilities may include at least one of the following: RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, or ADC / DAC. Smart Relay 1 can report the above information to BS1 in msg1 / msg3 or other messages. BS1 can share the received power of Smart Relay 1's BS2-SSB5 beam, the load of Smart Relay 1, and the capabilities of Smart Relay 1 with BS2. BS1 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to and service it based on the information reported by Smart Relay 1 and other factors. BS2 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to it and provide service based on the information shared by BS1 and other factors. BS1 and BS2 can notify Smart Relay 1 in msg2 / msg4 or other messages whether they can connect to them and provide service.

[0042] Example 6: Smart relay reports information to the corresponding base station during the access phase - Scheme 2 Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. After obtaining information that BS1 and BS2 support smart relay, Smart Relay 1 can determine / determine that the BS1-SSB1 beam and the BS2-SSB5 beam are the optimal SSB beams for BS1 and BS2, and that the BS1-SSB1 beam is superior to the BS2-SSB5 beam, by calculating the received power of the received SSB beams. If Smart Relay 1 obtains information that either BS1 or BS2 does not support smart repeaters, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access that base station.

[0043] By transmitting a specific preamble on a specific RO corresponding to the BS1-SSB1 and BS2-SSB5 beams, Smart Relay 1 can successfully notify BS1 and BS2 which SSB beam it has selected. Smart Relay 1 can synchronize with BS1 and BS2. Smart Relay 1 can access the network through BS1 and BS2.

[0044] Smart Relay 1 can report the received power of the BS1-SSB1 beam to BS1 and the received power of the BS2-SSB5 beam to BS2. Smart Relay 1 can report to BS1 and BS2 how many BSs are connected to it and the load caused by the connected BSs. Smart Relay 1 can report its capabilities to BS1 and BS2. These capabilities may include at least one of the following: RF precoding, digital precoding, buffering, information storage, CSI estimation, or ADC / DAC. Smart Relay 1 can report the above information to the corresponding BS in msg1 / msg3 or other messages. BS1 and BS2 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to them and provide services based on the information reported by Smart Relay 1 and other factors. BS1 and BS2 can notify Smart Relay 1 in msg2 / msg4 or other messages whether they can connect to them and provide services.

[0045] Example 7: Smart relay reports information to the corresponding base station during the access phase - Scheme 3 Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. After obtaining information that BS1 and BS2 support smart relay, Smart Relay 1 can determine / determine that the BS1-SSB1 beam and the BS2-SSB5 beam are the optimal SSB beams for BS1 and BS2, with the BS1-SSB1 beam being superior to the BS2-SSB5 beam, by calculating the received power of the received SSB beams. If Smart Relay 1 obtains information that either BS1 or BS2 does not support smart repeaters, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access that base station.

[0046] By transmitting a specific preamble on a specific RO corresponding to the BS1-SSB1 and BS2-SSB5 beams, Smart Relay 1 can successfully notify BS1 and BS2 which SSB beam it has selected. Smart Relay 1 can synchronize with BS1 and BS2. Smart Relay 1 can access the network through BS1 and BS2.

[0047] Smart Relay 1 can report the received power of the BS1-SSB1 beam to BS1 and the received power of the BS2-SSB5 beam to BS2. Smart Relay 1 can report to BS1 how many BSs are connected to it and the load it incurs from the connected BSs. BS1 can share this information with BS2. Smart Relay 1 can report its own capabilities to BS1. BS1 can share this information with BS2. These capabilities may include at least one of the following: RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, or ADC / DAC. Smart Relay 1 can report the above information to the corresponding BS in msg1 / msg3 or other messages. BS1 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to and service it based on the information reported by Smart Relay 1 and other factors. BS2 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to and service it based on the information reported by Smart Relay 1, the information shared by BS1, and other factors. BS1 and BS2 can notify Smart Relay 1 in msg2 / msg4 or other messages whether they can connect to them and provide service.

[0048] Example 8: Smart relay reports information to the corresponding base station during the access phase - Scheme 4 Figure 5 An exemplary process for determining access according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. During the access phase, each BS can transmit different SSB beams in different directions at different times to achieve cell coverage. Smart relays can receive SSB beams from different BSs. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Smart Relay 1 can receive SSB beams transmitted from BS1 and BS2. After obtaining information that BS1 and BS2 support smart relay, Smart Relay 1 calculates the received power of the received SSB beams and determines that the BS1-SSB1 beam and the BS2-SSB5 beam are the optimal SSB beams for BS1 and BS2, with the BS1-SSB1 beam being superior to the BS2-SSB5 beam. If Smart Relay 1 obtains information that either BS1 or BS2 does not support the smart repeater, Smart Relay 1 can stop attempting to access it.

[0049] By transmitting a specific preamble on a specific RO corresponding to the BS1-SSB1 and BS2-SSB5 beams, Smart Relay 1 can successfully notify BS1 and BS2 which SSB beam it has selected. Smart Relay 1 can synchronize with BS1 and BS2. Smart Relay 1 can access the network through BS1 and BS2.

[0050] Smart Relay 1 can report the received power of the BS1-SSB1 and BS2-SSB5 beams to BS1. Smart Relay 1 can report to BS1 how many BSs are connected to it, and the load it incurs due to the connected BSs. Smart Relay 1 can report its own capabilities to BS1. These capabilities may include at least one of the following: RF precoding, digital precoding, power amplification, buffering, CSI estimation, or ADC / DAC. Smart Relay 1 can report the above information to BS1 in msg1 / msg3 or other messages. BS1 can share the received power of Smart Relay 1's BS2-SSB5 beam, Smart Relay 1's load, and / or Smart Relay 1's capabilities with BS2. BS1 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to and service it based on the information reported by Smart Relay 1 and other factors. BS2 can determine whether Smart Relay 1 can connect to and service it based on the information shared by BS1 and other factors. BS1 and BS2 can notify Smart Relay 1 in msg2 / msg4 or other messages whether they can connect to them and provide services to them.

[0051] It should be understood that one or more features from the above implementation examples do not exclude a particular implementation example, but can be combined in any way (e.g., with any priority and / or order, concurrently or otherwise).

[0052] Figure 6 A flowchart for determining access according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 600 can be combined with Figures 1 to 5 This method can be implemented using any one or more components and devices described in detail herein. Generally, in some embodiments, method 600 may be performed by a second wireless communication node (e.g., a smart relay (SR)). Depending on the implementation, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 600. At least one aspect of the operations is directed toward a system, method, device, or computer-readable medium.

[0053] The second wireless communication node (e.g., a smart relay (SR)) determines access-related information based on a first message received from the first wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS)) or according to rules. The second wireless communication node can determine a third wireless communication node to access based on the access-related information. The second wireless communication node can access a third wireless communication node (if any). The second wireless communication node can be an intermediate wireless communication node type between the first and fourth wireless communication nodes.

[0054] In some implementations, the access-related information in the received first message may include at least one of the following: whether the first wireless communication node supports access by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; whether the first wireless communication node is a candidate cell for access by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; a list of candidate access cells for the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; or parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type. The parameters in the parameter limitations may include at least one of the following: the number of reflective elements of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; or the reception quality of the signal received by the intermediate wireless communication node of that type from the first wireless communication node. If the parameters include the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, the second wireless communication node may determine whether the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node satisfies the parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type. If the parameters include the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, and the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node satisfies the parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of that type, the second wireless communication node may determine that the third wireless communication node is the first wireless communication node.

[0055] In some implementations, the first message may be system information. The second wireless communication node may send a second message to the first wireless communication node. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the corresponding received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The information reported in the second message may be shared by the first wireless communication node with at least one fifth wireless communication node (e.g., BS2).

[0056] In some implementations, the second wireless communication node may send a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node.

[0057] In response to receiving the first message, the second wireless communication node may send a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message may report information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message may report information including the received power of one or more optimal signals received from at least one fifth wireless communication node. The information reported in the second message may be shared by the first wireless communication node with at least one fifth wireless communication node.

[0058] In some implementations, one or more optimal signals may each include a synchronization signal or a reference signal. This type of intermediate wireless communication node may support at least one of the following capabilities: reflecting a signal from a first wireless communication node to a fourth wireless communication node; reflecting a signal from a fourth wireless communication node to a first wireless communication node; refracting a signal from a first wireless communication node to a fourth wireless communication node; refracting a signal from a fourth wireless communication node to a first wireless communication node; power amplification; buffering; analog-to-digital conversion; or digital-to-analog conversion.

[0059] In some implementations, this type of intermediate wireless communication node can be at least one of the following: a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); a network control repeater (NCR); or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. The third wireless communication node can be the first wireless communication node.

[0060] While various implementations of this solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict exemplary architectures or configurations provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of this solution. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the solution is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one implementation may be combined with one or more features of another implementation described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary implementations described above.

[0061] It should also be understood that any reference to elements using names such as "first," "second," etc., generally does not restrict the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must somehow precede the second element.

[0062] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referenced in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various exemplary logical functional blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code in conjunction with instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various exemplary components, functional blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or executed by integrated circuits, which may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, it may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration performing the functions described herein.

[0065] If implemented in software, these functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, including any medium capable of transferring computer programs or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer.

[0066] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements used to perform the relevant functions described in the text. Furthermore, for the purposes of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, according to embodiments of this solution, two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the relevant functions.

[0067] Furthermore, in embodiments of this solution, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be used. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has referenced various functional units and processors in describing embodiments of this solution. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without diminishing the effectiveness of this solution. For example, functions shown to be performed by a separate processing logic element or controller may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means for providing the described functions and do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0068] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to limit the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The second wireless communication node determines access-related information based on the first message received from the first wireless communication node or according to rules; The second wireless communication node determines the third wireless communication node to be accessed based on the access-related information. If the third wireless communication node exists, the second wireless communication node connects to the third wireless communication node; The second wireless communication node is an intermediate wireless communication node type between the first wireless communication node and the fourth wireless communication node.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The access-related information in the received first message includes at least one of the following: Whether the first wireless communication node supports access to the intermediate wireless communication node of the aforementioned type; Whether the first wireless communication node is a candidate cell to be accessed by the intermediate wireless communication node of the aforementioned type; The list of candidate access cells for intermediate wireless communication nodes of the aforementioned type; or Parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of this type.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The parameters that are restricted by the parameter include at least one of the following: The number of reflective elements in the intermediate wireless communication node of that type; The reception quality of the signal received by the intermediate wireless communication node of the aforementioned type from the first wireless communication node.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, When the parameters include the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, the method further includes: The second wireless communication node determines whether the reception quality of the signal it receives meets the parameter limitations of the intermediate wireless communication node of the type. If the reception quality of the signal received by the second wireless communication node meets the parameter constraints of the intermediate wireless communication node of the aforementioned type, the second wireless communication node determines that the third wireless communication node is the first wireless communication node.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The first message is system information.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The second wireless communication node sends a second message to the first wireless communication node, wherein the second message reports at least one of the following information: the corresponding received power of one or more best signals received from the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 6, wherein, The information reported in the second message is shared by the first wireless communication node to the at least one fifth wireless communication node.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The second wireless communication node sends a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message reports information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more best signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message reports information including at least one of the following: the received power of one or more best signals received from the at least one fifth wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising, in response to receiving the first message: The second wireless communication node sends a second message and a third message to the first wireless communication node and at least one fifth wireless communication node, respectively. The second message report includes at least one of the following information: the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the first wireless communication node, the load of the second wireless communication node, or the capability of the second wireless communication node. The third message report includes information on the received power of one or more optimal signals received from the at least one fifth wireless communication node.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, wherein, The information reported in the second message is shared by the first wireless communication node to the at least one fifth wireless communication node.

11. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, Each of the one or more optimal signals includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal.

12. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The intermediate wireless communication node of this type supports at least one of the following capabilities: The signal from the first wireless communication node is reflected to the fourth wireless communication node; The signal from the fourth wireless communication node is reflected back to the first wireless communication node; The signal from the first wireless communication node is refracted to the fourth wireless communication node; The signal from the fourth wireless communication node is reflected back to the first wireless communication node; Power amplification; cache; Analog to digital conversion; or Digital to analog conversion.

13. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The intermediate wireless communication node of this type is at least one of the following: Reconfigurable Smart Surface (RIS); Network Control Repeater (NCR); or Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The third wireless communication node is the first wireless communication node.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.

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