5G Network-Controlled Repeater RRC State Switching for Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy RF repeaters in 5G systems lack the ability to dynamically control their ON/OFF states based on network device control, leading to unnecessary power consumption and interference, especially in non-RRC connected states.

Innovation Solution

A network-controlled repeater (NCR) system that includes a mobile termination transitioning to a non-RRC connected state and a forwarding entity, with a network device transmitting RRC release messages and indication information to manage the repeater's ON/OFF states and beam usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If legacy RF repeaters remain ON continuously to ensure signal coverage, then coverage reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and interference is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater transitions from a static ON state to a dynamic state machine with multiple states (RRC connected, RRC inactive, RRC idle) and sub-states (forwarding ON, forwarding OFF). The mobile termination and forwarding entity can be in different states independently, allowing flexible adaptation to traffic conditions while maintaining coverage reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater uses periodic RRC release messages with timer configurations to control transitions between forwarding states. The network device can configure timers that automatically trigger state transitions, creating a periodic control mechanism that balances coverage and power consumption based on traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If legacy RF repeaters remain ON continuously to ensure signal coverage, then coverage reliability is improved, but network throughput deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic state machine allows the repeater to switch between forwarding ON and forwarding OFF sub-states based on real-time traffic conditions. When no data transmission occurs, the repeater transitions to forwarding OFF, eliminating interference and improving network throughput while maintaining coverage reliability when traffic is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network device controls repeater states through RRC release messages and indication information, creating a feedback loop where the network monitors traffic conditions and adjusts repeater forwarding behavior accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures coverage reliability is maintained only when necessary, improving overall network throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If RRC connected state is maintained for network control, then control capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile termination dynamically transitions between RRC connected, RRC inactive, and RRC idle states based on control needs. When network control is required, it maintains RRC connected state; when control is not needed, it transitions to lower-power RRC inactive or idle states, reducing power consumption while preserving control capability when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic RRC release messages to transition the mobile termination from connected to inactive or idle states. Timers are configured to automatically trigger state transitions, creating a periodic pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to re-establish control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If repeater forwarding is controlled dynamically, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater is segmented into independent functional entities: mobile termination and forwarding entity. Each can be controlled independently through state transitions, allowing power efficiency improvements without requiring complex integrated control logic. The segmentation simplifies the control architecture while enabling dynamic power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The state machine framework provides universal control for both mobile termination and forwarding entity states. The same RRC release messages and indication information mechanisms control both entities, reducing overall device complexity despite the dynamic control requirements. The multi-functional state machine handles multiple control scenarios with a unified approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250380330A1Forwarding control method, information transmission method, repeater and network device

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 1FINITY INC

AI summary

A repeater includes: a mobile termination configured to transition from an RRC connected state to a non-RRC connected state, wherein the non-RRC connected state comprises an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state; and a forwarding entity configured to forward a signal after the mobile termination transitions to RRC inactive state and cease forwarding signal after the mobile termination transitions to RRC idle state.