Beam-Indicated Repeater Forwarder ON/OFF Control for Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-controlled repeaters lack efficient methods for controlling the ON/OFF behavior of the forwarding module (R-Fwd), which is crucial for energy saving and interference management, as existing UE power saving functionalities are not suitable for R-Fwd due to its lack of signal and channel awareness.
Innovation Solution
Implement signaling between a gNB and a repeater node to control the ON/OFF status of the R-Fwd based on beam indications, allowing for independent or joint configurations of the repeater's mobile termination (R-MT) and forwarding (R-Fwd) modules, including semi-static, semi-persistent, and dynamic configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing UE power saving functionalities are applied to R-Fwd, then energy saving can be achieved, but the control is not suitable due to lack of signal and channel awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beam indication as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between gNB control and R-Fwd operation. The beam indication provides the necessary control information to the R-Fwd module, enabling energy saving through ON/OFF control while accounting for the module's lack of signal and channel awareness. This intermediary solution allows the system to achieve energy efficiency without compromising the operational suitability of the R-Fwd module.
2Area of stationary object
If network-controlled repeaters are integrated into the network, then coverage extension is achieved, but interference management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB receives information about the repeater's operational status and adjusts beam indications accordingly. This feedback loop enables the network to monitor and manage interference caused by the repeater while maintaining coverage extension benefits. The gNB can dynamically control the R-Fwd module's ON/OFF state based on network conditions, thus managing interference complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If R-Fwd is controlled with detailed beam indications, then energy saving is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing beam indications only when necessary for R-Fwd operation. Instead of continuous detailed signaling, the gNB sends beam indications selectively based on traffic conditions and network requirements. This approach achieves energy saving through targeted ON/OFF control while minimizing signaling overhead by avoiding unnecessary control messages during periods when R-Fwd can operate autonomously or when no transmission is required.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments, a method is performed by a repeater node having a forwarder (R-Fwd) and a mobile termination (R-MT). The method comprises receiving a beam indication from a network node. The beam indication indicates one or more beams. The method further comprises configuring an ON/OFF status of the R-Fwd based at least in part on the beam indication.