Beam Management for Coordinated Network-Controlled Repeaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of multiple network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) to cover coverage holes between a gNB and a UE introduces issues such as control signal overhead and limited uplink scheduling flexibility due to fixed UL power control, especially when multiple NCRs operate in the same band.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method for beam management that includes an entity and function for receiving CSI reporting configurations, transmitting CSI reports, and configuring TCI state lists to manage beam alignment and coordination among multiple NCRs, allowing for efficient and flexible operation of NCR groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple independent NCRs are deployed to cover different areas, then coverage holes are filled, but control signal overhead increases and uplink scheduling flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple NCRs into a single NCR group that shares common uplink resources and power control parameters. The NCR group is managed as one entity with a single group ID, allowing coordinated operation and reducing control overhead compared to managing each NCR independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a universal uplink grant that can be simultaneously applied to multiple NCRs within a group. The power control adjustment state is configured at the group level and can be applied to all NCRs in the group, enabling flexible uplink scheduling without requiring separate control signals for each NCR.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple independent NCRs are deployed to cover different areas, then coverage holes are filled, but uplink scheduling flexibility is limited due to fixed UL power control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the uplink scheduling control for multiple NCRs into a unified mechanism. A single uplink grant can schedule resources for multiple NCRs in a group, and power control adjustments are applied at the group level, enabling dynamic and flexible uplink scheduling that was not possible with fixed per-NCR power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power control adjustment states that can be flexibly configured and applied to NCR groups. The network can dynamically adjust the power control state for an NCR group based on channel conditions and scheduling requirements, enabling adaptive uplink scheduling rather than fixed power control.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple NCRs operate in the same band, then coverage is improved, but control signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control signaling for multiple NCRs operating in the same band by introducing NCR groups. Instead of sending separate control signals to each NCR, the network sends group-level control signals that apply to all NCRs in the group, significantly reducing control signal overhead while maintaining the ability to cover multiple areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal control mechanisms that can manage multiple NCRs simultaneously. The uplink grant and power control parameters are configured at the group level and can be applied to multiple NCRs, making the control system more efficient when multiple NCRs operate in the same band.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device (800) and a method of beam management are provided. The method is adapted to a communication device (800) including an entity (31) and a function (32), wherein the entity (31) communicates with a network via a first link, and the function (32) forwards signals via a second link, wherein the first link is associated with a first transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state. The method includes: receiving, by the entity (31), a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration; transmitting, by the entity (31), a CSI report according to the CSI reporting configuration; and receiving, by the entity (31), a TCI state list configuration.