Dynamic Reflector Control for Low-Power NLOS Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication technologies face challenges in non-line-of-sight transmission due to signal attenuation by obstacles and require high-power repeaters with complex signal processing, leading to increased power consumption and deployment difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A reflector is used to assist communication between a terminal and an access network device, indicated to enter a working mode when needed and a sleep mode when not needed, reducing power consumption by controlling reflection and absorption states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a repeater is used to extend coverage area, then communication coverage is improved, but power consumption increases and signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary device between the base station and terminal. The reflector passively reflects signals to extend coverage without performing active signal processing or amplification, thus avoiding the high power consumption and processing complexity associated with traditional repeaters while achieving coverage extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is designed as a simple, low-cost passive device compared to complex active repeaters. It requires minimal power (only for positioning and control) and can be easily deployed without requiring complex signal processing capabilities, making it a cost-effective solution for coverage extension.
2Area of stationary object
If a repeater is used to extend coverage area, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases and deployment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a simple intermediary that only performs passive signal reflection, eliminating the need for complex signal processing functions found in traditional repeaters. This simplifies both the device architecture and deployment process while still achieving coverage extension.
3Productivity
If beamforming is used to concentrate signal energy, then transmission performance is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates in non-line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector introduces a new spatial dimension by reflecting signals along different paths. Instead of relying solely on direct line-of-sight transmission, the reflector creates alternative signal paths that can bypass obstacles, thereby improving communication reliability in non-line-of-sight conditions while maintaining beamforming efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively enhances communication performance while minimizing power consumption and interference by dynamically managing the reflector's operation based on signal quality and service requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the reflector sends a reflected signal to an access network device or a terminal device
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a reflector is used to assist in communication between a terminal and an access network device, and in a reflector-assisted communication process, the reflector is indicated to be in a working mode when being required by the terminal or the access network device, to assist in communication, and the reflector is indicated to be in a sleep mode when being required by the terminal or the access network device, to reduce power consumption.