eNodeB Repeater Association via Reference Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating user equipment (UE) with repeaters in LTE communication systems, especially for legacy UEs in 3GPP Release 8 and below, are inefficient and indirect, leading to unnecessary interference and slow association processes.
Innovation Solution
A method where an eNodeB assigns a resource for a UE to transmit a reference signal, measures the signal through intermediate repeaters, and determines association based on the measurements received from these repeaters, allowing for efficient control of repeater resources and improved UE-repeater connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference signals are transmitted from repeaters to legacy UEs, then measurement accuracy improves, but legacy UEs cannot process these signals as they are not aware of the new reference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the eNodeB transmits reference signals that legacy UEs can process, and the repeater separately transmits its reference signals that are measured by both the UE and the eNodeB. This mediator role of the eNodeB allows the system to bridge between legacy UE capabilities and new repeater functionality without requiring legacy UEs to understand signals they cannot process.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is segmented into separate components: the UE measures only the eNodeB's reference signals (which it can process), while the eNodeB separately measures the repeater's reference signals. This segmentation allows each device to operate within its capability constraints while still enabling the system to achieve accurate UE-to-repeater association through the combined measurement results.
2Adaptability or versatility
If indirect CQI measurement methods are used to determine UE-to-repeater association, then legacy UE compatibility is maintained, but the association process becomes slow and indirect
Solution Approach 1:
The eNodeB acts as an intermediary that collects measurement results from both the UE (measuring eNodeB reference signals) and the repeater (measuring its own reference signals), then uses these combined measurements to directly determine the UE-to-repeater association. This eliminates the need for slow iterative CQI feedback loops while maintaining compatibility with legacy UEs that cannot directly measure repeater signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the repeater sends its measurement results of the reference signal back to the eNodeB, which then uses this feedback along with UE measurements to determine the association. This direct feedback path is much faster than indirect CQI methods because it eliminates the need for repeated on/off repeater testing and waiting for CQI feedback cycles.
3Area of stationary object
If repeaters continuously transmit resources, then coverage is improved, but unnecessary interference is forwarded to UEs that do not need repeater support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables frequency-selective repeaters to transmit and repeat resources only in specific frequency bands and time resources where UEs actually need coverage extension. By determining UE-to-repeater association based on measurement results, the system configures each repeater to provide localized assistance only where needed, rather than continuously transmitting all resources. This local quality approach improves coverage efficiently while minimizing unnecessary interference to UEs with strong direct links to the eNodeB.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include determining an association between repeaters and mobile stations in a controlling eNodeB of a multi-hop wireless environment. The method may include receiving channel estimations based on reference signals transmitted by said mobile stations. The method may be implemented a wireless environment when legacy LTE UEs are present.