In-band Repeater Control via Bandwidth Part Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE and NR technologies, face challenges in efficiently managing repeaters to enhance mobile broadband access and spectral efficiency, especially in scenarios with obstructions that limit coverage and increase latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of in-band repeater control techniques, where a base station configures repeater configurations and transmits these configurations within a bandwidth part (BWP) carrying a control interface, allowing the repeater to communicate efficiently with both the base station and user equipment, optimizing operation parameters such as power mode and beamforming without requiring additional frequency resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If repeaters are deployed to enhance coverage and mobile broadband access, then coverage area and spectral efficiency are improved, but system complexity and operational management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater is configured to autonomously operate based on received configuration information from the base station. The repeater automatically adjusts its operating parameters, power modes, and beamforming settings without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater is designed to perform multiple functions including signal amplification, beamforming, and adaptive power control within a single device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall system complexity while achieving enhanced coverage area through coordinated operations
2Reliability
If traditional repeater control methods are used, then repeater operation is maintained, but additional frequency resources and system complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface and data transmission functions are merged into a single in-band communication channel. The base station transmits configuration information and the repeater sends feedback using the same frequency resources allocated for normal data transmission, thereby maintaining reliable repeater operation without consuming additional frequency resources
Solution Approach 2:
The allocated bandwidth part serves multiple purposes: it carries both user data traffic and repeater control signaling. This multi-functional use of frequency resources ensures reliable repeater control while maximizing spectral efficiency by avoiding dedicated control frequencies
3Quantity of substance
If in-band control is implemented for repeater management, then frequency resource usage is optimized, but control interface reliability may be affected by data traffic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The bandwidth part is segmented into specific resource blocks designated for control signaling and others for data transmission. This segmentation allows the control interface to operate reliably on dedicated resources within the in-band allocation, isolating control messages from data traffic interference while still utilizing shared frequency resources efficiently
4Ease of manufacture
If repeaters operate without optimized control, then deployment is simplified, but latency and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station pre-configures the repeater with optimal operating parameters, power modes, and beamforming settings before data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration enables the repeater to immediately operate at optimal performance levels without latency-inducing adjustments during operation, achieving low-latency performance while maintaining deployment simplicity through automated configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a repeater may receive, in a bandwidth part that carries a control interface of the repeater, an indication of a repeater configuration for the repeater. The repeater may communicate, based at least in part on the repeater configuration, with at least one of a base station or a user equipment. Numerous other aspects are provided.