Multiple RF Repeater Aggregation for Beam-Aware Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF repeaters lack beam management capabilities, leading to potential degradation of signal quality and interference, and are unable to distinguish between downlink and uplink data, which can result in suboptimal network performance, especially in challenging environments with obstacles or dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple repeater aggregation (MRA) systems and methods that leverage multiple RF repeaters to enhance wireless communication network coverage, reliability, and channel capacity by selecting optimal paths, combining signal copies, and employing joint transmission and dynamic beam configurations, while utilizing smart RF repeaters for advanced beam management and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple RF repeaters are deployed to extend network coverage, then network coverage and reliability are improved, but signal quality may degrade and interference increases due to lack of beam management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication signal into multiple beams with different directions and characteristics. Each beam is managed independently by the smart RF repeater, allowing selective use of optimal beams for different communication scenarios. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple repeaters effectively by dividing the signal space into manageable beam segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam management where the smart RF repeater can adaptively adjust beam configurations based on real-time channel conditions, traffic patterns, and environmental factors. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize signal quality and minimize interference as network conditions change, resolving the contradiction between extended coverage and signal quality.
2Reliability
If conventional RF repeaters are used to provide alternate transmission paths, then network reliability is improved, but network performance degrades because repeaters cannot distinguish between downlink and uplink data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the smart RF repeater receives information about data direction (uplink/downlink) from the network controller or determines it through measurement. This feedback enables the repeater to distinguish between uplink and downlink data, optimize beamforming accordingly, and improve overall network performance while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the RF repeater by equipping it with smart capabilities including beam management and data direction discrimination. This transforms the repeater from a simple signal amplifier to an intelligent node that can adapt its behavior based on traffic type, thereby improving network performance without sacrificing the reliability gains from redundant paths.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If smart RF repeaters with beam management capabilities are deployed, then signal quality and network performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the smart RF repeater to perform multiple functions including beam management, data direction discrimination, and adaptive signal routing within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, achieving improved signal quality while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
4Reliability
If multiple wireless communication paths are used for data transfer, then network reliability and coverage are improved, but path selection and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller or coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary to manage multiple wireless communication paths. This intermediary centralizes the complexity of path selection and management, allowing individual repeaters to focus on their local beam management tasks while the intermediary handles overall path optimization, thereby reducing distributed complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for multiple repeater aggregation includes (a) receiving, at a first node of a wireless communication network, wireless communication signals from a second node of the wireless communication network via a plurality of wireless communication paths, where each of the wireless communication paths includes a respective radio frequency (RF) repeater, and (b) selecting one of the plurality of wireless communication paths for use in transferring data between the first node of the wireless communication network and the second node of the wireless communication network, at least partially based on measured conditions of the plurality of wireless communication paths.