Network Controlled Repeater Beam Switch Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF repeaters lack the capability to reliably switch beams, which is crucial for ensuring effective network coverage and performance in 5G wireless systems, particularly in scenarios where user equipment movement requires dynamic beam changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) that transmit an access link beam configuration, initiate a beam switch operation, measure the received access link beam, and verify the beam switch operation based on test metrics, ensuring reliable beam switching and performance validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional RF repeaters are used to extend network coverage, then coverage extension is achieved, but beam switching reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity receives beam switch confirmation from the NCR after initiating a beam switch operation. This feedback loop allows the network to verify whether the beam switch was successfully executed and to handle cases where the switch fails, thereby ensuring reliable beam switching while maintaining extended network coverage through NCR deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity acts as an intermediary that controls and coordinates beam switching operations between the NCR and user equipment. By introducing this intermediary control layer, the system achieves both coverage extension through NCR and reliable beam switching through centralized network control, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and switching reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam switch operation is initiated at NCR based on access link beam configuration, then dynamic beam changing capability is improved, but measurement and verification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam switch verification process into distinct measurable components: the network entity transmits reference signals through the NCR using the switched beam, and separate measurement of signal parameters (such as received power or signal quality) is performed. This segmentation transforms the complex verification task into manageable measurement steps, enabling dynamic beam changing while simplifying the detection and measurement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for network controlled repeater forward link beam switch testing. A method may include transmitting an access link beam configuration to a network controlled repeater (NCR). The method may also include initiating, by the NCR, a beam switch operation based on implementation of the received access link beam configuration. The method may further include transmitting, by NCR, an access link beam based on the beam switch operation. In addition, the method may include measuring the received access link beam of the NCR. Further, the method may include determining test metrics based on the measuring. The method may also include verifying the beam switch operation based on the test metrics.