NCR Downlink Slot Buffering for Flexible TDD Access Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in communication flexibility and efficiency, particularly in managing TDD UL/DL configurations for network-controlled repeaters (NCRs), which affect the performance of downlink and uplink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) system that receives cell-specific and dedicated TDD UL/DL configurations, determines slots for backhaul and control links, and transmits buffered DL slots based on indications from a gNodeB, optimizing access link transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network controlled repeater uses existing TDD UL/DL configuration, then the system structure is simple, but communication flexibility and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TDD configuration into two independent parts: cell-specific common TDD UL/DL configuration and NCR-specific dedicated TDD UL/DL configuration. This segmentation allows the NCR to have flexible access link configurations while maintaining compatibility with existing network structures, thereby improving communication flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NCR-specific TDD configuration as an intermediary layer between the cell-specific configuration and the actual NCR operations. This intermediary configuration enables the NCR to optimize its access link performance independently while still operating within the framework of the existing cell-specific configuration, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.
2Productivity
If the NCR buffers DL slots for later transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering of DL slots at the NCR before transmission to access UEs. The NCR receives and buffers DL transmissions from the gNB in advance, then transmits them to associated UEs when appropriate. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize transmission timing and improve overall efficiency while managing time delay through controlled buffering mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controlled repeater (NCR) is described. The NCR may include receiving circuitry configured to receive a cell specific common time division duplex (TDD) uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration and a side information with an NCR dedicated TDD UL/DL configuration. The receiving circuitry may also be configured to determine slots for a backhaul link and/or a control link downlink (DL), and receive DL transmissions from a gNodeB (gNB). The receiving circuitry may also be configured to determine candidate slots for DL transmission on an access link, wherein the access link is for communications between the NCR and associated UE(s), and receive an indication from the gNB to transmit an access DL in a slot from the candidate slots for DL transmission on the access link. The NCR may also include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a previous buffered DL slot from the gNB in the slot on the access link.