Network-Controlled Repeater Beam And Time Signaling for 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing effective coverage in 5G NR networks at higher frequencies is exacerbated by degraded propagation conditions, leading to increased interference and coverage challenges, which conventional RF repeaters exacerbate due to amplifying both signal and noise, and the lack of beamforming capabilities in RF repeaters without intelligent beam management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-controlled repeater (NCR) with intelligent amplify-and-forward operations, utilizing beam information and associated time indications through DCI signaling to manage beamforming and reduce interference, and incorporating unified or group numbering mechanisms for beam indexing to optimize signal forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional RF repeaters are used to provide coverage at higher frequencies, then coverage area is improved, but interference increases due to amplification of both signal and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-controlled repeater as an intermediary device between the base station and user equipment. This repeater receives beam information and time indications from the network, processes the signals intelligently, and forwards them while managing interference through coordinated beamforming control, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage extension and interference reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the repeater by introducing beam information indicators and time indications that control the beamforming process. By dynamically adjusting beam directions, widths, and timing parameters, the system achieves both coverage extension and interference reduction through intelligent signal processing
2Object-generated harmful factors
If beamforming capabilities are added to RF repeaters to reduce interference, then interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network-controlled repeater acts as an intermediary that receives simplified beam control instructions from the network side. Instead of implementing complex beamforming algorithms autonomously, the repeater executes network-provided beam information and time indications, reducing its own complexity while still achieving interference reduction through coordinated beam management
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors beam performance and adjusts beam information indicators accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the repeater to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex local decision-making capabilities, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining interference reduction effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If multiple beam information fields are added to DCI signaling to indicate beam and time information, then beam management precision is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing DCI signaling fields multi-functional by enabling them to indicate both beam information and time information simultaneously. This universal approach allows a single signaling mechanism to carry multiple types of control data, improving beam management precision without proportionally increasing signaling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bit flag that provides partial indication capability, allowing the system to convey essential beam and time information using a small additional signaling overhead. This partial action approach achieves the necessary precision for beam management while minimizing the increase in signaling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are systems and methods for identifying beams and associated time. A network node may receive beam information used for a first forwarding link between a wireless communication device and the network node, from a wireless communication node. The beam information can be associated with a plurality of beams.