Network-Controlled Repeater Beamforming for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current repeaters in wireless communication networks lack directional transmission capabilities, leading to interference and inefficient power usage, and their performance degrades at higher frequencies, failing to meet the needs of advanced technologies like 4G and 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) that performs signaling exchanges with base stations and user equipment, utilizing beamforming configurations and dynamic control information to manage signal transmission and reception, enabling directional communication and reducing interference and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If repeaters are used to extend network coverage, then coverage area is improved, but interference among nodes increases due to omnidirectional transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater implements directional transmission by configuring transmit beams with specific spatial characteristics. Different beams are directed toward different user equipments, creating localized transmission paths instead of omnidirectional coverage. This concentrates signal energy where needed while minimizing interference in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality to repeater transmission by using multiple beams with different spatial directions and angles. Instead of uniform omnidirectional transmission in two dimensions, the system utilizes three-dimensional spatial beamforming to control signal propagation paths, thereby reducing interference while maintaining coverage.
2Reliability
If repeaters are kept always ON to maintain coverage, then network availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater transitions from a static always-ON state to a dynamic operational mode. The network controller configures the repeater to activate specific transmit beams only when needed based on user equipment positions and traffic requirements. This dynamic beam switching allows the repeater to maintain network availability while reducing power consumption by keeping beams inactive when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater operates in periodic cycles where beams are activated only during periods when user equipments require service. The network controller manages beam activation timing, creating a rhythm of operational and idle states. This periodic operation maintains coverage reliability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Productivity
If traditional repeaters are used at higher frequencies, then network capacity is improved, but transmission performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The directional beamforming concentrates signal energy into focused spatial paths, compensating for higher path loss at elevated frequencies. By localizing transmission energy toward specific user equipments rather than dispersing it omnidirectionally, the system maintains adequate signal strength and transmission performance even at higher frequency bands where network capacity benefits are achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A network-controlled repeater for communicating signals to at least one BS and at least one UE, is disclosed. The NCR includes a mobile terminal configured to: perform signaling exchange with at least one BS for an initial access and synchronization, and to receive at least one side control information (SCI) from the at least one BS. The SCI is at least a dynamic configuration. The SCI is received in at least one of: a dedicated control channel for the NCR scrambled using a dedicated RNTI for the SCI of the NCR. The NCR further includes a radio unit configured to: receive at least one signal of a first set of signals based on the SCI, and to transmit the at least one signal of the first set of signals based on at least one SCI.