Network Controlled Repeater LBT Offset for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks, particularly in 5G NRU operations, face interference issues due to the lack of efficient methods for managing shared communication channels, leading to degraded performance and increased noise amplification by repeaters or relay nodes when LBT procedures fail.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network-controlled repeater operations that involve receiving scheduling messages from base stations, performing Listen Before Talk (LBT) procedures, and refraining from amplifying signals during failed LBT attempts to minimize noise amplification and ensure successful AF operations within identified AF windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If repeaters or relay nodes amplify signals without performing LBT procedures, then signal coverage is improved, but noise amplification and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node performs LBT procedure before the AF window to check channel availability in advance. This preliminary action prevents the relay node from amplifying signals when the channel is occupied, thereby avoiding noise amplification and interference while maintaining signal coverage enhancement.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If relay nodes perform LBT procedures before AF operations, then interference is reduced, but communication timing and synchronization become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The LBT procedure is performed at a predetermined time before the AF window, establishing a clear temporal sequence. This preliminary timing arrangement simplifies synchronization by providing a structured framework where the LBT completion triggers the AF operation, making timing management more predictable despite the additional step.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node receives scheduling messages from the base station that indicate AF window timing and performs LBT accordingly. This feedback mechanism from the base station provides centralized coordination, simplifying the timing complexity by having the network controller manage the synchronization rather than requiring distributed negotiation among nodes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If relay nodes refraining from AF operations when LBT fails, then noise amplification is minimized, but signal coverage and communication reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The LBT failure condition, which initially appears harmful as it prevents AF operations, is converted into a benefit by preventing noise amplification. When the channel is occupied, the relay node refrains from amplification, avoiding interference. The system then relies on alternative transmission paths or retransmission mechanisms to maintain communication reliability, thus transforming the constraint into a protective measure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If base stations schedule AF windows with offset periods for LBT, then channel access coordination is improved, but signaling overhead and scheduling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station includes an offset period in the scheduling message that specifies when the relay node should perform LBT before the AF window. This preliminary scheduling of the LBT timing allows the relay node to prepare in advance, improving channel access coordination by ensuring the LBT is performed at the optimal moment while the base station maintains centralized control over the scheduling logic.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support network controlled repeater operation at new radio—unlicensed (NRU) bands. The network controlled repeater operations include receipt of a scheduling message from a serving base station that identifies an amplify and forward (AF) window and an offset prior to a beginning of the AF window. The relay node performs a listen before talk (LBT) procedure on a shared communication channel within the offset. In response to the result of the LBT, the relay node either refrains from AF operations within the AF window in response to failure of the LBT procedure or performs the AF operations on all received signals during the AF window in response to success of the LBT procedure. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.