Network-Controlled Repeater Relay for High-Frequency Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction of coverage area due to the high rectilinearity of radio signals in high frequency bands, such as millimeter and terahertz waves, poses a challenge in mobile communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, leading to communication gaps between base stations and user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A Network-controlled Repeater (NCR) apparatus is introduced, which includes a relay device (NCR-Fwd) for relaying radio signals between a network and user equipment, and a control terminal (NCR-MT) that receives control signals from the network to manage the relay operation, enabling efficient coverage extension through directional transmission and beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If high frequency band radio signals are used for wide-band transmission, then transmission bandwidth is improved, but coverage area is reduced due to high rectilinearity
Solution Approach 1:
A repeater apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device between the base station and user equipment. The repeater receives radio signals from the base station, amplifies them, and retransmits them to extend coverage areas where direct signals cannot reach due to obstacles or distance, thus resolving the contradiction between wide-band transmission capability and coverage area limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple hops by introducing repeater nodes that relay signals between the base station and user equipment. This segmentation allows the signal path to be divided into manageable segments, each handled by a repeater, thereby extending the overall coverage area while maintaining high frequency band advantages
2Area of stationary object
If repeater apparatus is introduced to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus is designed to operate autonomously with minimal network intervention. It automatically detects incoming signals, amplifies them according to pre-configured parameters, and retransmits them without requiring continuous manual control, thereby reducing the operational complexity burden on the network while achieving coverage extension
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring full network control and complex coordination for every repeater operation, the system implements partial automation where repeaters perform essential functions independently. This partial action approach simplifies system management while still achieving the coverage extension objective
3Strength
If repeater apparatus amplifies radio signals, then signal strength is improved, but interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus employs directional transmission with beamforming capabilities to concentrate amplified signals in specific directions toward the intended user equipment. This local quality approach ensures that signal amplification benefits are delivered precisely where needed while minimizing widespread interference to other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater uses asymmetric beamforming patterns that direct signals preferentially toward the target user equipment while creating nulls or reduced signal strength in directions where interference would be harmful. This asymmetric signal distribution resolves the contradiction by providing strong signals to authorized users while suppressing interference to others
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The NCR apparatus effectively extends network coverage by amplifying and directing radio signals, ensuring seamless communication between base stations and user equipment, even in areas with obstacles, thereby enhancing connectivity and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
amplifying a radio signal received from the base station
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the radio signal through directional transmission
Implementation Method 3
initiating, by the control terminal in the RRC idle mode, an RRC connection establishment procedure of transitioning to an RRC connected mode
Implementation Method 4
a relay device configured to perform a relay operation of relaying a radio signal transmitted between a network and a user equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method using a relay apparatus including a relay device configured to perform a relay operation of relaying a radio signal transmitted between a network and a user equipment, and a control terminal configured to receive a control signal used for control of the relay device from the network includes: camping, by the control terminal in an radio resource control (RRC) idle mode, on a suitable cell in which a normal service is provided; and initiating an RRC connection establishment procedure of transitioning to an RRC connected mode based on the control terminal in the RRC idle mode having camped on the suitable cell.