Network-Controlled Repeater Switching for 5G Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy RF repeaters in 5G systems lack the ability to dynamically control their ON/OFF states based on network device control, leading to unnecessary power consumption and interference due to constant operation during non-data transmission, which affects network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) system that transitions to a non-RRC connected state, allowing controlled ON/OFF states based on network device signaling, including RRC release messages and beam indication information to match data transmission periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the repeater remains ON continuously to ensure signal forwarding capability, then network coverage is improved, but power consumption increases and interference to other devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater dynamically adjusts its operational state between ON and OFF based on network conditions and data transmission requirements. The network device controls the repeater's state through signaling messages, allowing the repeater to transition from continuous operation to conditional operation, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining coverage where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater operates in a periodic manner, activating only during specific time periods when data transmission is required. The network device signals the repeater to remain ON only during periods when data transmission occurs between the network device and terminal equipment, causing the repeater to periodically activate and deactivate rather than continuously operate
2Reliability
If the repeater remains ON continuously to ensure signal forwarding capability, then network coverage is improved, but interference to other devices increases and network throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater dynamically adjusts its operational state based on network conditions. When no data transmission occurs, the repeater transitions to OFF state, eliminating interference to other devices. When data transmission is detected, the repeater transitions to ON state to maintain coverage, thereby improving network throughput by avoiding unnecessary interference during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The network device monitors data transmission status and provides feedback control signals to the repeater. Based on this feedback, the repeater adjusts its state accordingly - remaining ON when data transmission is detected and transitioning to OFF when no data transmission occurs, thereby reducing interference and improving network throughput while maintaining coverage where needed
3Device complexity
If legacy RF repeaters operate autonomously without network control, then device complexity is reduced, but forwarding behavior cannot be optimized based on network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary that controls the repeater's forwarding behavior through signaling messages. The network device sends control information to the repeater, including instructions on when to remain ON and when to transition to OFF state, thereby optimizing forwarding efficiency based on network conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure provide a forwarding control method, an information transmission method, a repeater and a network device. The repeater includes: a mobile termination configured to transition from an RRC connected state to a non-RRC connected state, wherein the non-RRC connected state comprises an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state; and a forwarding unit configured to forward a signal.