5G NR Repeater Control Link for Legacy UE Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3GPP 5G NR networks face high deployment costs for additional base stations and integrated access and backhaul devices, while sidelink relay nodes are not compatible with legacy UEs, necessitating a cost-effective repeater solution that supports both legacy and new UEs.
Innovation Solution
A repeater is introduced in the NR network to establish a control link with a base station, configuring an amplify-and-forward link for downlink and uplink transmissions, either amplifying or regenerating and forwarding physical layer signals based on specific configurations to support legacy UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If additional base stations or IAB devices are introduced to enhance network coverage, then coverage is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs repeaters as cost-effective, simpler alternative infrastructure compared to full base stations or IAB devices. Repeaters provide coverage extension at lower deployment cost while maintaining network functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between coverage expansion and cost reduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If sidelink relay nodes are introduced to enhance network coverage, then deployment cost is reduced, but compatibility with legacy UEs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater acts as an intermediary device that bridges legacy UEs and the 5G NR network. It receives signals from the network and forwards them to legacy UEs using compatible protocols, enabling legacy device connectivity without requiring sidelink protocol support, thus resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining cost advantages.
3Ease of manufacture
If a repeater is introduced to support legacy UEs cost-effectively, then deployment cost is reduced and compatibility is maintained, but control link configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates control link configuration from data transmission functions. The control link between repeater and base station is independently configured and managed, allowing simplified operation for the majority of traffic while maintaining the ability to handle legacy UE compatibility requirements through dedicated control signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
Repeater and control method are provided for DL transmission and UL transmission between a BS and a UE. In one novel aspect, the repeater establishes a control link with the BS. Then, the repeater configures an amplify and forward link between the BS and the UE by at least one configuration of the control link.