Relay Apparatus Operation Switching for Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently extending base station coverage, particularly in high-frequency bands like millimeter wave and terahertz wave bands, due to the high rectilinearity of radio signals, which limits the coverage area and requires effective control techniques for relay apparatuses to mitigate interference and enhance coverage.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method and control terminal that manage a relay apparatus to perform downlink and uplink relay operations in a time division duplex system, with operation switching at predetermined timings within the time period between downlink and uplink operations, allowing for efficient coverage extension by controlling the relay apparatus to amplify and direct radio signals between the base station and user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a repeater apparatus is used to extend base station coverage in high frequency bands, then coverage area is improved, but interference occurs between downlink and uplink signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the relay operation mode switchable between downlink and uplink based on time periods. The control terminal dynamically configures the relay apparatus to perform downlink relay operations during downlink time periods and uplink relay operations during uplink time periods, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to different operational phases and avoid simultaneous transmission that causes interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing time into distinct downlink time periods and uplink time periods. The relay apparatus alternates between downlink relay operations and uplink relay operations in a periodic manner, with operation switching occurring at predetermined timings within the time period between downlink and uplink periods. This periodic separation ensures that downlink and uplink signals do not overlap in time, eliminating interference while maintaining extended coverage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If operation switching between downlink and uplink relay operations is performed, then interference is minimized, but switching timing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the operation switching timing in advance through control signaling from the control terminal to the relay apparatus. The switching timings are predetermined and communicated before the actual switching occurs, allowing the relay apparatus to prepare for mode transitions ahead of time. This preliminary configuration simplifies the switching process and reduces the precision requirements during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through control signaling between the control terminal and the relay apparatus. The control terminal monitors the relay apparatus operation and sends control signals to adjust switching timings as needed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain proper timing synchronization and minimize interference while accommodating variations in the relay apparatus performance and environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control method for controlling a relay apparatus configured to relay a radio signal between a base station and a user equipment in a time division duplex system includes a step of performing a downlink relay operation of relaying a downlink signal from the base station to the user equipment, a step of performing an uplink relay operation of relaying an uplink signal from the user equipment to the base station after or before the downlink relay operation, and a step of performing, in a time period between a downlink time period during which the downlink relay operation is performed and an uplink time period during which the uplink relay operation is performed, operation switching between the downlink relay operation and the uplink relay operation at a predetermined timing within the time period.