Network-Controlled Relay Switching for Obstructed 5G Coverage
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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 5G mobile communication systems, particularly in areas with obstacles blocking direct communication between user equipment and base stations.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater apparatus (NCR) is introduced to relay radio signals between a network and user equipment, utilizing beamforming and directional transmission to extend coverage, with a control terminal managing the relay operation based on network signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If network-controlled repeater apparatus is introduced to relay radio signals, then coverage area is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-controlled repeater apparatus as an intermediary device between the base station and user equipment. This repeater relay radio signals to extend coverage area while being controlled by the network, thus solving the coverage limitation problem without requiring direct modification of existing base station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional components: the base station, the network-controlled repeater apparatus, and user equipment. This segmentation allows the repeater to be independently deployed and controlled, extending coverage without increasing the complexity of the core base station system.
2Reliability
If relay operation is dynamically controlled based on RRC Reconfiguration message, then communication reliability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control terminal monitors the serving cell status and provides feedback to the network. Based on this feedback, the network sends RRC Reconfiguration messages to dynamically control the relay operation, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic control of the relay operation by allowing the control terminal to turn off the relay device when serving cell changes or deactivation is detected in RRC Reconfiguration messages. This dynamic adjustment ensures communication reliability adapts to changing network conditions without requiring permanent complex control structures.
3Reliability
If directional transmission is used to suppress interference, then signal quality is improved, but adaptability to different scenarios decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network-controlled repeater apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both directional transmission for interference suppression and omnidirectional relay for coverage extension. The device can adapt its transmission pattern based on network control signals, making it universally applicable to different deployment scenarios while maintaining signal quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method used in 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, the communication method including the steps of: receiving, by the control terminal in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, an RRC Reconfiguration message from the network; and turning off the relay device configured to perform the relay operation for a serving cell of the control terminal, when changing or deactivating the serving cell based on the RRC reconfiguration message.