Remote Unit Relay Modes for Adaptive 5G NR Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for further improvements in 5G New Radio (NR) technology to enhance wireless communication systems, particularly in determining optimal modes of operation for relays or repeaters to improve communication efficiency and quality.

Innovation Solution

A remote unit is configured to determine a mode of operation, such as relaying or repeating, based on factors like the type of wireless device, channel quality, and quality of service requirements, and processes signals accordingly to transmit to another device, with the mode configuration potentially received from a control entity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed mode of operation is used for relays or repeaters, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency and quality deteriorate due to inability to adapt to varying channel conditions and device types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidmode determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay or repeater dynamically switches between different modes of operation (e.g., amplify-forward, decode-forward) based on real-time channel conditions and device types. The mode determination module continuously evaluates parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, interference levels, and device capabilities to select the optimal mode, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mode determination module receives information about communication quality, channel conditions, and device responses. Based on this feedback, the relay adjusts its operating mode to optimize performance. The feedback loop enables continuous improvement of communication efficiency by learning from past performance and adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If dynamic mode adaptation is implemented, then communication quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to mode determination and signal processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay system is divided into distinct functional modules: a mode determination module that selects the operating mode, and separate signal processing modules for different modes (e.g., amplification module, decoding module, re-encoding module). This segmentation allows the system to implement complex functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design, where each module handles specific tasks independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relay is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple modes of operation using a unified architecture. The same hardware platform can perform amplification, decoding, re-encoding, and forwarding functions by switching between operational modes. This universality reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode configuration is received from control entity, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to configuration signaling and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode configurabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The relay pre-configures multiple operational modes and their associated parameters in advance, so when a mode switch is needed, the transition can occur rapidly without extensive real-time configuration. The mode determination module has pre-loaded information about different modes, allowing for faster decision-making and mode switching while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The relay具备一定的自主决策能力,可以通过本地测量和评估自主确定工作模式,减少对控制实体的依赖。当接收到模式配置时,可以快速应用到预设的处理流程中,减少配置 signaling 和处理时间。

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12425096B2Remote unit with a configurable mode of operation
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12425096B2 patent drawing
  • US12425096B2 patent drawing
  • US12425096B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A relay supporting multiple relay modes is provided. The relay transmits capability information to a base station, the capability information indicating support for a first relay mode and a second relay mode. The relay determines a mode of operation, either on its own or based on an indication of a mode of operation from the base station, wherein the mode of operation comprises the first relay mode or the second relay mode. The relay communicates with at least one of the base station or another wireless device based at least in part on the determined mode of operation.