Repeater Backhaul Beam Indication for Noise-Aware Signal Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF repeaters lack the ability to enhance communication performance by accounting for factors such as semi-static and dynamic downlink/uplink configurations and adaptive spatial beamforming, leading to inefficient noise amplification and network integration challenges.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) is introduced to receive and process side control information, enabling improved communication performance by applying spatial relation information, Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states, and beam identifiers on the forward backhaul link, even when component carriers or Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) differ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RF repeaters amplify and forward signals, then signal coverage is extended, but noise amplification occurs and communication performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The NCR receives and processes side control information containing spatial relation indicators, TCI states, and beam identifiers in advance before forwarding signals. This preliminary configuration enables the NCR to apply appropriate beamforming and spatial filtering to mitigate noise amplification while extending coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCR changes operational parameters by applying spatial relation information, TCI states, and beam identifiers to dynamically adjust beamforming characteristics. This allows the NCR to optimize signal quality and reduce noise amplification based on current channel conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RF repeaters are deployed, then network coverage is supplemented, but adaptive spatial beamforming capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The NCR introduces an intermediary control mechanism where side control information from the network provides spatial relation indicators, TCI states, and beam identifiers. This intermediary control enables adaptive beamforming without requiring complex autonomous decision-making at the repeater.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCR implements feedback by receiving side control information from the network that contains spatial configuration data. This feedback loop enables the NCR to adapt its beamforming characteristics based on network-controlled spatial relation information.
3Reliability
If beam indication is applied to backhaul link, then spatial directivity is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side control information mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides spatial relation indicators for beamforming, TCI states for channel quasi-co-location, and beam identifiers for directional transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges spatial configuration information into the existing side control information framework. By combining spatial relation indicators, TCI states, and beam identifiers into a unified control mechanism, the signaling overhead is reduced compared to separate dedicated signaling for each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater device: receives, via a control link from a network, configuration information for a repeater control resource set (CORESET) containing an indicator of spatial relation information for transmitting a repeated signal via: (i) a backhaul link to the network; or (ii) an access link to a UE. The configuration information is used to monitor the repeater CORESET received on the control link. Spatial relation information is decoded based on the indicator, and an offset determined between repeater DCI on the repeater CORESET and one of: (i) a physical channel received by the device on the control link; or (ii) an Uplink radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted on the backhaul link; and (iii) a Downlink RF signal transmitted on the access link. A QCL assumption is applied to use spatial information associated with the first link and the repeater CORESET for receiving and transmitting physical channels on the backhaul link.