Network-Controlled Repeater Beam Alignment for 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G systems faces challenges in enhancing cell coverage due to the use of legacy RF repeaters, which fail to dynamically adjust beam directions and widths, leading to reduced network throughput and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-controlled repeater (NCR) scheme that uses indication information to adjust access link beams and time resources based on subcarrier spacing, ensuring synchronized signal forwarding between network devices and terminal equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a legacy RF repeater is used to amplify and forward signals, then signal amplification is achieved, but beam directions and beam widths cannot be dynamically adjusted to match network device and terminal equipment positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static RF repeater into a dynamic network-controlled repeater (NCR) that can adaptively adjust beam directions and widths. The NCR receives indication information from the network device regarding beam parameters and dynamically configures its transmitting and receiving antennas to match the required beam directions, enabling real-time adaptation to changing network conditions and terminal positions.
2Area of stationary object
If a legacy RF repeater with wide beams is used, then signal coverage area is increased, but interference to other devices and noise levels increase, reducing network throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the NCR to transmit signals with directionally focused beams rather than omnidirectional wide beams. The repeater adjusts its beamforming parameters to concentrate signal energy precisely toward the intended network device and terminal equipment, providing targeted coverage while minimizing signal spillage and interference to other devices in the network, thereby improving overall network throughput.
3Length of stationary object
If a legacy RF repeater is deployed, then cell coverage enhancement is achieved, but the repeater operates without network control, leading to suboptimal signal forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a control link between the network device and the NCR. The network device sends indication information to the NCR regarding beam parameters, time resources, and other operational settings. The NCR receives and executes these control commands, enabling network-managed optimization of signal forwarding while extending cell coverage range through coordinated operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If legacy RF repeaters are used in 5G systems with MIMO technology, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but the repeaters cannot flexibly match dynamic beam directions and widths of network devices and terminal equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the NCR as a multi-functional device that combines both amplification capabilities and adaptive beamforming functionality. The NCR can operate in different modes depending on network requirements, supporting various beam directions and widths while maintaining compatibility with existing 5G MIMO infrastructure. This universal design allows a single repeater type to serve multiple functions across different deployment scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An information transmitting method, an information receiving method, a repeater and a network device. The information receiving method includes: receiving by the repeater indication information for indicating an access link beam, the indication information including a first information field for indicating a beam on an access link and a second information field for indicating a time resource, the time resource being related to a first subcarrier spacing and/or a second subcarrier spacing.