Repeater Beam Configuration for Adaptive 5G Access Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beam configurations for network-controlled repeaters, particularly in high-frequency bands like mmWave and terahertz, which affect coverage and connectivity in environments with varying user equipment (UE) locations and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) that utilize radio resource control (RRC) messages and medium access control (MAC) elements to dynamically configure and activate/deactivate access link beams under base station control, enabling adaptive beam management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If network-controlled repeaters use fixed beam configurations in high-frequency bands, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage and adaptability deteriorate due to varying user equipment locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam configuration where the base station controls the repeater to activate or deactivate specific access link beams based on current UE locations and channel conditions. This transforms the static beam configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to varying environmental conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes beam configuration parameters (which specific beams are activated) based on varying conditions such as UE locations and channel quality. The base station receives feedback about channel conditions and adjusts the beam activation state accordingly, allowing the system to adapt without requiring complex autonomous decision-making at the repeater.
2Reliability
If network-controlled repeaters dynamically adjust access link beams, then coverage and connectivity are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of activating all available beams continuously, the system activates only the necessary subset of beams required to serve current UEs. The base station determines which beams should be active based on channel feedback, allowing the repeater to conserve power by keeping unnecessary beams deactivated while maintaining sufficient connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam configuration is updated periodically or event-driven based on changes in channel conditions or UE locations, rather than continuously adjusting all beams. This periodic update approach reduces power consumption by maintaining stable beam configurations during unchanged conditions while still adapting when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network-controlled repeaters use autonomous beam management, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of beam configuration. Rather than requiring the repeater to autonomously make complex decisions about which beams to activate, the base station receives channel feedback, processes the information, and sends simplified activation/deactivation commands to the repeater. This distributes complexity appropriately while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by a network-controlled repeater (NCR) in a communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a base station via radio resource control information (RRC) message, configuration of one or more sets of forwarding resources for an access link, and receiving, from the base station, medium access control control element (MAC CE) indicating a set of forwarding resources among the one or more sets of forwarding resources, wherein the set of forwarding resources includes at least one forwarding resource, wherein each of the at least one forwarding resource is associated with a time resource and a beam index, and wherein the MAC CE includes a bit field indicating activation or deactivation of the set of forwarding resources.