Repeater Beam Correlation for Backhaul and Access Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF repeaters lack efficient beamforming mechanisms for network-controlled repeaters (NCRs), leading to suboptimal network coverage and performance due to inadequate consideration of factors like beamforming information and spatial directivity.
Innovation Solution
A method for network devices to indicate backhaul and access beams to NCRs based on the correlation of control and backhaul beams, using implicit or explicit signaling to enhance beam alignment and spatial directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RF repeaters perform simple amplify-and-forward operations, then device complexity is reduced, but network coverage efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capabilities in network-controlled repeaters, allowing the system to adapt beam directions and configurations based on real-time channel conditions and network requirements, transforming static amplify-and-forward operations into dynamic, performance-optimized operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing beamforming control variables, TCI state configurations, and spatial filter adjustments that enable the repeater to optimize signal transmission characteristics beyond simple amplification, improving coverage efficiency while managing complexity through network-controlled parameter adjustment
2Productivity
If beamforming information is added to NCR operations, then spatial directivity and network coverage are improved, but device complexity and control information requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the repeater reports beam correlation information and channel state data back to the network node, enabling the network to make informed beamforming decisions and adjust TCI states dynamically, managing complexity through distributed intelligence and feedback-driven control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces TCI (Transmission Configuration Indication) states as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies beamforming control by pre-configuring and indexing beam directions, allowing the network to control spatial filters through standardized control information rather than direct complex beamforming commands
3Productivity
If beam alignment is optimized through correlation analysis, then communication efficiency is improved, but measurement and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam correlation analysis and channel measurements during initial network setup and configuration phases, pre-determining optimal beam alignments and storing correlation matrices for later reference, so that during active communication the system can quickly switch between pre-computed beam configurations without performing time-consuming real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and computer storage media for communication. From a repeating device, a network device receives an indication of correlation of a backhaul beam and a control beam of the repeating device. The backhaul beam is used for a backhaul link between the network device and the repeating device, and the control beam is used for a control link between the network device and the repeating device. The network device indicates at least one of the backhaul or access beam to the repeating device.