Network-Controlled Repeater Beam Indication via MAC CE and TCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF repeaters in 5G systems lack the ability to perform information interaction with network devices and do not support unified TCI states, making it difficult to indicate and determine uplink backhaul link beams effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) is equipped with a mobile terminal that receives MAC CEs for indicating uplink backhaul link beams, using spatial filters corresponding to TCI states or SRIs to clarify beam transmission, enhancing network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RF repeaters are used for signal amplification and forwarding, then signal coverage is enhanced, but the ability to perform information interaction with network devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater is divided into two independent functional modules: a first unit for signal amplification and forwarding, and a second unit for information interaction with network devices. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between signal coverage enhancement and information interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater is designed with multi-functionality, combining both signal amplification/forwarding functions and information interaction functions in a single device. The first unit handles traditional RF repeater tasks while the second unit enables MAC CE reception and beam indication, making the repeater adaptable to both coverage enhancement and network-controlled operations.
2Device complexity
If traditional RF repeaters amplify and forward signals directly without demodulation, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to receive and process control information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is segmented into two distinct paths: one for amplification and forwarding of user data signals, and another for demodulation and decoding of control information (MAC CEs). This allows the repeater to maintain simple signal forwarding while separately processing control information for network coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The second unit acts as an intermediary between the received signals and the network device, specifically for processing control information. It receives MAC CEs, determines beam information, and uses this information to control the first unit's forwarding behavior, enabling intelligent signal routing without complicating the basic amplification function.
3Measurement precision
If network-controlled repeaters implement unified TCI states, then beam indication precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater applies different TCI state management strategies to different operational modes: unified TCI states are implemented when available for precise beam indication, while fallback mechanisms are provided for non-unified TCI state scenarios. This local quality approach ensures high beam indication precision when possible while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its TCI state management parameters based on configuration and operational conditions. When unified TCI states are configured, the repeater uses them for precise beam indication; when not configured, it switches to alternative parameter sets (such as spatial filter indices) to maintain functionality, thereby optimizing the balance between precision and complexity.
4Ease of operation
If repeaters do not support network-controlled forwarding, then ease of operation is maintained, but network coverage optimization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater implements a feedback mechanism where the second unit receives MAC CEs from the network device, processes beam indication information, and feeds this control information back to the first unit to adjust signal forwarding behavior. This feedback loop enables network coverage optimization while maintaining simple automated operation, as the repeater autonomously adjusts its forwarding based on received instructions without complex manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a repeater and a network device, the communication method including: a repeater receives a first MAC CE for indicating an uplink backhaul link beam; and transmission of the repeater on a backhaul link uses a spatial filter to which a TCI state or an SRI provided by the first MAC CE corresponds.