Network-Controlled Repeater Beamforming for Low-Interference Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional repeaters in wireless communication systems do not perform beamforming, leading to signal interference and high power consumption, especially when forwarding signals to unintended devices.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater (NCR) that receives beam indication control messages from a base station to perform forwarding operations using appropriate beams, defined by a list of forwarding resources including beam indices and time resources, reducing interference and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional repeaters perform forwarding without beamforming, then the forwarding operation is simple, but signal interference increases and power consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beamforming to direct signals locally toward the intended UE rather than broadcasting in all directions. The NCR-Fwd performs beamforming on the access link to concentrate signal energy in specific spatial directions, reducing interference to other UEs while maintaining simple forwarding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam selection where the NCR-MT receives beam indication control messages from the base station and dynamically adjusts the beam direction for forwarding operations. This allows the system to adapt beamforming parameters based on current communication conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through network control.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional repeaters perform forwarding without beamforming, then the forwarding operation is simple, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beamforming concentrates transmitted power in specific directions toward intended UEs rather than dispersing it omnidirectionally. This improves power efficiency by directing energy only where needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective coverage for target devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic beam indication mechanism allows the NCR to adjust beam directions based on current UE locations and communication demands. This enables power-efficient operation by activating beamforming only when and where needed, rather than continuously broadcasting in all directions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If NCR performs forwarding with beamforming control messages, then interference to other devices is reduced, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that generates and sends beam indication control messages to the NCR-MT. This centralizes the complexity of beam management in the network controller rather than the repeater, allowing the NCR to perform simple forwarding operations while the base station handles the complex beamforming control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
Beamforming control messages provide localized directional information to the NCR-Fwd, enabling it to transmit signals precisely toward intended UEs. This localized control approach reduces interference to other devices by confining signal energy to specific spatial regions rather than allowing omnidirectional propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an operation method of an NCR in a wireless communication system and the device. The NCR receives, from a base station, a control message related to beam indication for an access link and performs a forwarding operation on the basis of the control message. The control message includes a list of forwarding resources for the forwarding operation. Each forwarding resource included in the list is defined by a beam index and a time resource.