Network Repeater Beamforming for TDD Link Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network controlled repeaters face challenges in managing interference, energy efficiency, and deployment complexity due to the dynamic nature of millimeter wave frequencies and beamforming in 5G networks, particularly in TDD bands where downlink and uplink signals need to be tightly aligned.
Innovation Solution
Implementing over-the-air configuration and link management for network controlled repeaters using beamforming, power control, and ON-OFF information to adapt physical layer parameters for efficient interference management and energy efficiency, with semi-static and dynamic signaling from a parent node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If network controlled repeaters use layer-1 forwarding approach to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but interference management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting beamforming parameters, power control settings, and resource allocation configurations to manage interference while extending coverage. The network controller modifies physical layer parameters based on channel conditions and interference measurements to optimize the balance between coverage extension and interference control.
2Productivity
If network controlled repeaters operate in TDD bands with tight DL/UL alignment, then spectral efficiency is improved, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the repeater reports channel state information, interference measurements, and resource utilization data to the network controller. The network controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust TDD uplink-downlink configurations, beamforming parameters, and power control settings to maintain spectral efficiency while simplifying deployment through centralized management.
3Reliability
If network controlled repeaters use beamforming for signal directionality, then signal quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive beamforming where the beam direction, width, and power are dynamically adjusted based on user equipment location, channel conditions, and traffic demand. The network controller receives feedback on signal quality and interference levels to optimize beamforming parameters in real-time, improving energy efficiency while maintaining signal quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If network controlled repeaters implement over-the-air configuration with semi-static and dynamic signaling, then adaptability is improved, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing control signaling into semi-static configuration parameters (configured less frequently) and dynamic parameters (updated more frequently). This segmentation reduces control overhead by only transmitting updated parameter values rather than complete configurations, while maintaining adaptability through layered control mechanisms that respond to changing channel conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, communicating, with a parent cell of a wireless communications system, beamforming information; receiving, from the parent cell, first parent downlink (DL) communications, wherein the first parent DL communications are associated with first user equipment (UE); transmitting, to the first UE, first repeater DL communications, wherein the first repeater DL communications are based upon the first parent DL communications; receiving, from the first UE, first UE uplink (UL) communications; and transmitting, to the parent cell, first repeater UL communications, wherein the first repeater UL communications are based upon the first UE UL communications; wherein the beamforming information is used to control the transmitting of the first repeater DL communications, the transmitting of the first repeater UL communications, or any combination thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.