Network-Controlled Repeater Integration Through Multi-Step RACH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively integrating network-controlled repeaters due to the lack of identification, authorization, and authentication processes, which limits their performance and coverage extension capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Physical (PHY) layer and/or Medium Access Control (MAC) layer architecture for network-controlled repeaters, including methods for identification, authorization, and authentication through multi-step Random Access Channel (RACH) processes and Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Elements (CE) to enhance communication with network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If network-controlled repeaters are integrated into wireless communication systems, then coverage extension and performance are improved, but identification, authorization, and authentication challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification, authorization, and authentication processes into distinct procedural steps within the RACH framework. The repeater's identity is first established through RACH preamble transmission, then separately authorized through network entity verification, and finally authenticated through secure key exchange. This segmentation allows each function to be independently implemented and verified, resolving the reliability challenge while enabling coverage extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity serves as an intermediary between the repeater and the core network. It receives the RACH preamble from the repeater, performs authorization verification, and facilitates authentication through controlled message exchange. This intermediary role enables reliable identification and authorization without requiring direct complex interactions between the repeater and core network, thus improving reliability while maintaining coverage extension capability.
2Device complexity
If PHY/MAC layer only architecture is used for repeaters, then device complexity is reduced, but authentication capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater performs self-identification by autonomously transmitting its unique identity in the RACH preamble without requiring external assistance. This self-service approach allows the simplified PHY/MAC layer architecture to maintain authentication reliability, as the repeater independently establishes its identity before seeking network authorization, eliminating the need for more complex higher-layer processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is initiated in advance through the RACH preamble transmission that includes the repeater's identity. The network entity receives this preliminary information and prepares authorization credentials before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action enables the simplified architecture to achieve reliable authentication by establishing trust before operational requirements arise.
3Reliability
If multi-step RACH process is implemented for repeater authorization, then security is improved, but communication time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater's identity is established in advance through the RACH preamble transmission, allowing the network entity to begin authorization verification immediately upon receipt. This preliminary action enables parallel processing of authentication steps, where the network entity can verify credentials and prepare security credentials simultaneously, thus maintaining high security while minimizing the time penalty of multi-step processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity provides immediate feedback to the repeater during the RACH process, confirming authorization status and facilitating rapid authentication. This feedback mechanism allows the multi-step process to proceed efficiently by eliminating waiting periods and enabling the repeater to quickly transition from identification to authenticated operation, thus maintaining security while reducing overall authorization time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and techniques for performing wireless communication. In some aspects, a network-controlled repeater (or component thereof) may transmit a first message to a network entity. The first message includes an identifier associated with the network-controlled repeater for use as part of a multi-step Random Access Channel (RACH) process. The network-controlled repeater (or component thereof) may receive, from the network entity, a second message at least one of identifying or authorizing the network-controlled repeater for the RACH process.