Network-Controlled Repeater Relay for Millimeter-Wave Coverage Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The coverage of base stations in 5G mobile communication systems using high-frequency radio signals is limited due to the rectilinearity of millimeter and terahertz waves, leading to reduced connectivity for user equipment outside direct line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater apparatus (NCR) relays radio signals between a network and user equipment, controlled by a control terminal (NCR-MT) to extend coverage by amplifying and directing signals, using beamforming and adaptive directional transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-frequency radio signals (millimeter wave or terahertz wave band) are used for wide-band transmission, then transmission bandwidth is improved, but coverage area is reduced due to high rectilinearity
Solution Approach 1:
A repeater apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device between the base station and user equipment. The repeater receives high-frequency radio signals from the base station, amplifies them, and retransmits them to extend coverage to areas beyond direct line-of-sight, thereby resolving the contradiction between using high-frequency signals for wide-band transmission and maintaining adequate coverage area
2Area of stationary object
If a repeater apparatus amplifies and directionally transmits radio signals to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater apparatus incorporates a control terminal that receives control signals from the base station and adjusts its amplification and directional transmission characteristics accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the repeater to adapt to changing channel conditions and optimize coverage while managing control complexity through automated adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method used in a relay apparatus including a relay device that performs a relay operation of relaying a radio signal transmitted between a network and a user equipment, and a control terminal that receives a control signal used for control of the relay device from the network includes the steps of transitioning, by the control terminal, to a radio resource control (RRC) connected state in a cell included in the network; determining whether a condition is satisfied for incorporating notification information indicating that a host apparatus is the relay apparatus into a message to be transmitted from the control terminal to the cell; and transmitting the message including the notification information from the control terminal to the cell in response to determining that the condition is satisfied.