Network-Controlled Repeater Relay Switching for 5G Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction of coverage area due to the high rectilinearity of radio signals in high frequency bands, such as millimeter and terahertz waves, poses a challenge in 5G mobile communication systems, particularly in areas with obstacles blocking direct communication between base stations and user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled repeater apparatus (NCR) is introduced to relay radio signals between a network and user equipment, utilizing beamforming and directional transmission to extend coverage, with a control terminal managing the relay device to optimize signal propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a repeater apparatus is used to extend coverage in high frequency bands, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for network control and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The control terminal acts as an intermediary between the network and the relay device, managing the relay device's operational state based on RRC state transitions. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated control that extends coverage while managing system complexity through standardized interface protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device dynamically transitions between ON and OFF states based on the control terminal's RRC state. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt coverage extension to actual communication needs, improving coverage area while reducing unnecessary device operation that would increase complexity.
2Reliability
If the relay device continues operation during RRC inactive state, then communication continuity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device operates periodically based on the control terminal's RRC state transitions. It remains ON during connected states to ensure communication continuity and transitions to OFF during inactive states to reduce energy consumption, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that balances reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the control terminal's existing RRC state information to automatically control the relay device's operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control signaling, maintaining communication continuity while reducing energy consumption through automated state-based control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the relay device is turned off during RRC inactive state, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication response time increases when transitioning back to connected state
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device is kept in an ON state during RRC inactive state as a preliminary preparation, so that when the control terminal transitions back to connected state, the relay device can immediately resume operation without delay. This preliminary action reduces response time while the device remains powered, balancing energy consumption with communication readiness.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method using a relay apparatus comprising a relay device configured to perform a relaying operation for relaying a radio signal transmitted between a network and a user equipment, and a control terminal configured to receive from the network a control signal used for control of the relay device includes initiating for a second cell, by the control terminal, a procedure for transitioning to a radio resource control (RRC) connected state when the control terminal is in an RRC idle state or RRC inactive state in a first cell and the relay device is on; and turning off, by the relay apparatus, the relay device based on the initiation of the procedure.