Repeater Time Resource Configuration for Subcarrier Spacing and Cyclic Prefix

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of specification in existing technologies for appropriately configuring the subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix for time domain resources in network-controlled repeaters, leading to potential discrepancies and failures in signal forwarding.

Innovation Solution

The repeater configures subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix for time domain resources based on assumptions, predefined rules, or dynamic indications in control information, ensuring alignment with base station and terminal settings to facilitate accurate signal forwarding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network-controlled repeaters use conventional amplify-and-forward methods without specified time resource allocation rules, then device complexity is reduced, but signal forwarding reliability deteriorates due to potential discrepancies in subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal forwarding reliabilityVSAvoidtime resource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix configurations based on control information received from the base station. The repeater changes these time domain resource parameters according to received indications, ensuring alignment between the repeater's forwarding resources and the base station- terminal link resources, thereby resolving the reliability issue without requiring complex autonomous allocation algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station provides control information to the repeater regarding the time domain resources allocated for signal forwarding. The repeater uses this feedback to configure its subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix, ensuring that the forwarding operation maintains synchronization and parameter consistency with the network, thus improving reliability through network-controlled parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If network-controlled repeaters autonomously allocate time domain resources without predefined rules, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of specification for subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime resource configuration precisionVSAvoidtime resource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the time domain resource configuration flexible and adjustable through control information from the base station. The repeater can dynamically change subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix settings based on received indications, allowing the system to adapt to different network conditions and service requirements while maintaining precise configuration through network control rather than autonomous decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If network-controlled repeaters use dynamic indication for time resource allocation, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to processing requirements for control information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal forwarding efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol information processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station pre-configure and indicate the time domain resource parameters (subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix) to the repeater before signal forwarding begins. The repeater receives these parameters in advance through control information and configures its forwarding resources accordingly, enabling efficient signal forwarding without requiring complex real-time processing or autonomous resource allocation algorithms during the forwarding operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4598192A1Repeater and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4598192A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4598192A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4598192A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A repeater comprises: a reception unit that receives control information through a first link used for the exchange of control information between a base station and the repeater; and a control unit that determines, on the basis of the control information, a time resource allocated to the repeater for a second link used for transferring signals between the base station and a terminal.