Network Repeater Relay Configuration with Validity-Period Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face inefficiencies in signal relaying due to misalignment between base station commands and relay configurations, particularly in 5G NR systems, leading to suboptimal performance in scenarios like eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC.

Innovation Solution

A relay apparatus with a transceiver and circuitry that manages relay configurations based on validity periods and default configurations, ensuring synchronized signal relaying by controlling the transceiver to switch between configurations as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If relay configuration signalling is continuously updated to improve signal relaying efficiency, then relaying performance is improved, but configuration complexity and synchronization difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal relaying efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a default relay configuration that is pre-configured and automatically applied when no specific configuration is received. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for continuous configuration updates, as the default configuration serves as a fallback that ensures the relay operates with valid settings at all times, thereby improving efficiency without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic configuration management where the relay can switch between default and specific configurations based on received signalling. The configuration is dynamic in that it adapts to network conditions and commands while maintaining a stable baseline through the default configuration, allowing efficient updates without requiring constant reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If relay configuration changes frequently to adapt to network conditions, then adaptability is improved, but synchronization alignment between base station and relay deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors relay operations and sends configuration commands only when changes are necessary. The relay reports its status and receives targeted configuration updates, creating a feedback loop that maintains synchronization while allowing necessary adaptability. This prevents unnecessary frequent changes that would disrupt synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes specific configuration parameters selectively rather than reconfiguring the entire relay system. By modifying only the necessary parameters based on network conditions and maintaining other parameters at their default values, the system achieves adaptability while preserving overall configuration stability and synchronization between base station and relay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If default relay configuration is used outside validity periods to ensure continuous operation, then operational reliability is improved, but configuration flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The default relay configuration serves as a preliminary, pre-established backup configuration that ensures the relay can always operate with valid settings. This preliminary configuration is configured in advance with reasonable defaults that allow continuous operation, providing reliability while the system can still receive and apply specific configurations when needed for flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The default configuration acts as an intermediary between complete configuration independence and full base station control. It provides a middle ground where the relay has autonomous operation capability with default settings for reliability, while still allowing base station intervention through specific configuration commands when adaptability is needed, thus mediating between reliability and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260095240A1Transmission configuration mechanisms for a network controlled repeater

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a scheduling device and respective methods for a communication device and a scheduling device. For example, the communication device comprises a transceiver and circuitry. The transceiver, in operation: (i) relays signals; (ii) receives default relay configuration signalling; (iii) receives relay configuration signalling; and (iv) receives validity period signalling. The circuitry, in operation: (i) obtains, from the default relay configuration signalling, an indication of a default relay configuration that is to be used for the relaying of the signals by the transceiver outside validity periods; (ii) obtains, from the relay configuration signalling, an indication of another relay configuration; (iii) obtains, from the validity period signalling, an indication of a validity period of the other relay configuration; (iv) controls, in the validity period, the transceiver to perform the relaying in accordance with the other relay configuration; and (v) controls, after an end of the validity period, the transceiver to perform the relaying in accordance with the default relay configuration.