Multifrequency Smart Repeaters for 5G NR Interference Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional repeaters in wireless communication systems face challenges in managing interference with neighbor cells, requiring precise time-alignment of signals, and are complicated by dynamic beamforming in 5G NR networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multifrequency smart repeaters that use layer-1 forwarding to adapt physical layer parameters, enabling over-the-air configuration and management to support both control and data plane transmissions across multiple frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional repeaters use layer-1 forwarding to replicate the repeater link signal on the access link, then the signal strength of the parent node is increased, but interference to neighbor cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between the repeater link and access link operations. The repeater link uses one set of beamforming parameters while the access link uses different parameters optimized for user devices. This localized optimization allows the repeater to enhance signal strength for its intended users while minimizing interference to neighbor cells through spatial separation and directional beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic beamforming adaptation at both the repeater link and access link. The system can dynamically adjust beam directions, widths, and patterns based on real-time channel conditions, user locations, and interference levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the repeater to maintain strong signals for connected users while adapting to changing interference environments and neighbor cell operations.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If repeater transmissions are time-aligned with donor DU transmissions to avoid cross-link interference, then cross-link interference is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating multiple frequencies and beamforming patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication system into distinct operational segments: repeater link operations and access link operations, each with independent beamforming management. This segmentation allows time-alignment coordination to focus on specific link segments rather than the entire system, reducing the overall coordination complexity while maintaining interference avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the repeater node as an intermediary that manages time-alignment and beamforming coordination between the donor DU and user devices. The repeater acts as a mediator that receives signals from the donor DU and retransmits them to users while maintaining proper timing relationships. This intermediary role simplifies the coordination burden by centralizing timing management at the repeater rather than requiring direct coordination between all network elements.
3Productivity
If dynamic analog and digital beamforming is utilized at gNodeBs and UE devices, then spectral efficiency is improved, but the deployment and management of conventional repeaters becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the repeater to perform multiple functions: it acts as a signal relay, a beamforming controller, and a coordination node all within a single device. The repeater can manage beamforming patterns for both the repeater link and access link, and it can operate across multiple frequencies. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing deployment and management complexity while maintaining high spectral efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the repeater to dynamically adjust beamforming parameters such as beam directions, widths, and patterns based on the operational requirements of both the repeater link and access link. The system can change these parameters in real-time to adapt to varying channel conditions and interference environments, maintaining optimal spectral efficiency while simplifying management through centralized parameter control at the repeater.
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed to over-the-air configuration and management of new radio multifrequency smart repeaters. To facilitate data forwarding, a smart repeater is configured via a first frequency to generate a forwarding layer that is logically above a physical layer of a mobile termination function (corresponding to a repeater link) and a physical layer of distributed unit function of the repeater equipment (corresponding to an access link, configured to use a second frequency). Via the forwarding layer, when traffic is received from a parent node, the traffic is forwarded via the access link to user equipment, and when traffic is received from a user equipment, the traffic is forwarded via the access link to a parent node. As one example, control plane signaling can be performed via the sub-six gigahertz band, and data plane signal forwarding can be performed via the millimeter wave band.