Smart Repeater Device Identification for 5G Network Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G mobile communication systems, especially in the millimeter waveband, traditional RF repeaters lack the ability to communicate with network devices and obtain uplink and downlink configurations, making them inflexible and unable to effectively enhance cell coverage in complex environments, unlike their 3G and 4G counterparts.

Innovation Solution

A smart repeater that can receive and process side control information from the network, allowing for more efficient signal amplification and forwarding, and the introduction of a device identification method to distinguish repeaters from normal terminal equipment, enabling flexible deployment and network integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional RF repeaters are deployed in 5G systems, then signal amplification is achieved, but flexibility to cope with complex environmental changes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal amplificationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a smart repeater that acts as an intermediary device between the network device and terminal equipment. This smart repeater includes a receiving unit that obtains first information from the network device, a determining unit that identifies device types based on this information, and a switching unit that routes data accordingly. This intermediary structure enables flexible adaptation to complex environments while maintaining reliable signal amplification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability through the smart repeater's ability to receive real-time first information from the network device, dynamically determine device types (terminal equipment or repeater), and adjust data routing accordingly. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to cope with changing environmental conditions and complex deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional RF repeaters are used, then deployment is simple, but the ability to communicate with network devices and obtain configuration information is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal smart repeater that can perform multiple functions: it can amplify signals like a traditional repeater, communicate with network devices to receive first information, determine device types, and route data appropriately. This multi-functional design maintains deployment simplicity while adding necessary communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If device identification is not implemented, then deployment is straightforward, but network integration and separate management of repeaters and terminal equipment cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork integration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary device identification by having the smart repeater receive first information from the network device before actual data transmission. The determining unit identifies whether subsequent data is from terminal equipment or another repeater in advance, allowing the switching unit to pre-configure appropriate routing. This preliminary identification action enables efficient network integration and separate management of different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240381446A1Device identification method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 1FINITY INC
  • US20240381446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240381446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240381446A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device identification apparatus, applicable to a first network device, the device identification apparatus includes: a receiver configured to receive first information transmitted by a first device, wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the first device is a Network-Controlled repeater or is used to determine that the first device connects to a network as a Network-Controlled repeater, or, the first information is repeater-specific first information.