Smart Repeater In-Band Control for Lower Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct communication between wireless devices can be hindered by blockages or range limitations, and dynamic control of repeaters for signal amplification consumes additional power and induces signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
A programmable smart repeater with in-band control that dynamically adjusts its configuration based on system conditions, reducing the need for continuous control node signaling by transitioning to power-saving modes and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic control signaling is used to control repeater operation, then the repeater can adapt to system conditions, but power consumption increases and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater transitions between active and power-saving modes periodically based on traffic conditions. The base station sends activation/deactivation signaling to control when the repeater should be active, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining adaptability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater autonomously transitions to power-saving mode when no traffic is detected, without requiring continuous control signaling. The base station only sends signaling when activation is needed, allowing the repeater to self-manage its power state and reduce signaling overhead.
2Ease of operation
If continuous control signaling is used to manage repeater operation, then the repeater can be precisely controlled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management function from the base station's continuous control signaling and implements it autonomously at the repeater. The base station only sends control signaling when activation is required, removing the need for continuous monitoring and control messages, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining control precision when needed.
3Reliability
If the repeater remains in active mode to ensure immediate signal amplification, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time traffic conditions. It transitions from active to power-saving mode when no traffic is present, and back to active mode when traffic is detected, creating a dynamic power management strategy that maintains reliability during communication while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating a programmable smart repeater with in-band control are disclosed herein. An example method for wireless communication at a repeater includes establishing a control link with a control node and receiving, via the control link, a configuration of one or more parameters of the repeater to forward communication between a first wireless device and a second wireless device. The example method also includes transitioning an MT component of the repeater to a power saving mode for at least a period of time after receiving the configuration and forwarding the communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based on the one or more parameters in the configuration. The disclosed techniques may enable reduction in control signaling between the control node and the repeater to provide power savings for the MT of the repeater and lower signal overhead for the control node.