Wireless Smart Repeater On-Off Control for Power-Efficient NR Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving efficient power management and interference reduction in high-frequency New Radio (NR) networks, particularly with legacy RF repeaters that amplify both signal and noise, leading to increased interference and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a smart repeater (SMR) that operates with dual personalities, comprising an SMR-MT component for backhaul data processing, an SMR-BS component for access link data processing, and an SMR-CU component for power control, utilizing side control information for intelligent amplify-and-forward operations, enabling dynamic power management and beamforming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If legacy RF repeaters are used to amplify signals in high-frequency NR networks, then signal coverage is extended, but interference is increased and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the repeater by introducing intelligent amplification control. The repeater transitions from continuous operation to discontinuous operation based on detected signal conditions, changing its amplification parameter dynamically to reduce interference when not needed while maintaining coverage when signals are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater implements self-service through automatic detection of signal presence and autonomous decision-making about when to amplify. The system monitors its own operational environment and controls its own amplification behavior without external intervention, enabling it to reduce interference while maintaining coverage based on real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If legacy RF repeaters operate continuously to maintain coverage, then signal availability is ensured, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the repeater operate discontinuously - amplifying signals only during specific periods when needed and remaining inactive during periods when no signals are detected. This periodic operation pattern maintains signal availability during active periods while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater performs self-service by autonomously detecting signal presence and controlling its own operational state. The system monitors its environment and makes self-directed decisions about when to activate amplification, ensuring reliable signal coverage during active periods while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during inactive periods without requiring external control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart repeaters implement dual personalities with multiple components, then functionality and control capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the smart repeater into distinct functional components: MT (mobile terminal) functionality for receiving signals, BS (base station) functionality for transmitting signals, and CU (control unit) for managing operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall control capability while organizing complexity into manageable functional modules rather than a monolithic structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A smart repeater (SMR) can be configured to amplify and forward data from a base station based on received control information for managing power efficiency of on-off operations. The SMR can configure a power control mechanism based on the control information to adapt one or more bandwidths associated with the SMR based on the control information to save power and forward the communications to the base station or the UE. The control information can include a component carrier (CC) index or a bandwidth part (BWP) identifier (lD), and a set of parameters to configure on-off operations of the one or more bandwidths according to one or more CCs or BWPs.