UE Integrated Repeater for TDD Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face limitations due to path-loss and physical blockers, which hinder effective signal transmission between base stations and user equipment (UEs), particularly in scenarios where UEs are limited by uplink or downlink communication constraints during time intervals.
Innovation Solution
A UE with an integrated repeater function that operates in a time division duplex network, utilizing an RF transmission path to route signals from an RF receive chain to an RF transmit chain, allowing for retransmission of signals between base stations and other UEs, leveraging inactive communication paths during reserved time intervals to extend signal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless repeaters are implemented to extend signal coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is configured to perform both normal communication functions and repeater functions using the same hardware components. The UE can operate as a regular user device in some time intervals and as a repeater in other time intervals, making the device universal and multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated repeater hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE utilizes its own inactive communication path (uplink or downlink) to perform repeater functions, essentially serving itself and the network without requiring external dedicated repeater infrastructure. The UE's own resources are leveraged to extend coverage and improve reliability.
2Productivity
If TDD network operation is used to allow flexible time interval allocation, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but communication flexibility during specific time intervals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network can dynamically configure the UE to perform repeater functions during specific time intervals based on communication needs. The UE transitions between different operational modes (normal communication vs. repeater mode) depending on the time interval and network requirements, providing adaptive flexibility within the TDD framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater function is activated during specific periodic time intervals rather than continuously. The network schedules the UE to perform repeater operations in designated time intervals while maintaining normal communication in other intervals, creating a periodic pattern that balances spectrum efficiency with operational flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If inactive communication paths are utilized for signal repetition, then network coverage is extended, but signal transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater function operates continuously during designated time intervals without interruption. The UE maintains the repeater operation throughout the configured time interval, providing continuous signal repetition coverage for the duration needed to extend network coverage to remote areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. The described techniques leverage user equipment (UE) functionality to repeat wireless signals received from a base station to one or more other UEs and received from one or more other UEs to the base station. The repeating UE receives, during a transmission time interval reserved for one of uplink communication or downlink communication, a signal from a first device. The UE operates in a time division duplex network. The UE routes the signal, via a radio-frequency (RF) transmission path from an RF receive chain of the UE to an RF transmit chain of the UE. The UE retransmits the signal to a second device during the transmission time interval.