Uplink Repeater Capacity Detection for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks, particularly in CDMA or UMTS systems, the limited uplink transmit signal power leads to dropped calls and poor data throughput due to insufficient power reaching the base station, despite strong signal strength indicators, causing poor user experience and increased support calls.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to detect uplink repeater capacity by determining the maximum gain of the server antenna in the downlink direction, measuring uplink transmission power levels at both the server and donor antennas, calculating uplink gain, and generating a power error notification to either disable antennas or increase allocated power to ensure reliable uplink transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the repeater amplifies uplink signals to extend coverage, then the downlink signal strength at user location is improved, but the uplink transmit power becomes insufficient to reach the base station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink signal strengthVSAvoiduplink transmit power
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors uplink signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR, block error rate) and uses this feedback to detect when uplink capacity is insufficient. Based on this feedback, the system generates notifications to network operations centers or automatically adjusts repeater operations to maintain balanced uplink-downlink performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection and notification system that acts as a mediator between the repeater's signal amplification function and the network's power management. This intermediary layer monitors the mismatch between amplified downlink signals and insufficient uplink capacity, and coordinates appropriate responses with the network operations center

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If users are served in areas with strong downlink signals, then coverage is extended, but call quality deteriorates due to insufficient uplink power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcall quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of uplink capacity insufficiency by monitoring signal quality metrics before actual service degradation occurs. By detecting conditions such as high RSRP combined with poor SINR or elevated block error rates, the system can issue warnings or trigger preventive actions before calls are dropped or quality deteriorates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors uplink signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR, block error rate) and uses this feedback to detect when uplink capacity is insufficient. Based on this feedback, the system generates notifications to network operations centers or automatically adjusts repeater operations to maintain balanced uplink-downlink performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the repeater operates without uplink capacity detection, then device complexity is reduced, but service quality deteriorates due to undetected power errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeater operationVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors uplink signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR, block error rate) and uses this feedback to detect when uplink capacity is insufficient. Based on this feedback, the system generates notifications to network operations centers or automatically adjusts repeater operations to maintain balanced uplink-downlink performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own operating parameters (downlink signal strength, uplink signal quality) and automatically detecting when uplink capacity is insufficient. The system can autonomously generate notifications or adjust operations without requiring external monitoring, making the complexity self-contained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3140927B1Detecting uplink repeater capacity
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 NEXTIVITY INC
  • EP3140927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and articles are provided for detecting uplink repeater capacity within a wireless network. Algorithms are used to determine when an out of power error condition is present to help minimize service quality issues.