Uplink Timing Advance Adjustment for Repeater-Assisted Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uplink timing control mechanisms in communication technologies, particularly in New Radio (NR), face challenges when using additional nodes/devices, leading to inconsistent data arrival times across terminals, resulting in transmission errors and failure to achieve diversity gains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus for adjusting uplink timing in terminal equipment and intermediate devices, where these devices obtain pre-configured or predefined timing advance (TA) values from a network device to synchronize uplink transmissions, ensuring consistent timing across multiple terminals and nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional uplink timing control mechanisms are used with additional nodes/devices, then network coverage is extended, but data arrival times become inconsistent across terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing advance control by introducing separate TA values for different transmission paths (direct path TA and repeater path TA). The network device can independently configure timing adjustments for signals transmitted directly versus signals transmitted through repeaters, allowing precise control over each path's timing characteristics while maintaining overall system synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter by introducing a specific TA value configuration for repeater-assisted transmissions. Instead of using a single universal TA value, the system adjusts the timing advance parameter specifically for terminals using repeaters, compensating for the additional propagation delay introduced by the repeater node and ensuring synchronized data arrival at the network device.
2Device complexity
If timing adjustment is not applied to repeater transmissions, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission errors increase due to inconsistent data arrival times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the repeater as an intermediary node with specific timing configuration. The repeater is assigned a dedicated TA value that mediates the timing between the terminal and the network device. This intermediary timing adjustment ensures that signals transmitted through the repeater arrive at the network device synchronized with direct transmissions, improving reliability without requiring complex terminal-side timing adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If diverse TA values are configured for different transmission paths, then data arrival synchronization is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the timing advance mechanism universal by using the same TA configuration approach for both direct and repeater transmissions. The network device configures TA values that can be applied across different transmission scenarios, and the terminals use these configured values regardless of whether they are transmitting directly or through a repeater. This multi-functional approach achieves synchronization without requiring entirely separate timing control mechanisms for different paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure provide a method and apparatus for adjusting uplink timing. The method includes: a terminal equipment obtains a first timing advance (TA) value that is pre-configured or predefined or configured by a network device; and the terminal equipment adjusts timing of first uplink transmission transmitted by the terminal equipment to the network device via an intermediate device (node/entity) by using the first TA value.