Virtual MIMO via Relay RNTIs for 5G Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited antenna configuration of user equipment (UE) in wireless communication systems restricts the full exploitation of baseband capabilities, particularly in 5G NR, as it cannot fully utilize the potential of both sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmW) spectrums, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of throughput and latency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of relay devices that allow the UE to 'borrow' antenna elements from multiple relay devices, enabling virtual multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) by separating the base station-to-UE communications link into two portions: one in sub-6 GHz for reliability and coverage, and another in mmW for increased speeds and throughput, with each relay device communicating with the base station in sub-6 GHz and the UE in mmW.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If relay devices are introduced to enable virtual MIMO and mmW communication, then throughput and baseband capability utilization are improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Relay devices are introduced as intermediary nodes between the base station and user equipment. These relays perform signal reception, processing, and retransmission, enabling virtual MIMO functionality and mmW communication without requiring direct complex configurations at the UE. The relays act as mediators that bridge the gap between the base station's capabilities and the UE's limited antenna configuration.
2Productivity
If the communications link uses mmW spectrum for increased speeds, then throughput is improved, but reliability and coverage are reduced compared to sub-6 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system segments the frequency spectrum usage by allocating sub-6 GHz frequencies for control signaling and reliability-critical communications, while using mmW frequencies for high-throughput data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to exploit the advantages of both frequency ranges simultaneously, maintaining reliability through sub-6 GHz while achieving high throughput via mmW.
3Productivity
If the UE antenna configuration is increased to fully exploit baseband capabilities, then communication performance is improved, but the form factor and device size are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The relay devices provide self-service functionality by performing signal processing, antenna functions, and baseband operations that would otherwise require complex UE hardware. The relays autonomously handle signal reception from the base station, perform necessary processing including virtual MIMO operations, and retransmit to the UE, thereby enabling high performance communication without increasing UE antenna configuration or device size.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may establish a communications link with a base station. The UE may determine at least two radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) associated with the communications link, wherein each of the at least two RNTIs is associated with a respective relay device of a plurality of relay devices. The UE may receive, from a first relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one first stream associated with a first RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one first stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link. The UE may receive, from a second relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one second stream associated with a second RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one second stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link.